When times got tough during the Great Depression, people didn’t just cut back. They got creative.
They found ways to stretch meals, repurpose everything, and make money last because they had no other choice.
And while we might not be facing breadlines today, rising costs and economic uncertainty are giving some of those old habits new relevance.
Turns out, our great-grandparents were frugal geniuses.
If you’re looking for ways to save smarter, not just skip lattes, these tried-and-true Depression-era habits might be exactly what your modern budget needs.
1. Cook From Scratch
Making food at home from scratch instead of buying processed foods or prepared meals is always a good way to save money. Restaurants are getting more and more expensive, and avoiding them will save you a lot of money. There’s no end to what you can make at home.
2. Grow Your Own Food
You can beat the high cost of produce by growing your own at home. This can also be a fun activity that many people enjoy doing.
3. Repair Clothes and Other Items Instead of Replacing Them
During the Depression, items were used for as long as possible. This can include mending your clothes and continuing to use them.
4. Preserve Food by Canning, Freezing, or Drying
When you’ve grown some food, you can prepare the extras so that you’ll have these foods ready when it isn’t growing season.
5. Use Leftovers
Are you in the habit of throwing out leftovers? Kick the habit and start serving up leftovers as the next meal.
6. Shop Around for the Best Prices
Not all prices are equal. You can save a lot by shopping around and finding the best prices for the things you buy.
7. Borrow Instead of Buying When Possible
There are many things that you can borrow either from the library or from friends and neighbors. Don’t buy something that you only need for a short time. Get things the old-fashioned way by trading with others. You have plenty that you don’t need, and this can be your ticket to the things you do need.
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