Modern frugal living tips are all great and amazing, but there are some old-school money habits that still work and might still save you thousands! These old-school money habits might not be new and shiny, but they will save you money!
Cutting Coupons
Before shopping was just a few taps on your phone, old-school frugal people focused on coupons and local sales. Although digital coupons are everywhere, the old-fashioned method of clipping coupons from newspapers and flyers still exists to save you money.
We’re genuinely recommending taking even five minutes a week to browse your local grocery store ads for coupons you’ll actually use. It’s a viable way to save that many aren’t taking enough advantage of.
Only Wash What’s Stained, Smelly, or Wrinkled
When they undress at night, most people toss everything they wore that day into the laundry bin. Except for underwear, this often isn’t necessary. Washing clothes less frequently will lower your bills and extend the life of your clothes. You can also keeps separate work, going out and chore clothes to keep your work clothes as clean as possible- and no one cares if your chore clothes get a little stained.
Use Cash More Often
Credit cards and digital payments are convenient, but that doesn’t mean they’re a financially sound way to spend your money. It’s usually the opposite; swiping too often can disconnect you from your spending and make it likely for you to buy things you can’t afford. Cash might feel antiquated, but it’s one of the best ways to manage your spending. For example, putting $50 in cash for spending on going out to eat for the week doesn’t stop you from dining out with your friends, but it does discourage you from getting that overpriced bottle of wine you didn’t need.
Walk or Ride a Bike When You Can
When you drive for an errand, you use gas, which costs money, and you’re putting more wear and tear on your car. Walking or riding a bike instead avoids those things, and you get exercise and fresh air. Do your best to avoid the car and walk where you can.
Drink More Water
Speaking of wine you don’t need, Americans spend a lot of money on beverages, many of which aren’t very good for you. Soda, alcohol, and even juice are nice as treats, but many people drink — and spend money — on them too often. If you swapped out a soda for water every time you went out to eat and a soda cost $2.50, that’s over $100 a year you’re saving. It’s extremely small, yes. But it’s more about what this swap represents: Giving up small things across your life can have big benefits without you needing to do a full overhaul.
Pick Up Change You Find on the Ground
Don’t worry about being laughed at if you do this. That change adds up, and you can pay for things like a soda when you stop for gas or a snack from a vending machine. It can also help you make exact change when paying with cash so you don’t have more change that just sits in your wallet.
You can also set up a jar for all the coins you find and use that to treat yourself to a coffee or soda every once in a while.
Share and Barter
If you need skills or items that your friends or neighbors have, think about bartering or trading services with them. For instance, if you’re great at graphic design but need help with gardening, offer to create a logo for your neighbor’s business in exchange for some gardening tips or assistance. It’s not everyone’s ticket to the big life; you have to be willing to put in the effort. Yet time is money, so you might as well save yourself a bit of both and scratch each other’s backs when you can.
Choose Free and Cheap Hobbies
Hobbies don’t have to be niche or expensive. Reading, walking to parks, and doing puzzles are just a few examples of hobbies that cost little or nothing. Old-fashioned hobbies are also very often calming (as opposed to watching TV or playing video games). You’ll be much happier and calmer.
Gardening for Food
Growing your food is a tradition that has been around for ages, and it’s one of the most gratifying ways to make green appear in both your home and your pocket. We can hear those of you with one-bedroom apartments shouting in protest, but trust us: this is something you can do, too. A container garden can sit on your balcony or windowsill. Plant valuable but easy-to-grow plants like basil, cilantro, and mint. Take good care of them, snip them off before a meal, and never buy an overpriced herb bundle at the grocery store again.
