14 Old-School Tricks That Helped Our Parents Save A Ton (Still Work Today)

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Flip it

Our parents knew how to make a dollar stretch and not just because they had to. They clipped coupons, reused everything, and somehow turned leftovers into a whole new dinner and tomorrow’s lunch.

Sure, some of their habits might seem a little old-school now, but a lot of them still work better than anything you’ll find on TikTok. These are the tricks they swore by—the small, scrappy moves that added up to big savings. And if you’re trying to cut costs without feeling deprived, it might be time to bring a few of them back.

Saving Plastic Bags

Plastic grocery bags seem to multiply under sinks and inside pantries across the country. Some people save every single one, even though there’s no realistic way to use them all. While keeping a few for reuse makes sense, the tendency to hoard them can quickly spiral out of control. Reusable bags are often a more sustainable solution, but old habits die hard.

Hoarding

For those raised with financial anxiety, the line between being thrifty and hoarding can blur. Growing up with the message “don’t throw it away because it might be useful later” creates a lasting mindset. As adults, letting go of items, no matter how small, can trigger anxiety. Still, some make a conscious effort to declutter, determined not to fall into hoarding behaviors.

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Join the 30 Bags in 30 Days Declutter Challenge and take the first step toward a more organized home! This free printable makes it easy to stay on track with one simple goal each day—no stress, just steady progress. Download it now and start clearing space for what truly matters.

Re-Using Aluminum Foil

Frugality learned from depression-era parents or grandparents still lingers. Reusing aluminum foil, rinsing out plastic bags, or adding water to the ketchup bottle to get every last drop are just a few examples. These habits may seem excessive today, but they reflect a mindset built on survival and stretching every resource to its limit.

Saving Wood Scraps From Every Project

It’s not uncommon for people to hang on to every scrap of wood from a project, convinced those odd-shaped pieces might serve a purpose someday. Workshops and garages fill up with bits of lumber, some useful, most not, all saved in the name of avoiding waste. It’s a classic case of “just in case” thinking that’s hard to shake.

Cutting Kitchen Sponges in Thirds

Some habits, while quirky, are surprisingly efficient. For instance, cutting kitchen sponges into thirds can extend their life and reduce waste. Often, a system is in place, starting at the counter, moving to the sink, and eventually being used for toilet cleaning before being discarded. It’s a frugal routine passed down from generation to generation.

Avoiding Waste

Food waste is one of the most emotionally charged issues for people who grew up in households where wasting food was unthinkable. Even today, many feel guilty when tossing out food, even if they dislike it or it’s close to spoiling. The idea of always finishing what’s on the plate runs deep.

Saving Cereal Boxes

While cereal boxes can be useful for crafts, many people save them even when they don’t have kids or a clear reason to use them. Over time, the boxes pile up: flattened, stacked, and collecting dust. Sometimes it’s just a matter of habit, and breaking free from that “save everything” mindset takes effort.

Keeping Veggie Scraps and Chicken Bones

Freezer bags full of veggie scraps, onion skins, and chicken bones are common in frugal households. Why throw out ingredients that can make a flavorful, homemade broth? While some might call it “garbage soup,” the result is often far tastier than anything from a box, and it’s practically free.

Saving Screws and Nuts

Jars, cans, and drawers filled with random screws, bolts, and fasteners are a staple in many homes. Even with easy access to hardware stores, there’s a certain satisfaction in finding the right part from a personal collection. These small items often get saved “just in case,” forming an unofficial rite of passage into adulthood.

Junk Drawer

The junk drawer is a universal household feature. While some try to organize it, many find comfort in its randomness. It’s where miscellaneous objects live: rubber bands, batteries, mystery keys, and more. Attempts to organize it can even spark minor household disagreements, because, after all, it’s called a “junk” drawer for a reason.

Finishing the Plate Because Others Are Suffering

The guilt associated with unfinished food often stems from messages heard during childhood, like “people are starving in other countries.” That lesson stuck with many adults, leading them to eat past fullness or avoid wasting even the smallest amount of food. It’s a deeply emotional response, not just a practical one.

Shutting Off Lights

For some, turning off lights has become an automatic reflex. Even in homes filled with efficient LEDs, every light switch gets flipped as people move from room to room. Energy savings might be minimal, but the ingrained belief that waste equals money lost is stronger than logic.

Drying Clothes on a Rack

Air-drying clothing, especially items like bras or anything with elastic, is a simple habit that preserves fabric and saves money over time. Drying racks or clotheslines might seem old-fashioned, but they’re still highly effective—and frugally satisfying.

Rotating Towels and Washcloths

In some households, there’s a methodical system for rotating freshly laundered towels, socks, and underwear. The goal is simple: wear everything evenly so it all lasts longer. For those raised with this habit, the instinct runs deep, even to the point of rotating dinner plates in the cabinet without realizing it.