The Greatest Generation — those who endured the Great Depression and fought in World War II — developed frugal habits that not only enabled them to survive hard times but boomed under adversity. The good news? You can still do many of these things today and experience the same savings!
Make Do and Mend
This was actually a phrase coined by the British government meant to encourage people to repair their clothes rather than buy new ones. Let’s apply this concept to your life: say there’s a tear in a shirt you love. What if you patched it together or made it into a little pillow instead of throwing it away? This habit saves money while promoting creativity and resourcefulness, and with enough time and practice, you’d be surprised how good you get at repurposing things.
Plan Meals and Shop Smart
When times were hard and money was tight, meal planning was a non-negotiable. The Greatest Generation learned to stretch their food budgets by checking sale or seasonal items and planning meals around them — and you can do the same. Dedicate a little time every week to meal planning, creating a shopping list and not deviating from it. This not only helps curb impulse purchases but also reduces food waste.
Grow Your Own Food
Just as many families during the Great Depression had “victory gardens” to supplement their diets, you don’t need an enormous backyard to grow your own food — herbs, tomatoes and peppers can grow in small spaces or even on a windowsill. Gardening not only saves you money on groceries, it connects you to the earth and also a sense of accomplishment. And truthfully, nothing tastes more like “victory” than a tomato you grew yourself!
Use What You Have
Before you rush out to purchase something new, stop and think if you already have something at home that you need or that will suffice. The Greatest Generation knew how to use every single bit of what they had. Rather than purchasing a new vase, try repurposing a glass jar. Or, if you’re shopping for a gift, craft a handmade item rather than buy a new one. It’s about resourcefulness — a virtue that still pays dividends even today.
Live Simply
Luxuries were so often deemed unnecessary during the Great Depression. The Greatest Generation learned to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and spend less on unnecessary things. We don’t think twice about going out for dinner or ordering takeout, but what if you invited friends over for a dinner party instead? The goal is creating meaningful experiences, and you’ll find that you don’t need to spend a dime to do that.
Quality Over Quantity
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons you can learn from the Greatest Generation is to buy quality — not cheap, disposable items. It’s tempting to buy the newest electronic or cheap fast fashion. But they don’t last and end up doing a lot more damage on your wallet long-term. Invest in high-quality items to save money and cut back on waste.
