Our grandmas, some of whom grew up during the Great Depression, had money-saving down to an art form.
While we’re always discovering new ways to save money online, sometimes it pays to go back to the basics and learn from the best.
Here are 15 time-tested tips your grandma likely used that are absolutely worth adopting today.
1. Grow Your Own Food
Grandmas almost always had a kitchen garden where they grew their own fruits and vegetables.
It’s not only fun but can also save you a significant amount of money.
As a bonus, you control exactly what goes on your crops, and you can
Good options to start with include leafy herbs, salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, climbing beans, berries, zucchini, garlic, celery, potatoes, and kale.
2. Cook From Scratch
Pre-made ingredients like store-bought doughs and seasoning mixes are almost always more expensive than making things yourself.
Cooking from scratch takes a bit more time, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to cut your grocery bill.
Some great places to start: pancakes, pizza dough, sauces, peanut butter, yogurt, bread crumbs, rotisserie chicken, and fruit jams.
3. Learn How To Store Food Properly
A surprising amount of money gets thrown away simply because of poor food storage. A few old-fashioned tricks can keep your produce fresh for much longer.
For starters, most refrigerated items stay fresher when stored in airtight containers or sealed bags.
It also helps to know which fruits and vegetables don’t belong in the fridge at all.
Tomatoes, onions, peaches, bananas, and avocados all do better in a cool, dark, dry spot on your counter.
4. Take Advantage of Hand-Me-Downs
Before buying something new, check with friends and family first.
You’d be surprised what people are happy to pass along for free or at a steep discount.
The best hand-me-downs include baby and maternity clothes, kitchen tools, books, jewelry, and furniture.
And if you’re not sure you need something long-term, consider borrowing it instead. This works especially well for recipe books, children’s books, toys, and gear.
5. Mend and Repair
Learning basic repair skills can save you an enormous amount of money over time.
Simple fixes on your car, air conditioner, furnace, or washing machine are often well within reach with a little know-how, and calling a professional for every minor issue adds up fast.
6. Barter and Trade
Trading goods and services with others is a great way to get what you need without spending money.
You might offer a skill you have, like plumbing or professional services, in exchange for reduced rent or something you need around the house. You can also trade items you no longer use for things that are more useful to you.
Look for local bartering groups in your area and see what you have to offer.
7. Invest in Reusable Containers
Reusable containers cost more upfront, but they more than pay for themselves over time.
Instead of going through aluminum foil, cling wrap, or disposable bags, switch to containers with airtight lids. You’ll save money and produce less waste in the process.
8. Line Dry Your Clothes
Tumble drying takes up a considerable chunk of your electricity or gas bill.
Setting up an outdoor clothesline, or even an indoor drying rack, is an easy fix.
Air drying is also gentler on fabrics, and, surprisingly, the sun is a natural stain fighter and whitener, reducing your need for bleach and fabric softener.
9. Buy In Bulk
For items you use regularly, buying in bulk almost always means paying less per unit, especially when something is on sale.
It also means fewer trips to the grocery store, which cuts down on impulse purchases. If you are not in the store, then you won’t be tempted to buy!
That said, be careful not to bulk buy perishables you won’t actually use before they go bad. A good deal isn’t a good deal if the food ends up in the trash.
10. Use Coupons and Discounts
There’s no shame in clipping coupons; in fact, it’s one of the best ways to save money. Those small savings add up over time and can help you get the basic things you need
Collect them both online and off, stack them where you can, and plan your shopping around them when it makes sense.
11. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Many common cleaning products, including dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, fabric softener, furniture spray, and toilet cleaner, can be made at home for a fraction of the price you pay at the store. These DIY cleaning supplies are easy to make, and you’ll have more control over what products you are using.
The same goes for some personal care products, like makeup removers. Homemade versions tend to be gentler on your household and better for the environment, too.
12. Keep a Handwritten Budget
Budgeting apps are convenient, but they’re also a recurring expense that’s easy to overlook.
A handwritten budget costs nothing, and once you’ve established your template, updating it each month is straightforward.
A little manual math is a small price to pay for the savings.
13. Run Full Loads
Waiting until your washing machine or dishwasher is full before running it might seem old-fashioned, but it’s genuinely smart.
Full loads mean fewer cycles, which means less energy, less water, less wear and tear on your appliances, and fewer repairs down the line.
14. Harvest Rainwater
Setting up a rainwater collection system can meaningfully reduce your water bills.
Rainwater can be used to water plants, clean the house, do laundry, and more.
It’s a great way to save money and conserve water at the same time.
15. Learn To Sew and Knit
Fast fashion makes it harder than ever to find quality clothing at a reasonable price.
Knowing how to sew, whether that means making your own clothes, repairing worn pieces, or tailoring thrift store finds, can save you a lot.
And if you’re a thrift shopper, being able to alter a great piece that doesn’t quite fit is a game-changer.
Knitting is equally useful, particularly for cozy and often pricey items like winter hats and socks. It’s also a lovely way to continue the tradition of handmaking gifts for new family members.
