How was Grandma so good with money? Learn how to do a lot with a little by following these twelve principles from the past that can still save you a lot today.
1. Cook at Home
There’s nothing like your grandma’s cooking; there’s a reason for that: she had a lot of practice! Take a page from her recipe book (maybe literally) and cook at home whenever possible.
2. Garden
Many of our grandmas were always tending the garden, coming back to the kitchen with fresh herbs and vegetables that she grew with love. And there’s nothing saying you can’t do the same, even if it means a modest pot of basil sitting on your windowsill.
3. Learn To Mend Clothes
Not to sound exactly like your grandma, but not enough people know how to sew these days! Teach yourself, and you can always fix your clothes rather than replace them.
4. Make Gift Cards and Wrapping Paper
Grandmas are the queens of making things themselves. And while many of them can be the best of the best when it comes to gift-giving, they know that making the cards and even wrapping paper is more thoughtful and costs less, too.
5. Use Cheaper Cuts of Meat
Grandma knew how to cook, which also meant she knew how to make the most of cheaper cuts of meat. And you might be surprised; many cheaper cuts are actually packed with flavor!
6. Eat Simply
Meals don’t always have to be something extravagant. Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of “meat and two veg” or even just a nice pot of soup with whatever you have left in the fridge.
7. Reuse Plastic Bags
Reusing plastic bags and tin foil might seem like something from the frugal extreme sports. Still, it’s actually something your grandparents probably did quite often. Plus, reusing single-use anything is a great way to lower your carbon footprint!
8. Barter or Swap With Friends and Neighbors
Grandma knew that the neighborhood was an excellent place to secondhand shop. Get to know your neighbors and see if you can set up some clothing or home good swaps that would be mutually beneficial for everyone on the block!
9. Use Cloths for Cleaning
Grandma probably only used cloth rags for cleaning, even if there were other options because the cost just never seemed worth it. And she’s right: stick with cloths instead of paper products.
10. Learn To Preserve Food
Remember all those fruits and veggies you’re growing in your garden? Now it’s time to learn to pickle, can, and preserve them! Doing so will save you money and give you access to delicious produce, even when it’s not in season at the store.
11. Drink More Water
With all of the alternative drinking options now to tempt some extra cash out of your wallet, go back to basics and stick with water.
12. Exercise
Maybe your grandma wasn’t pumping iron, but she knew it was important to stay fit! Exercise at home, and don’t bother with costly gym memberships or unnecessary workout equipment.
