Money management and personal finance are often learned behaviors passed down from our parents.
Many of us grew up watching our parents pinch pennies, reuse everything, and jump through hoops to save a few bucks. Back then, it seemed over-the-top, maybe even a little embarrassing. We swore we’d never be that frugal.
But then adulthood hit. Bills, grocery prices, car repairs, and suddenly… those old habits start making a lot more sense. Turns out, some of the things we used to roll our eyes at are actually brilliant ways to save money.
Here are the frugal habits we once mocked, but now fully embrace.
1. Save Bacon Grease
If you’re tossing bacon grease down the drain, you’re missing out. It’s pure gold for cooking. Perfect for frying eggs, sautéing veggies, or adding flavor to just about anything. And if it’s still clean, aluminum foil can absolutely be reused. Why waste something when it still has life left in it?
2. Wash and Reuse
Empty jars and yogurt containers are essentially free Tupperware. Glass jars make great storage containers, and those big quart-sized yogurt tubs are perfect for storing leftovers. Perfect for freezing soups or storing leftovers. If you can throw them in the dishwasher and use them again, why not?
3. Use a Safety Razor
Modern razor cartridges are outrageously expensive. Safety razors, on the other hand, are simple, effective, and the replacement blades cost next to nothing. Once you switch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
4. Sneaking Snacks and Drinks
Movie snacks are one of the biggest markups out there. These days, sneaking in a drink or some candy feels more like a smart move than a rebellious one. If you’ve got a big enough purse or roomy pockets, you’re set.
5. Freeze Bread
Freezing bread always felt unnecessary. Until you end up tossing half a loaf because you couldn’t finish it in time. Now, it’s practically second nature. Keep what you need out, freeze the rest, and no more moldy waste.
6. Keep the House Cold
A chillier house in the winter used to feel like punishment. Now? It’s just smart budgeting. Throw on a sweater, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy not handing over a chunk of your paycheck to the utility company.
7. Coupons
Couponing used to seem like a hassle, or something only our parents did. But now? With digital apps and loyalty programs, it’s easier than ever. And the savings add up fast. Free money is free money.
8. Fix Cars
You don’t have to be a mechanic, but learning to handle basic car maintenance yourself can save you a small fortune. With all the tutorials out there, it’s surprising what you can manage with a few tools and a little patience.
9. Using Something as Long as Possible
Replacing things just because they’re a little worn? That gets expensive—fast. These days, we hang on to stuff longer, fix what we can, and appreciate the value of keeping things going instead of tossing them too soon.
10. Garbage Picking
Once a source of major embarrassment, garbage picking has turned into a low-key hobby. People often discard perfectly good items, furniture, decor, and even electronics. A little cleaning or a minor repair, and it’s like new.
11. Shutting Lights
Turning off lights when you leave the room isn’t just a habit. It’s practically a reflex. Electricity isn’t cheap, and there’s no reason to light up an empty room. Bonus: it’s good for the planet too.
12. Living With Old Furniture
New furniture is expensive, and if you’ve got kids or pets, it won’t look new for long anyway. There’s something to be said for hanging onto that old sofa. It’s comfy, it works, and you won’t stress over every little spill or scratch.
If you’ve found yourself doing any of these things lately, don’t worry: you’re not alone. A lot of us are quietly becoming our parents… and honestly, they might’ve been onto something all along.
Want more ways to save money, waste less, and get the most out of what you already have?
