Living frugally does not necessarily mean saving money — it involves making smart decisions and enjoying what you have. Many years ago, people didn’t have much but they somehow made the most of what they had. They knew how to stretch every dollar and avoid waste. These practices aren’t archaic – they’re lessons we can all pick up today. Bringing them back can save you money, simplify your life and make little things in life more valuable. Here are 11 old-school ways to help you live a frugal life.
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Cooking at Home
Back in the day, it was standard practice to cook at home — not only because it was cheaper but because it was a form of interaction among family members. Meals were carefully planned to make most of the available ingredients. Leftovers were turned into fresh foods. These days, most of us have got into the habit of eating out. But by cooking at home, you can save hundreds of dollars per month. You can also pre-cook and freeze meals in bulk to cut down on time & money during busy weeks.
Growing Your Own Food
Families regularly gardened and they farmed their own vegetables, fruits and herbs to avoid buying groceries in shops. Even a small garden can be sufficient for a long-term supply of essentials like tomatoes, lettuce or herbs like basil or parsley. If you can’t find space outside, indoor plants such as green onions or miniature chili peppers are fine for a windowsill. Not only does gardening save you money — it also provides you with fresh, healthy food & a feeling of accomplishment.
Repairing Instead of Replacing
Earlier, people didn’t discard broken and torn things – they repaired them. Clothes were mended, shoes resoled and broken furniture was repaired. It is a habit that saves you a ton of money in the long run and avoids waste. We can now learn how to make simple repairs – from mending a ripped shirt to changing a leaking faucet – thanks to YouTube videos and DIY tools.
Canning and Preserving Food
It was common practice to can fruit and vegetables – particularly after harvest time. People saved what they couldn’t eat quickly, so they could survive the winter. This will help you save money and prevent food from being wasted. You can start modestly by making your own jams, pickles or sauces using seasonal ingredients. The initial purchase of jars and equipment pays off over the long run.
Buying Secondhand
Clothing, furniture & housewares were commonly purchased in thrift shops, garage sales — plus hand-me-downs were common. Secondhand is both a good cost and waste reduction measure. A lot of the secondhand pieces are still in great shape and are not expensive compared to new ones. You can find even more cheap goodies on online markets and local swap groups.
Making Things at Home
From homemade detergent to homemade Christmas lights, making things at home was the way of life. It’s a habit you can cut costs with — it’s even fun. Baking your own bread, for instance, is more economical and healthier than buying it in the store. Similarly, cheap home remedies such as vinegar and baking soda are equally as effective as store-bought products.
Walking or Biking Instead of Driving
Before cars were everywhere, people walked or cycled to get around. It’s a budget trick that saves on gas, car repairs, even gym memberships. If it is not far away, you can easily walk or bike to save money and get healthier. You can carpool or take public transportation for bigger savings on longer drives.
Making a Budget and Sticking to It
Budgeting was very common back then and families counted every dollar. They meticulously recorded income and expenditures, so that the money was spent properly. Bringing back budgeting practice teaches you to discover your spending patterns and where you can make savings. Apps and gadgets make it even simpler to budget and save money.
Borrowing Instead of Buying
People borrowed what they needed from time to time rather than purchasing. It was not unusual to borrow things like tools, books or special kitchen appliances from family, friends & neighbors. This habit saves money and space. You can even reconnect with this old-school practice by joining a local lending library or tool-sharing network.
Using Cash Instead of Credit
When people used to pay for most of the things with cash, it was easier to manage. When you pay with cash, you know exactly how much you are paying than when you use a credit card. You can save money by paying with cash for daily costs such as food and entertainment. This keeps your spending on track.
Reusing and Repurposing
Old-fashioned frugality meant repurposing things rather than throwing them away. Glass jars became storage containers, discarded clothes were made into rags & leftover fabric was made into quilts. This attitude not only saves you money, but it also reduces waste. You can start small by reusing jars, repurposing old furniture or finding creative ways to give new life to everyday items.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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