Although ‘frugal’ has become something of a dirty word recently, the truth of the matter is that our grandparents were actually very frugal and careful with their money. Money was often a little tight, and it paid to be careful with where your money went. Sound familiar? If you’re looking for some ways to save a bit of money, here are some tried-and-true old-fashioned methods for spending less:
1. Make what you can at home
Why spend money when you can make things at home for half the cost? Not to mention that most things that are homemade (especially food) is healthier and better for you as you know exactly what goes into it. So save yourself some money and make it from scratch if you can!
2. Barter with neighbors
Back in the old days, people often bartered with friends and even family members for things that they couldn’t make or produce themselves. Next time you need something done, see if you know someone who will trade you goods and services for it. Depending on your social circles, you could potentially save a lot of money this way.
3. Plan for the future
Whether it’s saving funds for a rainy day, canning and preserving excess food to help get through the winter, or patching and sewing old clothes as hand-me-downs, in the old days every knew how to plan for the future and make things last as long as possible. Instead of buying more things, you’d be amazed how much money you can save with just a little foresight.
4. Have a savings account
Back in the day, most people tried to put back some money, whether it was $100 stuffed in a sock drawer or a more traditional bank account. That money is meant to be for a rainy day or as an emergency fund. Even if it’s not much, every little bit counts when things go wrong.
5. Avoid credit
Credit wasn’t really much of a thing back in the day, but today it’s honestly unrealistic to say you should have no credit cards at all. After all, you need to have credit to buy a house, car, and dozens of other items. So instead, only get one credit card and treat it just like cash–as if you don’t have any credit at all. Never spend more than you can comfortably pay off in a month, and you’ll be doing well.
6. Save your change
While pennies, nickels, and dimes are a pain to hang on to and keep track of, you’d be amazed how much money you can really save simply by using or saving your change. Don’t like messing with it at the register? Start a change jar at home and empty your pockets every time you get home. Then, once a year or whenever the jar is filled, roll the change and trade it at the bank for real, spendable cash.
7. Learn to spend less on fun
Believe it or not, your grandparents still had a grand old time without spending a dime. Learn how to have fun without spending tons of money, be it window shopping or a free activity like going for a hike or visiting a museum.
8. Make money on the side
You’d be surprised how many hobbies there are that can make you some extra money, in addition to several homesteading activities (like raising chickens and gardening) that could land you with some extra funds to help make ends meet.
Do you have any old-fashioned tips for saving money? Share with us below!!
Save money and invest! Insurances are a very important investment that protect you in times of turmoil. Insurance in particular can protect your cash funds in the event of major home repairs, declining health, long term care, disability, doctors’ visits, car repairs… Also life insurance can be a useful investment vehicle for long term care or to provide cash you can treat as your own bank. Last year I was feeling overwhelmed with my first home purchase and an infant, worried I wasn’t putting enough money away. A recent meeting with my financial advisor put things in perspective – the past 8 years of my automated investment contributions have already accrued over $10,000 and this will only grow faster over the next 8 years thanks to the interest it’s earning. As a wife, mother and daughter, I understand the realities of picking up the financial slack when a spouse is in grad school or when a parent needs home-based health care. As women, we are more likely to make financial sacrifices, earn less and ultimately come up short when it’s time to retire. Early planning for time off work, be it for school or family care, can offset future financial burdens.
Saving money is definitely important for the future, and I’m glad to hear your investment is working out. Thanks for sharing, Kristen!!
Make natural remedies, and natural home cleaning products at home. There are lots of recipes and instructions on-line. These products are better for you and the environment, and they save money, too.
I agree completely!! Making things at home is a great way to save money, and also just a good practice in general. 🙂 Thanks for commenting, Sandy!