Old Fashioned Money Saving Tips
Saving money might feel like an uphill battle these days, but sometimes, the best solutions come from looking back. Old fashioned money saving tips, the kind our grandparents swore by, might just hold the key to stretching your dollars further.
You don’t always need apps or complicated strategies to save. With a bit of creativity and some timeless know-how, you can achieve more than you think. Incorporate these ideas into your guide to simple living and start building a more intentional, less stressful life.
I’ve always been drawn to the past. When I was a kid, black-and-white movies and old radio shows from the 40s had this charm that pulled me in even at a young age. Life just seemed simpler back then. Happier. The homes, the backyards—even the way they lived day-to-day was smaller and more manageable. I remember being amazed at how happy people seemed, and I would look around at my stuffed-to-the-brim room and wonder.
Their budgets were smaller, too. Sure, things cost less, but wages were also lower. Back then, it wasn’t about having more; it was about getting creative to make every dollar go further.
Old Fashioned Money Saving Tips
Saving money doesn’t have to be painful or even resemble a chore you avoid. With a little creativity, you can stretch your budget further while still enjoying life. Remember when our grandmothers used to say, “Waste not, want not”? Well, they were onto something. Many of their tried-and-true methods for keeping a household running smoothly and affordably still work today. And the best part? These tips don’t require you to sacrifice happiness or comfort.
Not only can you save money in the obvious areas of your home, but there are tips that will touch every corner in ways you might not have thought of.
The Kitchen
When it comes to saving money, the kitchen is a great place to start. Back in the day, wasting food was simply not an option—every scrap had a purpose, and creativity was key.
Leftovers
This is a lifesaver when it comes to cutting costs. Get creative with what you’ve got. Here are some quick ideas to inspire you:
- Veggies – Toss them into a soup, stir fry, or omelet.
- Rice – Turn it into the base for a cozy casserole.
- Meat – Transform it into a deep-dish pizza, a family favorite in our home.
- Poultry – Use it for soup, a casserole, or in a gravy for sandwiches.
- Fish – Flake it over a salad for a fresh twist.
- Stale bread – Easy! Use it for croutons, breadcrumbs, or even French toast.
Meal Planning
Here’s a page from grandma’s cookbook: Don’t head to the grocery store without a plan, more specifically, a meal plan. Every week started with a plan of meals that were based on what was already in the pantry, keeping waste to a minimum. You can do the same. Check what you’ve got, make a weekly menu, and make a list before shopping. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money and avoid wasting food.
Bulk Buying
Bulk shopping is another classic money-savier. Pick up staples like rice, beans, or pasta that you can store for a long time. Skip the highly-processed or prepackaged items and focus on items that give you more options for use.
Pro tip? Store those dry goods in mason jars. Not only do they keep things fresh, but they also add a little retro charm to your kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly container that looks great?
By combining creativity in the kitchen with a bit of planning, you’ll not only save money but also waste less and feel more in control of your grocery budget. It’s a win all around.
Grocery Shopping
Back in the day, grocery shopping was all about purpose, not impulse. Step one? Always bring a list. Without one, it’s too easy to get distracted and overspend. Step two? Shop seasonally. Produce that’s in season is not just tastier and fresher, it’s usually cheaper too. Bonus points if you hit up a local farmer’s market where you might score even better deals.
Shop Your Pantry First
Before you even head to the store, take stock of what’s in your pantry and freezer. You’d be surprised what you can whip up with what you already have. It’s budget-friendly and cuts down on food waste too.
Shop Sales
Shopping sales is a tried-and-true savings technique. Check your store’s flyer or app before heading out to plan your purchases. And here’s where modern tools can take old-school tips to the next level! Use apps like Flipp to compare prices or hunt for coupons and cash-back apps like Ibotta to get even more bang for your buck.
Keep a Price Book
A price book is a smart way to track and compare prices across stores. It helps you work out if bulk buys or sale prices are really worth it. You can go old school with a notebook or use a digital tool like the budgeting app EveryDollar. Either way, knowing your prices ensures you’re getting the best deal.
Shop End Caps and Low Shelves
Don’t just shop at eye level. Check lower shelves and end caps for clearance or promotional items that might not make the weekly ads. These hidden gems can stretch your dollars even further.
Get to Know Your Butcher
If your store has a butcher, it pays to make friends. Ask if they’ve got any discounted end pieces or cuts they need to sell quickly. You can often score great deals on meat this way.
SLCG Pro Tip: Use a vacuum sealer to freeze meat and keep it fresher for longer. For even more convenience, portion it into meal-sized bags so it’s ready to go when you’re cooking. Super simple and time-saving.
More Food Savings to Try:
Growing Your Own Food
Growing your own food is an easy and rewarding way to save money. You don’t need a huge backyard to get started—even a few pots of herbs like basil, mint, or parsley on your windowsill can make a difference. These little plants are simple to grow and can save you from buying overpriced fresh herbs at the store.
Container Garden
If you have a patio or deck, try your hand at container gardening. Use grow bags or flower pots to grow veggies like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, or even squash. Seeds are super affordable and can keep you stocked with fresh produce for months. Every time you pick something from your garden, that’s one less trip to the store (and more cash in your pocket).
Raised Bed Garden
If you’ve got more room to play with, consider setting up a few raised beds in your backyard. They’re a great way to grow a variety of things, from onions to watermelons, even in a smaller area. Plus, raised beds are easier to maintain than a traditional backyard setup.
Growing Tips to Try:
Preserving
One of the best parts of growing your own food is having extras to save for later. You can preserve your harvest by canning, freezing, or drying. It’s an old-school idea that helps cut down on waste and ensures you’ve got homegrown goodness on hand all year round.
Beyond just saving money, there’s real joy in growing and eating food from your own backyard. Whether it’s a full-fledged garden or just one pot of herbs on your counter, getting your hands dirty and feeding your family from your efforts feels like such a win.
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Utilities
Back in the day, folks didn’t have a house lit up like a holiday display or their heat blasting at full force all winter. They relied on simple tricks like wearing layers, using natural light, and blocking drafts to keep their bills in check.
You can totally borrow these old-school habits! Turn off lights when you leave a room, swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, and unplug gadgets you’re not using to cut down on wasted power.
Invest in Smarter Tools
For heating and cooling, programmable thermostats are a game-changer. They’re like a modern twist on saving money—set them to adjust the temperature while you’re out or asleep, and you’ll notice the difference on your bill.
Use Nature to Your Advantage
Another easy win? Curtains. In winter, keep them open during the day to soak in sunlight and closed at night to trap in the warmth. Come summer, pull them shut to block out the heat. It’s a small trick that adds up over time.
Seal It Up
Drafty windows and doors can be sneaky energy thieves, but they’re an easy fix. A quick check for leaks and a little weather stripping or caulk can go a long way. Keeping your home cozy and well-insulated isn’t just about saving money; it makes your space more comfortable, too.
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Keep Appliances in Check
Don’t forget about the appliances. Give your fridge coils a regular clean and swap out air filters in your HVAC system. When everything’s running smoothly, it uses less energy, which means more savings for you.
A little effort with these old-fashioned tips can make a big difference in how you manage your utilities.
More Saving Tips for Utilities:
Clothes Care
Remember when line-drying clothes was just what everyone did? It’s not only a fantastic way to cut down on your energy bill, but it helps your clothes last longer, too. No clothesline? No problem. A simple folding drying rack does the trick.
Year-Round Drying
Line-drying isn’t just a summer thing. With a little creativity, you can keep it up even in colder months. Indoor drying racks come in all shapes and sizes, so they’re easy to add to any corner of your home.
Remove Stains the Old-Fashioned Way
Dealing with a tough stain? No need to grab expensive cleaners right away—try these simple, old-school tricks instead:
- Ink stains? A little hairspray or rubbing alcohol can do the trick.
- Coffee spills? Give it a soak in a mix of vinegar and water before tossing it in the wash.
- Tomato sauce mishap? Dab on some dish soap, rinse with cold water, and repeat if needed.
- Grass stains? Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, leave it for 10 minutes, then wash.
- Blood stains? Try soaking the spot in cold water with a pinch of salt before washing.
Fix It, Don’t Toss It
Back in the day, throwing out clothes for minor issues wasn’t an option. Lose a button? Tear a hem? A few basic sewing skills can save your wardrobe and your wallet.
SLCG Pro Tip: Why not build a capsule wardrobe? It’s a modern take on an old habit—fewer, higher-quality clothes that mix and match perfectly. It’s all about buying smarter, saving more, and keeping your style on point.
The Power of Planning
If there’s one common thread in all these old-fashioned tips, it’s the value of planning. Whether it’s making a grocery list, setting a weekly meal plan, or knowing what clothes and household basics you truly need, having a plan keeps impulse spending at bay. Planning keeps your budget balanced without feeling restricted.
Pair these plans with modern tools! Try a digital family calendars like Skylight, or list making tools like Amazon Echo. These tools can keep your life organized while giving an old-school habit a tech-savvy twist.
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Use More, Waste Less
Want to save some money? Start by making the most of the things you already have. Before tossing something out, take a moment to see if it still has some life in it.
Repurpose
Think outside the box! Could that empty glass jar become storage for odds and ends? Those old sheets might make great cleaning rags. Even something as simple as reusing pasta or veggie water to hydrate your plants can go a long way.
Make It Last
Sometimes less really is more. For example, a dime-sized amount of toothpaste will work just as well as a fully-loaded brush. Pay attention to how much you’re using and stretch things out to make them last longer.
Add a Little Water
Add a splash of water to get every last bit out of a bottle or container. This works wonders for condiments, jars of sauce, or even shampoo. You’ll be surprised how much more you can squeeze out.
Get into the habit of asking yourself, “Can I use this again?” before you throw anything away. Not only will you cut down on waste, but you’ll also keep a few extra dollars in your pocket.
Saving money doesn’t have to mean hardship or sacrifice. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and letting a little creativity guide the way. By combining old-fashioned money saving tips with today’s tools, you can make your dollars stretch further than you thought possible. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about living with intention, knowing you’re cutting back without cutting out the things that matter most.
