80 Timeless Frugal Living Tips That Still Work Today

Old-school frugality still works. Living frugally is all about small changes that add up over time.

While modern conveniences make it easy to overspend, many of the money-saving habits from past generations are just as effective today.

Whether it’s cooking at home, reusing what you have, or cutting out unnecessary expenses, these timeless tips can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality of life.

If you’re looking for simple ways to save money, these old-fashioned frugal living strategies are a great place to start.

Before we start, I want to share a tip from my grandma. When I asked her for some old-fashioned way to save money for this article, she said, “When boiling water, only boil as much as you need and always use a lid. It will boil faster and save you money on your energy bill.”

1. Cook at Home

Eating out adds up fast. Cooking simple, homemade meals saves a ton of money, and you control what goes into your food.

The main theme of the great depression was making the most of what you had. What you’re going to feed your family is one of the biggest concerns when times are tough.

You can bet that your grandparents weren’t eating out a lot during the Great Depression. They were always a dollar short and a day late in the pantry. To fill the gap, they often had to rely on whatever was on hand.

Being prepared involves much more than having a bunker of non-perishable foods. Truth be said, I fall into this trap more often than I want to admit. The way to a great life can be found in the kitchen. Cooking from scratch is typically cheaper and much healthier than buying premade food items.

Cooking with minimal ingredients is something most Americans no longer do. You’ll be surprised at what you can do with a few sweet potatoes, a pat of butter, and a little brown sugar. When you miss an ingredient, you can make up for it with something else.

If you need some ideas, here are over 20 dirt-cheap recipes and the cheapest grocery list to help you out.

2. Grow Your Own Food

Even if you don’t have space for a garden, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers can be grown in small pots. You can get fresh produce at a fraction of the cost and even cheaper if you get free seeds and free compost.

Gardening is another great lesson we can learn from the Great Depression. Almost every family had a “victory garden” where they grew whatever foods they could. Victory gardens were typically small and highly efficient, as families had to make the most of the limited space and resources available.

The gardens were usually located in backyards or on vacant lots and were often planted in squares or other geometric patterns. In addition to fruits and vegetables, many families also grew fresh herbs and spices in their victory gardens. These gardens were a source of pride for many families, as they represented a way of doing their part to support the war effort.

No matter the economic condition, growing your own fresh produce at home is a vital skill to learn. Many foods are actually very easy to grow. Consider learning to container garden delicious, nutritious and easy-to-grow herb garden, fruits and vegetables if you don’t have a backyard or inclination to do a full-blown garden.

3. Preserve Food

Freezing, canning, and drying food keeps it from going to waste and lets you stock up when prices are low.

In the past women canned everything, from meat to leftover produce. Learning how to can your own food is one of the best lessons you can learn about surviving. Due to the panic, it can become challenging to find viable food sources when disaster strikes.

It doesn’t matter whether you have money or not; stock up when you have the opportunity. When apples and berries are in season, they’ll be cheaper at both the grocery store and the farmer’s market.

Check YouTube tutorials if you don’t have the first clue on how to can food. In fact, your biggest challenge will be choosing which tutorial to follow. Local churches, colleges and community centers also offer canning classes.

4. Buy in Bulk

Staples like rice, beans, flour, and pasta are way cheaper when bought in bulk. Store them properly, and you’ll save big over time.

Hunt for outlets with discounts on selected foods. You can buy lentils, beans, flour, sugar, rice, coconut oil, oats, etc. in larger amounts.

Or maybe purchase a big bag of potatoes and split it with a friend. It’s worth mentioning that not all things are cheaper when purchased in bulk. So do due diligence before you purchase.

Here is how much you can save buying a quarter cow.

5. Use It Up, Wear It Out

Don’t replace things just because they’re old. Repair, repurpose, and extend the life of clothes, furniture, and appliances.

In fact, many of these things you can get for free:

6. DIY Cleaning Products

Vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap handle most cleaning jobs just as well as store-bought cleaners—at a fraction of the cost.

For example, at home we make our own all-purpose cleaner — and here’s how you can make it too!

You’ll need:

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10–20 drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree)

Just mix everything in a spray bottle, and that’s it! Give it a good shake before each use.

Btw, don’t use this cleaner on granite or marble — the vinegar can damage the stone.

7. Hang Clothes to Dry

Dryers use a lot of energy. Hanging clothes to dry saves money on electricity and makes clothes last longer.

8. Drive Less, Walk More

Gas is expensive. Walking or biking for short trips saves money and is great for your health.

9. Use the Library

Instead of buying books, movies, or even audiobooks, check them out for free from the library.

People shared a lot during the Depression. Even though there were not many libraries around, the concept of book sharing was already popular.

Follow this pattern set by our frugal Depression-era forebears. If you’re a book worm and willing to walk through those doors, getting a library card will save you a lot of money on board games, recipe books, movies, and CDs.

There are also different ways to get free books by mail.

10. Buy Secondhand

Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are goldmines for clothes, furniture, and household goods at a fraction of retail prices.

11. Repair Instead of Replace

Whether it’s mending clothes, fixing a leaky faucet, or repairing electronics, learning basic DIY skills can save a fortune.

These days, we’re always being encouraged to spend money. Whether it’s the latest must-have gadget or a new wardrobe for the season, there’s always something that we’re told we need. As a result, it can be all too easy to discard an old item when it breaks rather than trying to fix it.

However, this wasn’t always the case. During the Great Depression, many people were forced to make do with what they had. They couldn’t afford to replace things, so they had to learn how to repair them.

While it might take a bit more time and effort, fixing an old item can often be more economical than buying a new one. Plus, it’s satisfying to know that you were able to keep something going rather than just throwing it away.

12. Cut Your Own Hair

Haircuts add up, especially for families. Learn basic trimming techniques and handle simple cuts at home.

You might be interested in How Much Does It Cost to Dye Your Hair?

13. Use Cash, Not Cards

Paying with cash helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary spending. It’s easier to overspend with a card.

14. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions

Streaming services, gym memberships, and subscription boxes add up. Cut what you don’t use often.

To help you out, here is the list of Useless Expenses, Unwanted Subscriptions and Recurring Charges You Should Drop.

15. Make Gifts Instead of Buying

Handmade gifts like baked goods, crafts, or personalized items are meaningful and budget-friendly.

Last month, I wanted to give my cousin something thoughtful but simple—something that felt a little more personal than buying something off a shelf. So I made her a DIY “Jar of Happy Notes”, and honestly, it turned out so sweet I might make one for myself too.

Here’s what I used:

A clean glass jar (I used an empty jam jar)
Some colorful paper (cut into small squares)
A pen
A bit of ribbon and a tag for decoration

I cut the paper into little pieces and wrote a bunch of short, uplifting notes—some were inside jokes, others were simple compliments, positive quotes, or fun memories we’ve shared. I ended up with about 30 notes, one for each day of the month.

Then I folded them up and filled the jar. I tied a ribbon around the top and added a little tag that said: “Open one whenever you need a smile.”

It was super easy to make, took less than an hour, and she loved it.

16. Use Less Electricity

Turn off lights, unplug devices, and use energy-efficient bulbs. Small changes make a big difference in your electric bill.

When you run the dishwasher multiple times a day or plug in the air conditioner all day, consider alternative ways to do these things that don’t need so much electricity. On a hot summer day, opening a few windows will help save you more money than you might expect.

Put on a sweater or layered clothing when it gets cold instead of jacking up the heater. A wood-burning fireplace is another great source of heat. Let your clothes and bath towels air dry instead of using the dryer.

Try being more mindful of your electricity usage for just a month and you’ll notice the difference it makes to your bill.

Need ideas? Here are 13 Simple Ways to Save Electricity at Home.

17. Barter and Trade

Swap services or items with friends and neighbors instead of always spending money.

18. Meal Plan and Avoid Waste

Planning meals ahead of time helps cut down on grocery costs and reduces food waste.

Check out our $50 Grocery List For 2 And Weekly Meal Plan.

19. Sew and Mend Clothes

A missing button or small tear doesn’t mean throwing away clothes. A little stitching keeps things wearable longer.

20. Live Within Your Means

The old-fashioned rule: If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it. Avoid debt as much as possible.

21. Drink a lot Water

Bottled water is expensive, and the costs add up quickly. Instead, drink tap water or use a reusable water bottle with a filter if needed.

Most tap water is just as safe and clean as bottled water, and switching can save hundreds of dollars a year.

22. Fix Things Yourself

Instead of calling a repair service for every little problem, learn basic home and car repairs.

YouTube tutorials can help with everything from fixing leaky faucets to patching drywall.

23. Make Your Own Coffee

Buying coffee daily adds up fast. Brewing your own at home saves hundreds of dollars a year.

24. Pack Your Own Lunch

Bringing lunch from home instead of eating out saves money and is often healthier. Simple meal prep can go a long way.

25. Limit Disposable Products

Using cloth napkins, reusable bags, and refillable water bottles reduces waste and saves money in the long run.

26. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

Old-school coupon clipping still works, but now you can also use digital coupons and cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards to save on groceries and other purchases.

By planning your meals around items on sale, you can easily save a significant amount of money each month. Another way to cut down on your food expenses is to use coupons. Whether you clip them from the weekly circular or print them out online, coupons can help you get the items you need for less.

27. Keep a Budget and Track Expenses

Old-fashioned budgeting—writing down what you spend—helps you see where your money is going and where you can cut back.

Need a tool, appliance, or special occasion outfit? Instead of buying, see if you can borrow from a friend, neighbor, or family member.

29. Avoid Fast Fashion

Buying well-made, classic clothes that last saves more in the long run than constantly replacing trendy, cheaply made items.

30. Use Cloth Instead of Paper Towels

Instead of constantly buying paper towels, use washable rags for cleaning. It’s a simple switch that saves money over time.

31. Get Rid of Cable

Streaming services, digital antennas, or free library DVDs can replace expensive cable TV.

No, grandma didn’t have cable in the Great Depression, but it wasn’t all doom. They figured out how to make their own fun. People played board games and had useful hobbies like knitting to distract themselves from what they were going through. This proves that you don’t have money to kill boredom.

How much is that cable television costing you each month? I calculated my cable bill when I first started becoming conscious of my spending, and boy, was I shocked! Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix are a few alternatives to cable. If you mostly watch one streaming program, why pay for 2 or 3? This is a waste of your time and money.

Stop spending money to entertain yourself. Rather than binge-watching Netflix, try afternoons at the park, backyard campouts and game nights. Cutting cable will give you more time to focus on more useful stuff like cuddling with your kids, exercising, getting lost in a good book and preparing those homemade meals I mentioned.

32. Make Your Own Beauty and Personal Care Products

DIY skincare like homemade scrubs, masks, and even deodorant can be just as effective as store-bought products at a fraction of the cost.

33. Use Public Transportation

If possible, taking the bus, subway, or carpooling can save on gas, maintenance, and parking costs.

34. Shop Off-Season

Buy clothes, holiday decorations, and household items when they’re out of season for the best discounts.

35. Do Your Own Manicures and Hair Coloring

Salon visits are pricey. Learning to do basic manicures, hair trims, and coloring at home can save a lot over time.

36. Grow Your Own Herbs

Fresh herbs at the grocery store can be expensive, but growing your own in small pots is cheap and easy.

37. Cook in Batches

Cooking large portions and freezing meals saves time, energy, and money by reducing the temptation to order takeout.

38. Make Your Own Baby Food

If you have a baby, making pureed food at home is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged baby food.

39. Avoid Late Fees

Paying bills on time prevents unnecessary fees. Setting up auto-pay or reminders can help.

40. Be Resourceful and Creative

Many old-fashioned habits, like reusing jars, upcycling furniture, or making homemade gifts, can help you save money and be more self-sufficient.

Living frugally doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it means being smart with your resources. These time-tested habits can help you save money while living a simpler, more intentional life.

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41. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It

Impulse buying adds up fast. Plan your meals, make a list, and buy only what you need to avoid overspending at the store.

42. Eat Leftovers

Don’t waste food! Repurpose leftovers into new meals or freeze them for later instead of tossing them out.

43. Avoid Name Brands

Generic and store-brand products are often just as good as name brands but cost much less.

44. Use a Budget Envelope System

Old-school but effective—separate your cash into labeled envelopes for groceries, entertainment, etc., so you don’t overspend.

45. Make Your Own Pet Food or Treats

Buying pre-made pet food and treats can be expensive. Some homemade versions are healthier and cost much less.

46. Cancel Auto-Renewal Subscriptions

Many services charge you monthly without you even noticing. If you don’t use it, cancel it!

47. Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need

Sell old clothes, furniture, or electronics on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark to make extra cash.

You don’t need all the junk lying idle in your home. For example, do you really need two washing machines? There are many things you can sell to make money.

If you want to lead a frugal lifestyle, look for old items around the house collecting dust, rework them into something useful and resell or pawn them for a profit. This will simplify your life, home and living.

48. Make Holidays More Simple

Handmade gifts, potluck-style meals, and small gatherings save money while still making holidays special.

49. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

Even when turned off, some devices still use electricity. Unplugging saves a little every month, and it adds up.

50. Learn to Sew and Make Basic Repairs

Instead of throwing out ripped clothing or worn-out items, repair them yourself with basic sewing or DIY skills.

51. Cut Down on Meat

Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items. Swap in beans, lentils, or eggs a few times a week to cut costs.

52. Plan Staycations Instead of Expensive Vacations

Explore local parks, museums, and free attractions instead of spending thousands on travel.

53. Use Rainwater for Your Garden

If you garden, collect rainwater in barrels to cut down on water costs.

54. Buy Used Appliances

Refurbished or secondhand appliances work just as well as new ones but cost much less.

55. Keep Your Car for as Long as Possible

Avoid car payments by maintaining your vehicle and driving it for as many years as you can.

56. Make Your Own Ice Packs

Instead of buying expensive gel packs, freeze water in reusable containers for cooling.

57. Swap Babysitting with Friends

Instead of paying for a babysitter, trade babysitting nights with friends or family.

58. Go to Matinee or Discount Movie Nights

Movies are expensive! Go to early showings or look for local theaters with discount days.

59. Use Cloth Diapers

If you have a baby, cloth diapers can save thousands of dollars over disposable ones.

60. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Websites like Raise and CardCash sell gift cards at a discount, helping you save money at places you already shop.

61. Shop Farmers Markets at the End of the Day

Many vendors offer discounts right before closing to clear out inventory.

62. Use Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups

Many people give away useful items for free in local Facebook groups or Freecycle communities.

63. Trade Skills Instead of Paying for Services

Need a haircut? A website built? Offer your own skills in exchange for what you need.

64. Learn Basic Car Maintenance

Changing your own oil, replacing air filters, and checking tire pressure can save money on mechanic visits.

65. Use Cold Water for Laundry

Washing in cold water reduces energy costs and helps clothes last longer.

66. Skip the Gym Membership

Use free YouTube workouts, go for runs, or invest in secondhand equipment instead of paying for a gym.

67. Buy Holiday Decor After the Holiday

Shop clearance sales for decorations, wrapping paper, and party supplies for next year.

68. Cut Down on Takeout

Meal prep, cook extra portions, and keep quick, easy meals on hand to avoid the temptation of ordering food.

69. Make Your Own Soups and Broths

Homemade soups are cheaper and healthier than canned ones. Save veggie scraps and bones to make your own broth.

70. Buy Used Books or Use the Library

Skip buying new books—borrow from the library or buy secondhand.

71. Use Leftover Soap Bits

Melt down soap scraps to make new bars instead of throwing them away.

72. Air-Dry Your Hair

Skip using a blow dryer to save electricity and keep your hair healthier.

73. Avoid Lottery Tickets and Gambling

Small bets here and there add up fast, and the odds are never in your favor.

74. Buy Generic Medicines

Store-brand medications have the same active ingredients as name brands but cost significantly less.

75. Don’t Buy Extended Warranties

Most products don’t break within the warranty period, and credit cards sometimes offer free extended protection.

76. Use LED Light Bulbs

They last longer and use less electricity than regular bulbs, saving money over time.

77. Turn Off the A/C and Use Fans

Ceiling and box fans use way less electricity than air conditioning.

78. Skip Bottled Water

Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones.

79. Freeze Extra Bread and Dairy

Bread, cheese, and milk freeze well, helping you avoid food waste.

80. Make Your Own Salad Dressings and Sauces

Homemade dressings and sauces are cheaper and taste better than store-bought ones.

The post 80 Timeless Frugal Living Tips That Still Work Today appeared first on Dollarsanity.

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