In past generations, families had countless ways to make the most of every dollar, and some of their creative tricks would surprise today’s families. From unique ways to save on household essentials to clever tricks for stretching food, these vintage money-saving tips might just inspire you to get a little thriftier and discover new ways to keep your budget in check!
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Instead of buying costly cleaning products, people once made their own using basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These homemade solutions work well for everything from glass cleaning to scrubbing surfaces—and cost a fraction of store-bought cleaners. Plus, they’re natural and eco-friendly!
Cook Everything from Scratch
Ready-made meals and prepackaged snacks are a recent luxury. Families used to prepare everything from scratch, which helped them stretch ingredients and save money. Homemade meals, soups, and baked goods are not only cheaper, but they also let you control ingredients, making them healthier for your family.
Cut Bars of Soap in Half
A clever hack to make toiletries last longer was to cut bars of soap in half, which reduced waste by encouraging people to use smaller amounts. This simple habit can extend the life of your soap (or any bar-based product) and save you money over time.
Reuse Jars and Containers
Instead of buying storage containers, families would save and reuse jars, tins, and even glass bottles. Repurposing jars is a great way to store pantry items, leftovers, or DIY condiments without spending a dime on storage solutions.
Use a Clothesline for Drying Laundry
Drying clothes on a line or rack saves on electricity, and the fresh scent of air-dried laundry is a nice bonus. Clotheslines were standard in most backyards, and they’re still a fantastic way to cut down on utility bills while extending the life of your clothes, as dryers can be hard on fabrics.
Sew and Mend Clothes
Throwing out clothes wasn’t an option for past generations, so people learned basic sewing skills to repair, resize, or repurpose items. Patching jeans, hemming pants, and sewing on buttons can save you money and help you keep clothes in circulation longer.
Organize Weekly “Leftover Nights”
Families in the past knew how to make food stretch, and leftover nights were a routine way to finish everything in the fridge before it spoiled. Try organizing a weekly leftover night where everyone picks their favorites from the week—it cuts down on food waste and saves you the cost of one night’s cooking!
Use Meat as a Flavoring, Not the Main Dish
Meat was expensive, so many families used it sparingly, adding small amounts to stews, soups, or casseroles to enhance flavor without making it the focal point. This budget-friendly approach can be healthy too—think vegetable-packed dishes with just enough meat to add taste and protein.
Plant a Vegetable Garden
Growing your own vegetables saved past families money on groceries and ensured fresh produce was always on hand. Even a small garden with easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs can reduce your grocery bill and give you fresher, tastier ingredients.
Save Buttons, Zippers, and Fabric Scraps
Back in the day, people saved buttons, zippers, and fabric scraps from worn-out clothes. This “scrap pile” could be used to fix or update other garments, saving money on repairs and giving new life to old items. It’s a simple trick to keep in mind before throwing anything away.
Make Stock from Food Scraps
Bones, veggie ends, and other kitchen scraps were never thrown out—they were turned into flavorful stock for soups and stews. Store scraps in the freezer, then boil them with water for a cost-free, homemade broth that can enhance countless recipes.
Batch Cook for the Week
Many families once cooked big batches of food on weekends to cover the week’s meals. Batch cooking is still a time-saver, reducing the urge for takeout during busy nights. Preparing meals in bulk and freezing portions helps lower grocery costs and gives you easy, ready-to-heat meals.
Use Cloth Instead of Paper Towels
Before paper towels were common, households used cloth rags for spills and cleaning. You can make your own by cutting up old t-shirts or towels. They’re washable, reusable, and great for cleaning jobs around the house—perfect for saving on paper products.
Repair, Don’t Replace Appliances
In the past, fixing small appliances or household items was standard practice, and many people knew how to troubleshoot basic issues. Before replacing a broken appliance, check if it’s something you can repair. Many minor fixes can be done at home with online tutorials and simple tools.
Practice “Envelope Budgeting”
Envelope budgeting was a common way to manage household expenses by dividing cash into envelopes for each category, like groceries, gas, and entertainment. Once an envelope was empty, that was it for the month. It’s a simple, cash-only approach to budgeting that’s still effective today, especially if you’re prone to overspending with cards.
Reviving these old-school tips can bring surprising savings into your modern lifestyle. While some might seem unconventional, each one encourages creativity and mindfulness with spending—two skills that are always valuable for managing money effectively!
