Moments throughout history forced people to find a way to “make it work.” The Great Depression was undoubtedly one of these times. Many families adopted new ways of life to get by, becoming experts in frugality. While times have changed, there are still some frugal living tips from the Great Depression that we can still use. Here are eight Depression-era tips that can help you save real money in today’s world.
1. Grow Your Own Food
During the 1930s, families relied on backyard gardens to keep food costs low. Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home can significantly reduce grocery bills. Even if you have limited space, container gardening or vertical gardening can still provide fresh produce. Seasonal eating was a necessity back then, and it can help you avoid high prices on out-of-season items today. Additionally, canning and preserving food can help ensure you have supplies during the off-season.
2. Cook From Scratch
This is something I love to do and I can make almost anything from scratch with a few pantry staples. Prepackaged and convenience foods were not widely available during the Depression, forcing families to cook everything from scratch. Making meals at home is much cheaper than dining out or buying processed foods. Baking bread, preparing homemade soups, and making your own snacks can save a significant amount over time.
3. Repair and Repurpose
People in the 1930s didn’t throw things away—they fixed and reused them. Learning basic sewing skills can help you mend clothes instead of buying new ones. Furniture, appliances, and even household items can often be repaired with a little creativity. Repurposing old fabric into cleaning rags or turning worn-out clothing into quilts was common practice. Thankfully, it is also something my Nana taught me to do growing up and it saves us a considerable amount of money.
4. Buy Only What You Need
Minimalism wasn’t a trend in the 1930s—it was a way of life. People only purchased necessities and avoided impulse buying. Making a shopping list and sticking to it helps prevent unnecessary spending. Prioritizing needs over wants can keep your budget in check and reduce clutter in your home. Avoiding debt was a survival tactic during the Great Depression, and it’s still crucial today.
5. Use It Up, Wear It Out
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” was a popular saying during the Depression. This meant squeezing every last use out of items before replacing them. Leftover food was transformed into new meals instead of being tossed. Clothing was patched and worn until it was no longer usable. Old jars and containers were reused for storage instead of being thrown away.
6. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Households in the 1930s relied on simple, homemade cleaning solutions. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice were commonly used for disinfecting and deodorizing. DIY cleaners are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. A mixture of vinegar and water can replace expensive window cleaners. Baking soda works wonders for scrubbing sinks, bathtubs, and even deodorizing carpets too.
7. Find Free Entertainment
Going out to expensive events wasn’t an option for most families during the Great Depression. Instead, they found joy in simple, free activities. Playing board games, reading books, and spending time outdoors were common pastimes. Today, many low-cost entertainment options are available, such as community events, free museum days, and outdoor concerts. Swapping books, movies, or games with friends can provide fresh entertainment without spending money. For instance, we host a monthly book swap in our neighborhood that allows us all to enjoy different books without spending additional money.
8. Barter and Trade
Exchanging goods and services was a practical way to get what you needed without spending cash. People often traded homegrown produce, handmade goods, or labor for other necessities. Today, bartering can still be a great way to cut costs. Online groups and local community networks make it easy to trade skills and items with others. Offering services like babysitting, tutoring, or handyman work in exchange for something you need can be mutually beneficial. For example, my husband often offers work as a mechanic in exchange for other services (pressure washing, mowing, etc).
Frugal Living Never Goes Out of Style
There is no shortage of frugal living tips from the Great Depression. Many of these money-saving tips are still relevant today, with many of them regaining some popularity in certain communities. Adopting some of these timeless tips can help you achieve financial security.
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