It seems that in today’s society, frugality takes low priority and American’s as a whole aren’t often very financially literate. Ultimately, it’s become a world with credit cards, calculators, and apps for budgeting. In my opinion, the heart of being frugal goes hand in hand with life before those things.
With that spirit in mind, today I’ve compiled a list of 7 things that your grandma did that you may not be, but if you start, could help you save lots of money!
1) If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
You might not have the newest TV or phone, or all the best furniture, and that is perfectly okay! If it isn’t broken, it doesn’t really need replaced. You can go without the newest technology and prettiest decorations if it’ll help you stick to your budget!
2) If it is broken, do try to fix it.
Stemming off that last idea, if something actually is broken, you should try to fix it. Don’t be too quick to turn to a repairman— there are tons of items that you can easily fix yourself, like phone screens, furniture, or even some plumbing issues. Check out this article for more easy repairs that you should never pay for!
3) You probably don’t need all this stuff.
One of the easiest ways people break their frugality is by wanting things that 1) They don’t need and 2) They cannot afford. Chances are, if you have to put that big purchase on your credit card, you either don’t need it or you don’t have the money for it right now. If you think having a drum set will better your life, that’s fine, but I suggest saving for it (setting aside a certain $ amount weekly, monthly, or whatever works for you) rather than splurging for it.
4) Don’t try to keep up with anyone.
Keeping up with the Joneses or Kardashians is really unrealistic for pretty much everyone trying to live a frugal life. The only thing you really need to focus on is living within your own means.
5) Cook from scratch and don’t waste it!
Cooking from scratch is something very close to the heart of frugal living, right behind making a budget and sticking to it. By opting out of eating out, you’ll save a ton of money, and the longer you grocery shop, the better you’ll be with making cost-effective meals and monitoring sales.
Another important part of cooking from scratch is not wasting food. Try to cook appropriate portion sizes, or make dishes that will have tasty leftovers!
6) Shop for quality and a bargain.
While a lot of people think that being frugal is all about shopping for the cheapest item, it isn’t. Rather, it’s about getting the most bang for your buck. You want something that is both cost-effective and valuable. For example, getting a pair of jeans for $2 might seem like a good deal, until they fall apart after a week. I’d rather spend $15 on a pair of jeans I know I can easily wear for a year.
7) DIY
Another skill that is becoming increasingly lost with time is the ability to make things yourself! Weather its clothes, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, couch covers, etc, most chances that you get to make something yourself is also a chance to save some money. Don’t forget it!