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Frugal Living Lessons from the Past: Timeless Habits to Save Thousands
Old Fashioned Habits That Still Save You Thousands Today
Ark
April 11, 2025
In an era where convenience often trumps thrift, there’s something refreshing about looking back to the habits of our parents and grandparents—especially those who lived through the Great Depression. These old-fashioned practices aren’t just nostalgic; they’re practical, easy to adopt, and can save you thousands of dollars every year. I’m Hope, and alongside my husband Larry, we’ve built a life of practical frugality at Under the Median. Today, we’re sharing the time-tested habits that keep our budget in check and our wallets happy. Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Eat at Home
Our parents rarely ate out, and when they did, it was a treat. Most meals were enjoyed at home, and if they wanted to “eat out,” they’d take their plates to the back patio. Eating at home doesn’t have to be boring—it’s all about perspective. Make it the norm, and let dining out be the rare exception.
2. Learn to Cook at Home
Cooking isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creativity. Ditch the prepackaged meals and master dishes tailored to your taste. Over time, you’ll intuitively tweak recipes, swap ingredients, and use what’s already in your pantry. This cuts grocery runs and slashes costs, especially when you snag bulk deals.
3. Stop Eating Out During the Week
Take your lunch from home—it’s a game-changer. Think $15 a day eating out isn’t a big deal? Let’s do the math: $15 x 5 days = $75 a week. Over 50 weeks, that’s $3,750. Compare that to a $2 homemade lunch: $10 a week, or $500 a year. That’s a savings of $3,250 annually. Drumroll, please—that’s real money!
4. Cook Low-Cost Family Favorites
Simple, affordable dishes like soups or casseroles can be both delicious and budget-friendly. We keep a list of our family’s top meals, calculate costs per serving (aiming for $1 or less), and rotate them into our menu. A 65-cent-per-serving winner might show up weekly, while a pricier option gets saved for special occasions.
5. Creatively Use Leftovers
Leftovers aren’t just reheated reruns—transform them! Leftover rice becomes fried rice; chicken turns into soup. They’re also perfect for next-day lunches, stretching your grocery budget even further.
6. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)
Bulk buying saves cents—and dollars—per unit, but only if you’ll use it. For smaller households, split that 50-pound bag of oats with friends. Shelf-stable staples like beans, rice, and oatmeal are ideal, as long as you store them properly in a cool, dry space.
7. Buy Secondhand or Accept Hand-Me-Downs
From garage sales to thrift stores, secondhand shopping is a treasure hunt. Start with freebies (hand-me-downs), then hit Goodwill or Salvation Army. For special items, try boutique resale shops. Even retail can be frugal—stack discounts, buy off-season, and watch the savings pile up.
8. Buy Off-Season
Need a winter coat? Skip December and shop in March or April when prices drop 75-90%. Keep a year-round list of needs—especially for growing kids—and stock up during clearance sales.
9. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Invest in durable items that last. Buying a sturdy pair of boots once beats replacing cheap ones thrice. Online shopping makes this easier, but protect your info—Aura, our sponsor, scans the web to keep your data safe (more on that later).
10. Keep a Written Budget
A budget isn’t just a plan—it’s control. Record what you’ll spend and what’s available. It’s your financial compass.
11. Track Your Spending
A budget without tracking is like a map without a compass. Log every expense—yes, even the small ones. Those coffee runs add up!
12. Analyze Your Expenses
Monthly check-ins reveal what’s working. Overspent on groceries? Underspent on utilities? Adjust strategies, test new ideas, and evaluate again. It’s a cycle of improvement.
13. Line Dry Your Clothes
Skip the dryer—line drying saves on gas or electricity. On a windy 60°F day, clothes dry fast outdoors. In winter, hang them inside. It’s free and effective.
14. Batch Your Errands
Plan stops in a logical loop to save gas. We hit five places yesterday in one efficient circuit—time and money saved.
15. Maintain What You Own
Grease machines on schedule, test your generator before storms—keep things running. A yearly maintenance calendar prevents costly breakdowns.
16. Don’t Replace Unless It’s Worn Out
Ignore flashy ads for “better” gadgets. If your current item works, stick with it. Newer isn’t always necessary.
17. Barter for What You Need
Trade skills or time—it’s a win-win. A fair barter leaves both parties happy without cash changing hands.
18. Don’t Look for Reasons to Spend
Marketers are pros at tempting you. Pause, check your plan, and resist. Contentment stretches your dollars further.
19. Save Small Amounts Over Time
Delayed gratification pays off. Small, steady savings build big results—our parents knew this well.
20. Learn New Skills
DIY repairs or projects cut costs. Larry’s dad devoured Popular Mechanics to master fixes, saving on hired help.
21. Find Reasons to Be Happy
Joy doesn’t require cash. Walks, game nights, and simple pleasures keep life rich and spending low.
22. Plan, Don’t Panic
Life throws curveballs—plan for them. If Plan A fails, pivot to Plan B calmly. Panic spending is a budget killer.
23. Always Have a Side Gig
A little extra income cushions fluctuations. In today’s market, a side hustle is smart insurance.
24. Keep a Rainy Day Fund
An emergency fund brings peace of mind. When the unexpected hits, you’re covered.
A Word from Our Sponsor: Aura
Online shopping’s rise means more risk to your data. Aura monitors the web, alerting you if your info’s exposed. After our free trial, they found my old password on the dark web 15 times! Their White Glove service handles identity theft messes, and they’ve even scrubbed our names from data-sharing lists. Try Aura free for two weeks at aura.com/median.
The Takeaway
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s a mindset. Research, plan, test, and repeat. With prices climbing, these habits are more relevant than ever. Want more? Check our Unusual Ways to Save playlist for tips on slashing everyday expenses. Frugality isn’t outdated—it’s timeless.
What’s your favorite money-saving habit? Drop “ready” in the comments if you’re inspired to try these out!
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