12 Ways to Save Money Like Your Middle- Class Grandma Did

Published:

How was Grandma so good with money? Learn how to do a lot with a little by following these twelve principles from the past that can still save you a lot today.

1. Cook at Home

Elderly couple cooking in a kitchen.
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.

 

There’s nothing like your grandma’s cooking; there’s a reason for that: she had a lot of practice! Take a page from her recipe book (maybe literally) and cook at home whenever possible.

2. Garden

Senior woman picking tomatoes from vegetable garden.
Image Credit: goodluz/Shutterstock.

 

Many of our grandmas were always tending the garden, coming back to the kitchen with fresh herbs and vegetables that she grew with love. And there’s nothing saying you can’t do the same, even if it means a modest pot of basil sitting on your windowsill.

3. Learn to Mend Clothes

smiley woman sewing on sewing-machine. focus on sewing-machine.
Image Credit: ArtFamily/Shutterstock.

 

Not to sound exactly like your grandma, but not enough people know how to sew these days! Teach yourself, and you can always fix your clothes rather than replace them.

4. Make Gift Cards and Wrapping Paper

Woman wrapping gift at white table indoors, closeup
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

 

Grandmas are the queens of making things themselves. And while many of them can be the best of the best when it comes to gift-giving, they know that making the cards and even wrapping paper is more thoughtful and costs less, too.

5. Use Cheaper Cuts of Meat

Man buying fresh meat from supermarket counter
Image Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.

 

Grandma knew how to cook, which also meant she knew how to make the most of cheaper cuts of meat. And you might be surprised; many cheaper cuts are actually packed with flavor!

6. Eat Simply

Young and happy woman eating healthy salad sitting on the table with green fresh ingredients indoors
Image Credit: RossHelen/Shutterstock.

 

Meals don’t always have to be something extravagant. Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of meat and two vegetables or even just a nice pot of soup with whatever you have left in the fridge.

7. Reuse Plastic Bags

shopping with plastic bags, need to think about recycling
Image Credit: Emilija Miljkovic/Shutterstock.

 

Reusing plastic bags and tin foil might seem like something from the frugal extreme sports. Still, it’s actually something your grandparents probably did quite often. Plus, reusing single-use anything is a great way to lower your carbon footprint!

8. Barter or Swap With Friends and Neighbors

neighbors chatting at the fence, Friendly relationship with neighbours. Young family talking to elderly couple near fence outdoors
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

 

Grandma knew that the neighborhood was an excellent place to secondhand shop. Get to know your neighbors and see if you can set up some clothing or home good swaps that would be mutually beneficial for everyone on the block!

9. Use Cloths for Cleaning

Beautiful young woman makes cleaning the house. Girl rubs dust.
Image Credit: Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.

 

Grandma probably only used cloth rags for cleaning, even if there were other options, because the cost just never seemed worth it. And she’s right: stick with cloths instead of paper products.

10. Learn to Preserve Food

Home canning, canned vegetables
Image Credit: BestPhotoPlus/Shutterstock.

 

Remember all those fruits and veggies you’re growing in your garden? Now it’s time to learn to pickle, can, and preserve them! Doing so will save you money and give you access to delicious produce, even when it’s not in season at the store.

11. Drink More Water

Stay hydrated, maintain salt and water balance, prevent dehydration. Happy healthy senior man holding glass of fresh water. Concept of elderly people developing good habit of drinking enough liquid
Image Credit: Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.

 

With all of the alternative drinking options now to tempt some extra cash out of your wallet, go back to basics and stick with water.

12. Exercise

Cheerful and successful hispanic man jogging in the park, man running on a sunny day, smiling and happy having an outdoor activity.
Image Credit: voronaman/Shutterstock.

 

Maybe your grandma wasn’t pumping iron, but she knew it was important to stay fit! Exercise at home, and don’t bother with costly gym memberships or unnecessary workout equipment.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

Smiling girl eating food from takeaway paper box outdoors.
Image Credit: Branislav Nenin/Shutterstock.

 

More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.

Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

Young pretty woman traveller in baseball cap looks and smiles at camera at green nature forest background, portrait close up.
Image Credit: DedMityay/Shutterstock.

 

Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

Woman looking at a bottle of orange juice in a supermarket.
Image Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.

 

Looking for some ways to save money at home? Now is the time to cut expenses, save some money, and keep your money in your wallet. Here are some simple ways to save money at home this year. Whether it’s as simple as switching what you buy when you go to the store or being a little more creative in the ways you use items in your home, maybe some of these ways will work for you!

Here are 30 ways to save money at home and put more in your pocket.

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

Leave a Comment