Old-school frugality still works. Living frugally is all about small changes that add up over time.
While modern conveniences make it easy to overspend, many of the money-saving habits from past generations are just as effective today.
Whether it’s cooking at home, reusing what you have, or cutting out unnecessary expenses, these timeless tips can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality of life.
If you’re looking for simple ways to save money, these old-fashioned frugal living strategies are a great place to start.
Before we start, I want to share a tip from my grandma. When I asked her for some old-fashioned way to save money for this article, she said, “When boiling water, only boil as much as you need and always use a lid. It will boil faster and save you money on your energy bill.”
1. Cook at Home
Eating out adds up fast. Cooking simple, homemade meals saves a ton of money, and you control what goes into your food. If you need some ideas, here are over 20 dirt-cheap recipes and the cheapest grocery list to help you out.
2. Grow Your Own Food
Even if you don’t have space for a garden, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers can be grown in small pots. You can get fresh produce at a fraction of the cost and even cheaper if you get free seeds and free compost.
3. Preserve Food
Freezing, canning, and drying food keeps it from going to waste and lets you stock up when prices are low.
4. Buy in Bulk
Staples like rice, beans, flour, and pasta are way cheaper when bought in bulk. Store them properly, and you’ll save big over time.
Here is how much you can save buying a quarter cow.
5. Use It Up, Wear It Out
Don’t replace things just because they’re old. Repair, repurpose, and extend the life of clothes, furniture, and appliances.
In fact, many of these things you can get for free:
6. DIY Cleaning Products
Vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap handle most cleaning jobs just as well as store-bought cleaners—at a fraction of the cost.
For example, at home we make our own all-purpose cleaner — and here’s how you can make it too!
You’ll need:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10–20 drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree)
Just mix everything in a spray bottle, and that’s it! Give it a good shake before each use.
Btw, don’t use this cleaner on granite or marble — the vinegar can damage the stone.
7. Hang Clothes to Dry
Dryers use a lot of energy. Hanging clothes to dry saves money on electricity and makes clothes last longer.
8. Drive Less, Walk More
Gas is expensive. Walking or biking for short trips saves money and is great for your health.
9. Use the Library
Instead of buying books, movies, or even audiobooks, check them out for free from the library.
There are also different ways to get free books by mail.
10. Buy Secondhand
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are goldmines for clothes, furniture, and household goods at a fraction of retail prices.
11. Repair Instead of Replace
Whether it’s mending clothes, fixing a leaky faucet, or repairing electronics, learning basic DIY skills can save a fortune.
12. Cut Your Own Hair
Haircuts add up, especially for families. Learn basic trimming techniques and handle simple cuts at home.
You might be interested in How Much Does It Cost to Dye Your Hair?
13. Use Cash, Not Cards
Paying with cash helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary spending. It’s easier to overspend with a card.
14. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
Streaming services, gym memberships, and subscription boxes add up. Cut what you don’t use often.
To help you out, here is the list of Useless Expenses, Unwanted Subscriptions and Recurring Charges You Should Drop.
15. Make Gifts Instead of Buying
Handmade gifts like baked goods, crafts, or personalized items are meaningful and budget-friendly.
Last month, I wanted to give my cousin something thoughtful but simple—something that felt a little more personal than buying something off a shelf. So I made her a DIY “Jar of Happy Notes”, and honestly, it turned out so sweet I might make one for myself too.
Here’s what I used:
A clean glass jar (I used an empty jam jar)
Some colorful paper (cut into small squares)
A pen
A bit of ribbon and a tag for decoration
I cut the paper into little pieces and wrote a bunch of short, uplifting notes—some were inside jokes, others were simple compliments, positive quotes, or fun memories we’ve shared. I ended up with about 30 notes, one for each day of the month.
Then I folded them up and filled the jar. I tied a ribbon around the top and added a little tag that said: “Open one whenever you need a smile.”
It was super easy to make, took less than an hour, and she loved it.
16. Use Less Electricity
Turn off lights, unplug devices, and use energy-efficient bulbs. Small changes make a big difference in your electric bill.
Need ideas? Here are 13 Simple Ways to Save Electricity at Home.
17. Barter and Trade
Swap services or items with friends and neighbors instead of always spending money.
18. Meal Plan and Avoid Waste
Planning meals ahead of time helps cut down on grocery costs and reduces food waste.
Check out our $50 Grocery List For 2 And Weekly Meal Plan.
19. Sew and Mend Clothes
A missing button or small tear doesn’t mean throwing away clothes. A little stitching keeps things wearable longer.
20. Live Within Your Means
The old-fashioned rule: If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it. Avoid debt as much as possible.
21. Drink a lot Water
Bottled water is expensive, and the costs add up quickly. Instead, drink tap water or use a reusable water bottle with a filter if needed.
Most tap water is just as safe and clean as bottled water, and switching can save hundreds of dollars a year.
22. Fix Things Yourself
Instead of calling a repair service for every little problem, learn basic home and car repairs.
YouTube tutorials can help with everything from fixing leaky faucets to patching drywall.
23. Make Your Own Coffee
Buying coffee daily adds up fast. Brewing your own at home saves hundreds of dollars a year.
24. Pack Your Own Lunch
Bringing lunch from home instead of eating out saves money and is often healthier. Simple meal prep can go a long way.
25. Limit Disposable Products
Using cloth napkins, reusable bags, and refillable water bottles reduces waste and saves money in the long run.
26. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Old-school coupon clipping still works, but now you can also use digital coupons and cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards to save on groceries and other purchases.
27. Keep a Budget and Track Expenses
Old-fashioned budgeting—writing down what you spend—helps you see where your money is going and where you can cut back.
Need a tool, appliance, or special occasion outfit? Instead of buying, see if you can borrow from a friend, neighbor, or family member.
29. Avoid Fast Fashion
Buying well-made, classic clothes that last saves more in the long run than constantly replacing trendy, cheaply made items.
30. Use Cloth Instead of Paper Towels
Instead of constantly buying paper towels, use washable rags for cleaning. It’s a simple switch that saves money over time.
31. Get Rid of Cable
Streaming services, digital antennas, or free library DVDs can replace expensive cable TV.
32. Make Your Own Beauty and Personal Care Products
DIY skincare like homemade scrubs, masks, and even deodorant can be just as effective as store-bought products at a fraction of the cost.
33. Use Public Transportation
If possible, taking the bus, subway, or carpooling can save on gas, maintenance, and parking costs.
34. Shop Off-Season
Buy clothes, holiday decorations, and household items when they’re out of season for the best discounts.
35. Do Your Own Manicures and Hair Coloring
Salon visits are pricey. Learning to do basic manicures, hair trims, and coloring at home can save a lot over time.
36. Grow Your Own Herbs
Fresh herbs at the grocery store can be expensive, but growing your own in small pots is cheap and easy.
37. Cook in Batches
Cooking large portions and freezing meals saves time, energy, and money by reducing the temptation to order takeout.
38. Make Your Own Baby Food
If you have a baby, making pureed food at home is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged baby food.
39. Avoid Late Fees
Paying bills on time prevents unnecessary fees. Setting up auto-pay or reminders can help.
40. Be Resourceful and Creative
Many old-fashioned habits, like reusing jars, upcycling furniture, or making homemade gifts, can help you save money and be more self-sufficient.
Living frugally doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it means being smart with your resources. These time-tested habits can help you save money while living a simpler, more intentional life.
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41. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It
Impulse buying adds up fast. Plan your meals, make a list, and buy only what you need to avoid overspending at the store.
42. Eat Leftovers
Don’t waste food! Repurpose leftovers into new meals or freeze them for later instead of tossing them out.
43. Avoid Name Brands
Generic and store-brand products are often just as good as name brands but cost much less.
44. Use a Budget Envelope System
Old-school but effective—separate your cash into labeled envelopes for groceries, entertainment, etc., so you don’t overspend.
45. Make Your Own Pet Food or Treats
Buying pre-made pet food and treats can be expensive. Some homemade versions are healthier and cost much less.
46. Cancel Auto-Renewal Subscriptions
Many services charge you monthly without you even noticing. If you don’t use it, cancel it!
47. Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need
Sell old clothes, furniture, or electronics on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark to make extra cash.
48. Make Holidays More Simple
Handmade gifts, potluck-style meals, and small gatherings save money while still making holidays special.
49. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Even when turned off, some devices still use electricity. Unplugging saves a little every month, and it adds up.
50. Learn to Sew and Make Basic Repairs
Instead of throwing out ripped clothing or worn-out items, repair them yourself with basic sewing or DIY skills.
51. Cut Down on Meat
Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items. Swap in beans, lentils, or eggs a few times a week to cut costs.
52. Plan Staycations Instead of Expensive Vacations
Explore local parks, museums, and free attractions instead of spending thousands on travel.
53. Use Rainwater for Your Garden
If you garden, collect rainwater in barrels to cut down on water costs.
54. Buy Used Appliances
Refurbished or secondhand appliances work just as well as new ones but cost much less.
55. Keep Your Car for as Long as Possible
Avoid car payments by maintaining your vehicle and driving it for as many years as you can.
56. Make Your Own Ice Packs
Instead of buying expensive gel packs, freeze water in reusable containers for cooling.
57. Swap Babysitting with Friends
Instead of paying for a babysitter, trade babysitting nights with friends or family.
58. Go to Matinee or Discount Movie Nights
Movies are expensive! Go to early showings or look for local theaters with discount days.
59. Use Cloth Diapers
If you have a baby, cloth diapers can save thousands of dollars over disposable ones.
60. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Websites like Raise and CardCash sell gift cards at a discount, helping you save money at places you already shop.
61. Shop Farmers Markets at the End of the Day
Many vendors offer discounts right before closing to clear out inventory.
62. Use Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups
Many people give away useful items for free in local Facebook groups or Freecycle communities.
63. Trade Skills Instead of Paying for Services
Need a haircut? A website built? Offer your own skills in exchange for what you need.
64. Learn Basic Car Maintenance
Changing your own oil, replacing air filters, and checking tire pressure can save money on mechanic visits.
65. Use Cold Water for Laundry
Washing in cold water reduces energy costs and helps clothes last longer.
66. Skip the Gym Membership
Use free YouTube workouts, go for runs, or invest in secondhand equipment instead of paying for a gym.
67. Buy Holiday Decor After the Holiday
Shop clearance sales for decorations, wrapping paper, and party supplies for next year.
68. Cut Down on Takeout
Meal prep, cook extra portions, and keep quick, easy meals on hand to avoid the temptation of ordering food.
69. Make Your Own Soups and Broths
Homemade soups are cheaper and healthier than canned ones. Save veggie scraps and bones to make your own broth.
70. Buy Used Books or Use the Library
Skip buying new books—borrow from the library or buy secondhand.
71. Use Leftover Soap Bits
Melt down soap scraps to make new bars instead of throwing them away.
72. Air-Dry Your Hair
Skip using a blow dryer to save electricity and keep your hair healthier.
73. Avoid Lottery Tickets and Gambling
Small bets here and there add up fast, and the odds are never in your favor.
74. Buy Generic Medicines
Store-brand medications have the same active ingredients as name brands but cost significantly less.
75. Don’t Buy Extended Warranties
Most products don’t break within the warranty period, and credit cards sometimes offer free extended protection.
76. Use LED Light Bulbs
They last longer and use less electricity than regular bulbs, saving money over time.
77. Turn Off the A/C and Use Fans
Ceiling and box fans use way less electricity than air conditioning.
78. Skip Bottled Water
Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones.
79. Freeze Extra Bread and Dairy
Bread, cheese, and milk freeze well, helping you avoid food waste.
80. Make Your Own Salad Dressings and Sauces
Homemade dressings and sauces are cheaper and taste better than store-bought ones.
