Last updated May. 6, 2025 by Charles Zemub
The Great Depression was a time of economic hardship, but it taught people how to live frugally and make the most of limited resources. Many of these lessons are still applicable today. Embracing these tips can lead to significant savings and a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are 19 frugal living tips from the Great Depression era that can help you save money.
1. Grow Your Own Food
During the Great Depression, many families relied on home gardens to supplement their food supply. Growing your own vegetables and herbs can save money and ensure you have fresh produce on hand. Start small with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, and basil.
2. Preserve and Can Foods
Preserving food through canning and drying was common during the Great Depression. Canning allows you to store seasonal produce for months, while drying can help extend the life of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Learning these skills can save money and reduce waste.
3. Cook from Scratch
Prepackaged and convenience foods are often more expensive and less healthy than homemade meals. Cooking from scratch can save money and allow you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Focus on simple recipes that use affordable ingredients.
4. Repurpose Leftovers
Waste not, want not was a mantra during the Great Depression. Leftovers can be repurposed into new meals, reducing food waste and saving money. Transform roast chicken into soup, rice into fried rice, or stale bread into breadcrumbs.
5. Mend and Repair
Instead of discarding damaged clothing or items, learn to mend and repair them. Sewing, patching, and fixing things yourself can extend their life and save money on replacements. A simple sewing kit can be invaluable.
6. Buy Used and Thrift
Thrifting and buying used items were normal practices during the Great Depression. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces offer affordable options for clothing, furniture, and household items, often at a fraction of the retail price.
7. Budget Wisely
Careful budgeting was essential during the Great Depression, and it remains crucial today. Track your income and expenses, prioritize needs over wants, and set aside savings for emergencies. This disciplined approach can prevent overspending.
8. DIY Household Products
Creating your own cleaning supplies, beauty products, and other household essentials can greatly reduce costs. Use simple, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to create effective and non-toxic products.
9. Make Use of Free Entertainment
During hard times, people often turned to free or low-cost entertainment. Consider visiting parks, hosting game nights, or borrowing books from the library. These activities offer enjoyment without the expense.
10. Conserve Energy
Reducing energy consumption lowers utility bills and is better for the environment. Turn off lights when leaving a room, unplug electronics when not in use, and invest in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
11. Carpool and Use Public Transportation
Carpooling and using public transportation were common practices during the Great Depression. Sharing rides reduces fuel and maintenance costs while public transportation can offer significant savings on commuting expenses.
12. Practice Bartering
Bartering is the exchange of goods or services without money. This practice was vital during the Great Depression and can still be useful today. Trade skills or items within your community or network to obtain what you need without spending money.
13. Learn Basic Home Maintenance
Knowing how to do simple home repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets or maintaining appliances, can save money on professional services. Many resources are available online to help you learn these valuable skills.
14. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk often reduces the cost per unit. Stocking up on non-perishable items, toiletries, and household essentials when they are on sale can result in significant savings over time.
15. Cut Hair at Home
During the Great Depression, many people learned to cut their hair at home to save on salon costs. With online tutorials and affordable tools, you can practice and perfect your skills, saving money on regular haircuts.
16. Avoid Credit and Debt
Resisting the temptation to rely on credit can prevent debt from accumulating. Living within your means, saving for big purchases, and avoiding unnecessary loans can lead to financial stability and peace of mind.
17. Use Coupons and Discounts
Coupons and discounts were valuable during the Great Depression, and they remain useful today. Look for coupons in newspapers, online, or through store loyalty programs to reduce your grocery and shopping bills.
18. Sew and Knit Your Own Clothes
Sewing and knitting were common skills during the Great Depression, allowing people to make and repair their own clothing. These skills can lead to unique, customized clothing and significant savings.
19. Embrace Minimalism
The scarcity of the Great Depression encouraged people to live with less. Embracing minimalism and focusing on what truly matters can reduce clutter, lower spending, and enhance overall well-being.
✓ Short Answer
The Great Depression taught valuable lessons in frugality that remain relevant today. By growing your own food, mending and repairing items, cooking from scratch, and budgeting wisely, you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle and save money. Practices like buying used, conserving energy, and embracing minimalism can also make a significant difference in your financial well-being. Adopting these time-tested tips can help you navigate modern economic challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
FAQs
1. Why were frugal living tips important during the Great Depression?
The economic hardships of the Great Depression forced people to find innovative ways to make ends meet. Frugal living tips helped individuals maximize limited resources and survive financially difficult times.
2. How can growing my own food save money?
Growing your own food reduces grocery expenses and provides fresh, healthy produce. It can also be a sustainable way to supplement your food supply over time.
3. Is it hard to learn how to sew or repair clothing?
Learning to sew or repair clothing can be simple with the right resources. Online tutorials and beginner sewing kits make it accessible and can lead to significant savings on wardrobe expenses.
4. How does embracing minimalism save money?
Minimalism encourages focusing on essential needs and reducing unnecessary purchases. This mindset can decrease clutter and lead to more intentional spending, ultimately saving money.
