The entire moment of history forces people to find a way to “make it work”. There is no doubt that the Great Depression is one of them. Many families have adopted a new lifestyle and become experts in frugality. Even though times have changed, we can still use some of the Great Depression’s frugal life skills. Here are eight tips for the era of depression that can help you save real money in today’s world.
1. Grow your own food
In the 1930s, families relied on backyard gardens to keep food costs low. Growing fruits, vegetables and herbs at home can greatly reduce grocery bills. Even if your space is limited, container gardening or vertical gardening can still provide fresh produce. At that time, a seasonal diet was a must and it could help you avoid the high prices of items outside the season today. Additionally, canned and preserved food can help ensure you are available during the off-season.
2. Cook from scratch
This is something I love to do, I can do anything from scratch with a few food pockets. During depression, prepackaged and convenient foods are not widespread, forcing families to cook everything from scratch. Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out or buying processed food. Baking bread, preparing homemade soups, and making your own snacks can save a lot over time.
3. Repair and reuse
People in the 1930s didn’t throw things away, they fixed them and repeated them. Learning basic sewing skills can help you repair clothes instead of buying new ones. Furniture, appliances and even household items can usually be repaired with some creativity. It is common to reuse old fabrics as cleaning rags or turn worn clothes into quilts. Thankfully, this is what my Nana taught me to grow up, which saved us a lot of money.
4. Buy only what you need
Minimalism is not a trend in the 1930s, but a way of life. People buy only essentials and avoid impulse purchases. Making a shopping list and sticking to it can help prevent unnecessary spending. Prioritizing demand over demand can keep your budget checked and reduce chaos in your home. Avoiding debt was a survival strategy during the Great Depression and is still crucial today.
5. Use it, wear it
“Use it, wear it out, do it or not,” in depression is a sentence. This means that each use squeeze will be squeezed before replacing the project. The rest of the food becomes a new meal instead of being thrown away. Clothes are tinted and worn until they are no longer available. Old jars and containers are reused for storage rather than thrown away.
6. Make your own cleaning products
The 1930s homes rely on simple homemade cleaning solutions. Vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are often used to disinfect and deodorize. DIY cleaners are not only cost-effective, but also environmentally friendly. A mixture of vinegar and water can replace expensive window cleaners. Baking soda is a miracle of scrubbing sinks, bathtubs, and even deodorizing carpets.
7. Find free entertainment
During the Great Depression, most families were not an option. Instead, they find joy in simple, free activities. Playing board games, reading books and spending time outdoors are common pastimes. Today, there are many low-cost entertainment options such as community events, free museum days and outdoor concerts. Exchange books, movies or games with friends can provide fresh entertainment without spending money. For example, we hold monthly book exchanges nearby, which allows us all to enjoy different books without spending more money.
8. Barter and trade
Exchange of goods and services is a practical way to get what you need without spending cash. People often exchange local agricultural products, handmade products or labor for other necessities. Today, barmoney can still be a good way to cut costs. Online groups and local community networks make it easy to trade skills and projects with others. Offering services like babysitters, mentoring or handymen in exchange for what you need can be mutually beneficial. For example, my husband often offers jobs as a mechanic in exchange for other services (pressure cleaning, mowing, etc.).
A frugal life will never go out of date
The Great Depression has many frugal life skills. Many of these money-saving tips still make sense these days, many of which remind you that some visibility has been restored in some communities. Adopting these timeless tips can help you achieve financial security.
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