Money-Saving Tips And Tricks From The Depression Era That Still Work Today

The Great Depression era left a legacy of thrifty living that can still teach us valuable lessons about managing our finances today. Let's dive into some tried-and-true money-saving tips that are as relevant now as they were back then.

Have you tried any of these tricks? Let us know in the comments! Keep reading to get started here.

Homemade Cleaners: Your Wallet and Home Will Thank You

Glass bottle of vinegar and spray bottle fronted by a lemon.
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Ditch the expensive cleaning products and opt for a simple mix of vinegar, hot water, and lemon juice.

This cost-effective solution keeps your home sparkling without breaking the bank. Plus, it's eco-friendly!

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Cultivate Flavor and Savings with an Herb Garden

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An assortment of herbs in a backyard garden.
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Why pay a premium for fresh herbs when you can grow your own for pennies?

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Even a small windowsill garden can provide a bounty of flavor for your cooking, enriching your meals and your savings.

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A Dab Will Do: Product Overuse is Money Down the Drain

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A dab of lotion from a bottle dispenser.
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We often use more product than necessary.

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By adhering to the "just a dab" rule, you'll extend the life of your shampoos, lotions, and other household items, leading to significant cost savings over time.

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Grow Green: The Frugal Bounty of a Home Garden

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Someone's hand over a basket holding tomatoes.
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One tomato plant can yield up to 10 pounds of fruit. Imagine the savings!

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Whether it's a full garden or a few pots on the patio, growing your own produce is a delicious way to cut costs.

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From Farm to Table: Whole Chickens are Whole Savings

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A wooden serving board with two whole chickens on it.
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Skip the expensive cuts and buy a whole chicken.

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With countless recipes at your fingertips, you can transform this budget-friendly option into several meals.

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Bone Appetit: Flavorful and Economical Meat Choices

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Wooden board and plates serving raw meat with bone.
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Bone-in cuts are not only cheaper but also more flavorful.

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Embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and enjoy tastier meals while padding your wallet.

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Water Wise: Every Drop Counts in Cutting Costs

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A hand shutting off the water facet.
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Shorter showers, fixing leaks, and full laundry loads can significantly reduce your water usage and your utility bill.

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Cash is King: Avoid Debt with Paper Money

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Closeup of cash exchanging hands.
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Paying with cash helps you visualize your spending, leading to more mindful purchasing decisions and a debt-free life.

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Can Do: Preserving Food for Pennies

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Jars of pickles.
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Canning is a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite foods year-round. Start with simple recipes like salsa or pickles and savor the savings.

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Scrap Smarts: Turn Leftovers into Opportunities

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Upcycling sign on top of cut up pieces of jeans.
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From using citrus peels in cleaners to crafting with fabric remnants, depression-era families knew the value of repurposing scraps.

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Furniture Facelifts: Upcycle Instead of Buying New

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Person sanding a wooden stool fronted by painting supplies and flanked by plastic covered furniture.
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With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can give old furniture pieces a new lease on life.

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Handmade Happiness: Gifts from the Heart Save Money

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Homemade bath bombs in a bowl.
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Homemade gifts are not only personal but also kind to your wallet. Try your hand at making bath and beauty products for a special touch.

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Home Remedies: Natural Solutions for Less

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An assortment of ingredients for natural remedies.
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Before rushing to the doctor, explore natural remedies for common ailments. You'll be surprised at how effective and inexpensive they can be.

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DIY: Pride and Savings in Doing It Yourself

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A person washing a car using a garden hose.
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Take on tasks like car washing, yard work, and home cooking to enjoy the dual benefits of cost savings and personal satisfaction.

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Maximize Use: Don't Replace Out of Boredom

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Closeup of torn up shoes showing toes.
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Replace items only when they are truly worn out, not because you want to keep up with the Joneses.

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Reusables Over Disposables: Save Money and the Earth

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Cloth napkins on wooden background.
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Invest in quality linens like cloth napkins and avoid the trap of disposable paper products.

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Sew Simple: Basic Mending Keeps Clothes in Play

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Closeup of someone's hands sewing a shirt button back on flanked by measuring tape and scissors.
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Don't toss a shirt over a missing button.

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A basic sewing kit and a few YouTube tutorials can empower you to extend the life of your clothing, saving you the cost of replacements.

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Frugal Living for a Fuller Wallet

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Stacks of coins that grow with a glass jar at the end full of coins.
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By incorporating even a few of these Great Depression era money saving tips, you'll quickly see a positive impact on your finances. Start today and watch your savings grow!