Save Money With These 15+ Great Depression Era Tips

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.

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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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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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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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!