Life during the Great Depression was tough. From 1929 to the late 1930s, millions faced job loss, poverty, and hunger. People had no choice but to get creative just to survive.
They learned how to stretch every dollar. Waste was not an option. Self-reliance became a way of life.
Today, with rising costs and economic uncertainty, those same habits are more relevant than ever. Many of the frugal tips from that era still work—and work well.
This post shares 35 practical, proven ways our grandparents saved money. Simple. Smart. Timeless!
Make the Most of What You Have
1. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without
This phrase became a motto during the Great Depression. Every item had a purpose—and often more than one. If something was nearly worn out, people still found ways to use it.
Old towels became cleaning rags. Worn shoes got patched and reused. The idea was simple: buy less, waste nothing, and find value in what you already own.
2. Repurpose old clothes into quilts, rags, or children’s clothing
Clothing was never tossed without a second thought. A man’s shirt with a torn sleeve might become a child’s dress. Fabric scraps were stitched into warm quilts.
Worn-out jeans were cut down into work aprons or cleaning cloths. Every bit of fabric had a future use. It saved money and gave each item a longer life.
3. Save buttons, jars, and string — nothing goes to waste
When clothing became too damaged to repurpose, people removed buttons and zippers to use later. Glass jars were cleaned and reused to store food, nails, or even homemade cleaners.
Even string from packages was saved and wound into balls. These small items, often thrown away today, were seen as valuable tools back then.
4. Mend and repair instead of replacing
A hole in a sock didn’t mean it went in the trash. It meant it was time to darn it. Broken tools were fixed, not replaced. If a chair wobbled, it got braced.
People learned basic repair skills and used them often. This not only saved money but also taught resourcefulness and self-reliance.
5. Grow and regrow food from kitchen scraps
Even in small spaces, people found ways to grow food. Potato eyes were planted to grow new potatoes.
Green onions were regrown in jars of water. Seeds were saved from fruits and vegetables for next season’s planting.
Home gardens, often called “victory gardens,” became a lifeline for many families. They reduced grocery bills and helped people eat healthier with what they had on hand.
Smart Grocery and Food Practices
6. Cook from scratch — no prepackaged meals
During the Great Depression, boxed and frozen meals didn’t exist. People made everything from simple, raw ingredients. Bread, soups, and sauces were homemade.
This saved money and avoided waste. Cooking from scratch also gave full control over what went into each meal. No fillers. No chemicals. Just basic, affordable food.
7. Plan meals around what you already have
People didn’t shop first and decide what to cook later. They looked in their pantry, then made a plan. Leftover potatoes? That became hash or soup.
A few carrots and some beans? Add broth, and it’s a stew. Planning this way reduced grocery trips and cut down on waste. It made sure nothing spoiled or got thrown away.
8. Eat seasonally and buy in bulk when possible
Fresh fruit and vegetables were only available when in season. So, families learned to eat what grew locally at the time. This made food cheaper and more nutritious.
When staples like flour or oats were available at a good price, they bought in bulk. Stored properly, these lasted months and saved repeated trips to the store.
9. Preserve food by canning, drying, and fermenting
Preserving food was essential. Canning kept fruits, vegetables, and meats safe to eat for months. Drying beans, herbs, or fruit made storage easy without refrigeration.
Fermenting cabbage into sauerkraut or cucumbers into pickles stretched their shelf life and added nutrition. These skills reduced dependency on grocery stores and helped families prepare for lean times.
10. Save bacon grease and other fats for reuse
Cooking fats were never tossed out. Bacon grease, lard, and drippings were saved in jars. These were reused to fry potatoes, season vegetables, or flavor soups.
It added richness to meals without needing extra butter or oil. Every bit of fat was valuable and often used until the last drop.
11. Stretch meat by making stews, soups, and casseroles
Meat was expensive, so people made it last. Instead of serving large cuts, they used small amounts in stews or soups. A single chicken could feed a family for days.
Leftover bits went into casseroles with rice or beans. These dishes were filling, flavorful, and made limited meat go further.
12. Use every part of the animal (bones for broth, etc.)
Nothing went to waste. Bones were simmered to make rich broths, which became the base for soups and gravies.
Organ meats, often discarded today, were cooked into hearty meals.
Even fat trimmings were rendered into lard. Every part of the animal was used, helping families stretch their budgets and honor the food they had.
Save on Household Expenses
13. Make your own cleaning supplies (vinegar, baking soda, etc.)
In the Great Depression, people didn’t buy a different product for every chore. They used cheap, multi-purpose ingredients instead. Vinegar cut grease. Baking soda scrubbed stains.
Lemon juice removed odors. These basic items worked well, were safe, and cost a fraction of store-bought cleaners. Making your own saved money and reduced waste.
14. Line dry clothes instead of using a dryer
Electric dryers weren’t common back then. Clothes were hung outside or on indoor lines. Sun and wind did the job for free.
It also helped clothes last longer, since machines can wear down fabric. Even today, skipping the dryer can cut energy costs and reduce your electric bill.
15. Heat only the rooms you use
Heating a whole house was a luxury. People closed off rooms they didn’t need and stayed in smaller spaces to conserve warmth.
They used wood stoves, space heaters, or even just layered clothing and blankets.
Today, you can do the same by turning down your thermostat and using portable heaters only where needed.
16. Use draft stoppers and quilts to stay warm
Cold air sneaks in through gaps in doors and windows. During the Depression, people used rolled-up cloth or even old socks filled with sand to block drafts.
Heavy quilts were also hung over windows or doorways to trap heat. These low-cost tricks made a big difference in comfort and heating bills.
17. Reuse water — e.g., bathwater for cleaning or the garden
Water wasn’t wasted. Bathwater was reused to mop floors or water plants. Rinse water from washing vegetables was poured on the garden.
Even today, gray water (clean but used water) can be repurposed safely. It’s a smart way to cut down your water bill and conserve resources, especially in dry areas.
Clothing and Personal Care
18. Handwash delicates to make them last longer
Washing machines can be rough on fabric. During the Great Depression, people washed delicate items like undergarments and blouses by hand. This helped clothes last much longer.
A small basin, mild soap, and a little patience saved wear and tear. Even today, handwashing delicate items keeps them in better shape and delays the need to replace them.
19. Sew your own clothes or alter secondhand finds
Sewing was a basic skill, not a hobby. If a shirt tore, it was stitched. If pants didn’t fit, they were altered.
Many people made clothes from scratch or repurposed older garments into something new.
Today, learning even simple sewing can save you money. Hem a thrift store find. Fix a small tear. Extend the life of what you already own.
20. Use bar soap and shampoo bars to reduce waste and cost
Back then, liquid soaps were rare. Bar soap was cheap, lasted longer, and worked for almost everything—hands, dishes, even laundry in some cases. Shampoo bars served the same purpose for hair.
These products have made a comeback for a reason. They cut plastic waste and cost less per use compared to bottled options.
21. Share and swap clothes with family or neighbors
Clothing swaps were common. If one child outgrew a coat, it went to a sibling or neighbor. Families exchanged clothing instead of buying new.
It kept closets full without spending money. You can do the same today by organizing swap events or simply asking around. It’s a great way to save while reducing waste.
22. Learn basic haircuts to avoid frequent salon visits
Haircuts were done at home to save money. Parents learned to trim their kids’ hair. Spouses cut each other’s hair. It didn’t have to be perfect—just practical.
You can find free tutorials online and practice with simple styles. Over time, the savings from skipped salon visits can add up fast.
Entertainment and Leisure on a Budget
23. Host potlucks instead of dining out
Going to restaurants wasn’t common during the Great Depression. It cost too much. Instead, families and neighbors hosted potlucks. Everyone brought a dish, and the meal was shared.
It was social, affordable, and filling. You can still do this today. It saves money and brings people together in a more meaningful way than dining out.
24. Play cards and board games for low-cost fun
Entertainment didn’t need to be expensive. People played cards, dominoes, or simple board games to pass the time. These games were cheap, reusable, and fun for all ages.
They encouraged conversation and connection. Even today, a deck of cards or a used board game can offer hours of enjoyment without costing anything extra.
25. Borrow books and movies from the library
Libraries were a vital resource during hard times. They offered free access to books, magazines, and sometimes even music or film.
Today, most libraries also lend DVDs, audiobooks, and eBooks. Instead of buying entertainment, borrow it. It’s free, unlimited, and a great way to learn or relax without spending a dime.
26. Enjoy outdoor activities like picnics or walks
Nature doesn’t cost anything. Families used to pack simple meals and head to a park or field. Walks were daily routines, not fitness trends.
They offered a break, fresh air, and time together. Today, a walk or picnic is still one of the cheapest and most refreshing ways to unwind.
27. Learn DIY hobbies that also save money (knitting, woodworking)
Hobbies weren’t just for fun—they served a purpose. Knitting produced socks and scarves.
Woodworking led to shelves, stools, or toys. These activities were relaxing, but they also built useful items.
Pick a hobby that interests you and helps you make or fix things. You’ll enjoy your time and get something practical out of it.
Earning and Bartering
28. Sell handmade goods or produce locally
Many families earned extra income by selling what they could make or grow.
This included baked goods, canned jams, knitted items, or extra vegetables from the garden.
sold these at local markets or directly to neighbors.
Today, this same approach works well, whether through farmers’ markets, roadside stands, or even online platforms.
If you can make something others need or enjoy, you can earn from it.
29. Take on odd jobs or side hustles
No job was too small if it brought in cash. People cleaned houses, chopped wood, babysat, or did laundry for others. They worked when and where they could. This same mindset can be used now. Offer services in your community or find online gig work. Even a few hours a week can help ease financial strain.
30. Trade services with neighbors (childcare, sewing, car repair)
Bartering was common when money was tight. If you knew how to sew, you could trade mending clothes for help fixing a leaky sink. Parents swapped babysitting duties.
Car repairs, home maintenance, and cooking were all exchanged for other help.
This system saved money and built strong community ties. Look around—someone near you may need what you can offer and be happy to trade.
31. Raise chickens or rabbits for eggs/meat
Small-scale animal farming helped families feed themselves and sometimes earn a little extra.
Chickens provided fresh eggs almost daily. Rabbits reproduced quickly and were raised for meat.
If allowed in your area, raising a few animals can reduce grocery bills and give you food security. It requires some space and time, but the rewards can be steady.
32. Rent out a spare room or space
Many Depression-era families took in boarders to make ends meet. A spare bedroom, attic, or even part of a garage was rented out. Today, that idea still works.
You can rent a room short-term through platforms like Airbnb, or longer-term to students or travelers. Just be sure to check local rules and screen tenants properly.
Mindset and Habits
33. Avoid debt and live within your means
During the Great Depression, borrowing money was risky. Most people didn’t have access to credit, and those who did tried not to use it.
They paid cash or went without. Living within your means wasn’t just smart—it was necessary. This mindset helped families stay afloat.
Today, avoiding debt is still one of the best ways to stay financially secure. If you can’t afford something, delay the purchase or find a cheaper alternative.
Debt adds pressure. Living below your income gives peace of mind.
34. Keep a budget and track every penny
People knew exactly where their money went. Every cent mattered.
They tracked spending in notebooks or on scraps of paper. This helped them make better choices and avoid waste.
You can do the same with a simple notebook, spreadsheet, or app. Know what you earn. Know what you spend. This habit builds awareness and control—two key tools in any frugal life.
35. Practice gratitude for simple things and focus on needs, not wants
When luxuries were out of reach, people learned to value what they had. A warm blanket, a full meal, or time with family meant everything. They focused on needs, not wants.
That mindset reduced stress and brought clarity. Today, advertising pushes us to want more.
But practicing gratitude—every day—can shift your focus. It helps you feel more content while spending less.