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Many of our grandparents were alive during the great depression. Therefore, they have a great deal of knowledge about how to cut corners and save money.
Many have become old wives’ tales. But some actually do work!
Here are 6 money savings tips from Grandma you’ll want to remember…
#1 – Save Butter Wrappers
When you throw away the butter wrapper, you are also throwing away butter. But if you bake, put the wrappers in a Ziploc bag
Here are 3 more ways to reuse butter wrappers.
#2 – Make Blankets From Old Clothes
Quilting is much more than an art form. It was born out of necessity to create blankets and bed covers from nothing.
Worn and damaged clothes and other fabric — like upholstery — were often used, as opposed to the special printed fabric that is used these days. There is no reason that you cannot use old clothes to make quilts.
Learn more about making quilts from old clothes.
#3 – Reuse Tea Bags
Our grandparents used a tea bag more than once to make the tea last. Even if people laugh at you for being cheap, this is an easy way to save on tea bags. You can use a teabag 2-3 times!
If you’re planning to have more than one cup of tea, why not re-use the tea bag?
#4 – Hang Clothes Outside
This may not be for everyone for numerous reasons — such as high smog areas, or neighborhood covenants. But if you don’t have these issues, drying your clothes outside will save you a great deal of money.
A good read: A Line in the Yard: The Battle Over the Right to Dry Outside
#5 – Reuse Aluminum Foil
Simply clean it off and fold it up after each use. When that piece of aluminum foil is no longer good to use for food, it can be recycled.
Enjoy reading about 14 other ways to reuse aluminum foil.
#6 – Grow A Garden
You can save a great deal of money by growing your own food. While it’s not the easiest thing to do, the money savings and nutritious organic food will be well worth it in the end.
Canning is a great hobby and time and money-saver for busy families. Consider swapping cans with friends and neighbors and save even more money!
Here’s another good read: Depression Era Gardening
Add Grandma’s tips to these from the world’s most frugal mom and you’ll be an expert:
More Great Tips From Grandma
Check out these money-saving tips from the 1950s to be reminded of good habits worth considering, such as storing your batteries in the refrigerator, and lowering the thermostat.
A couple books that will teach you about old-fashioned frugality are:
And don’t miss What Your Grandparents Can Teach You About Saving A Buck And Saving The Planet. The tips include wasting nothing, learning to sew, and being kind to the environment.
I have been a certified tightwad striving for financial freedom since I became pregnant with my first child — and I decided to find a way to stay home with him full-time. I enjoy sharing my personal experiences in my journey back to financial health and planning for a future — which will include sending 2 kids to college and early retirement.
