I feel like I’m always defending the old-fashioned ways, and I’m not sure why. When it comes to frugal living, the generations before us had far more tricks up their sleeve, probably because many of them, like my grandparents, were actually making do with less than we enjoy today. As the saying goes, "necessity is the mother of invention" taught them. Now, as prices creep up and modern conveniences make it all too easy to spend more than I mean to, I find myself drawn back to those simple, sensible habits. Making the most of what you have is both reassuring and creative.
Creativity, resourcefulness, and a quiet confidence that comes from knowing you can take care of yourself even when things get tough are what it's all about, not deprivation. So, in the spirit of channeling our grandparents’ wisdom, I put together a list of 10 old-fashioned frugal living habits I think we should all bring back in 2025.
1. preparing your own food rather than purchasing packaged goods
Back in the day, most families didn’t have the luxury of drive-thrus or microwave meals. They relied on basic pantry staples—flour, beans, rice, and seasonal produce—to make meals from scratch. In addition to being much cheaper per serving, homemade food also gives you control over the ingredients, which makes it healthier. Cooking at home can feel like a breeze if you learn a few easy, adaptable recipes like stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. Plus, cooking together can turn dinner into a fun family activity instead of just another chore.
2. Making do and mending instead of tossing and replacing
There was a time when a button that wasn't there or a hole in a sock didn't require a trip to the store. People knew how to sew, patch, and repair almost anything. This was about respecting their existing resources as well as saving money. Today, with fast fashion and cheap household goods everywhere, we’ve lost touch with this habit. But reviving basic mending skills, from sewing a seam to gluing a cracked plate, saves money and reduces waste. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about fixing something with your own two hands.
3. Growing your own food—even just a little
The gardens of our ancestors were frequently more than just pretty. Even if they didn’t have sprawling farms, they made use of every bit of yard space for vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. To follow in their footsteps, you do not require much land. Your grocery bill can be reduced by having a few pots of herbs on a windowsill, a tomato plant on the balcony, or a small vegetable patch in your backyard. Beyond savings, homegrown food just tastes better—and gardening itself can become a calming, screen-free hobby that gives back in more ways than one.
4. Using leftovers creatively instead of wasting food
In the era before refrigerators stuffed with takeout boxes, wasting food wasn’t an option. Roasted chicken was turned into soup, mashed potatoes were used to make pancakes, and stale bread was turned into bread pudding. This mindset not only stretches your grocery budget but also challenges you to get creative in the kitchen. In 2025, with food prices rising, this habit is pure gold. With a little planning, leftovers become a treasure trove of quick lunches and easy dinners, all while reducing food waste.
5. Living within your means—no excuses
Generations before us didn’t have credit cards to fall back on. They didn't buy anything if they couldn't afford it. Period. This mindset is a stark contrast to today’s buy-now-pay-later culture, but it’s also the foundation of true financial freedom. Learning to save for big purchases, prioritize needs over wants, and appreciate what you already have isn’t just frugal—it’s freeing. When you stop chasing every new gadget or trend, you get off the hamster wheel of consumerism and discover a simpler, more peaceful way of living.
6. Embracing hand-me-downs and secondhand shopping
In previous generations, hand-me-downs were just common sense, and there was no stigma attached to them. Clothes were passed from sibling to sibling, and furniture was inherited rather than bought new. Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales were goldmines, not last resorts. Today, secondhand shopping is making a comeback, but it’s still underappreciated. When you embrace pre-loved items, you not only save money but also find unique, quality items that have already stood the test of time. And let's be honest: getting a great deal is exciting.
7. Finding free entertainment instead of paid experiences
Before Netflix and amusement parks, families entertained themselves in ways that didn’t cost a dime. They played games, went for walks, had picnics, read books from the library, or simply gathered with friends and neighbors. In addition to saving money, these little pleasures strengthened relationships and established a sense of community. Reviving free (or nearly free) entertainment can remind us that fun doesn’t have to come with a price tag. There is a world of free entertainment waiting for us, from board game nights to hiking the neighborhood trails.
8. Batch baking and bulk cooking to save time and money
Our grandparents didn’t bake just one loaf of bread—they baked several at once to save time and energy. This batch method worked for casseroles, soups, and even homemade snacks. Buying ingredients in bulk (think flour, rice, dried beans) was cheaper, and cooking in larger quantities meant fewer trips to the store. Although bulk cooking may appear outdated in today's busy world, it is actually a modern time saver. You won't have to spend a lot of money on takeout at the last minute to make dinner if you have a freezer full of homemade meals.
9. budgeting with cash rather than credit cards
There’s something powerful about physically handling your money. Older generations knew exactly how much they had because they could see and touch it. Using cash envelopes for groceries, gas, and fun money made budgeting crystal clear—and much harder to overspend. Today, digital transactions are so frictionless we barely feel them. By going back to cash for certain categories, you can instantly become more mindful about spending. In 2025, this simple, time-tested routine will still do wonders for your finances.
10. Saving scraps for future use instead of throwing them away
Don't waste, don't want. That was a saying that our grandparents used to use. Bacon grease was saved for cooking, fabric scraps became quilts, and old jars were reused for storage. This resourcefulness wasn’t just about saving pennies—it was about respecting what you already had. Today, with our disposable culture, this habit feels radical. But saving and repurposing scraps can save you serious money over time. Scraps of clothing are transformed into cleaning rags, vegetable peels are made into broth, and melted candle wax is used to make new candles. It's inventive, economical, and better for the environment.