When money is tight, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But history teaches us resilience, and the Great Depression era is a treasure trove of practical, resourceful ideas for stretching every dollar.
During the 1930s, families learned to make do with what they had, repurpose items, and find creative ways to save. Many of these strategies are just as relevant today.
Take the time to use what you have, and you’ll find big savings right at home!
Frugal living hacks
Here are some simple, Depression-era inspired tips to help you save money and live more frugally.
Cook from Scratch: Homemade is Cheaper (and Healthier)
During the Depression, pre-packaged foods were a luxury most couldn’t afford. Families relied on simple, homemade meals made from scratch. Today, cooking at home is still one of the easiest ways to save money.
And most of the time, you likely have what you need in your pantry to get started!
- Bake Your Own Bread: A loaf of bread costs pennies to make at home compared to store-bought. You only need flour, yeast, water, and a little salt.
- Make Soup or Broth: Save vegetable scraps, bones, and meat trimmings to make your own broth. Simmer them in water with herbs for a flavorful base for soups and stews. You can even meal prep and freeze some for later!
- Grow Your Own Herbs: Instead of buying expensive fresh herbs, grow them in a windowsill or small garden. Basil, parsley, and mint are easy to start with. If you grow them indoors, you can literally grow them all year long.
Reuse and Repurpose
The Depression era was all about making things last. Clothing, furniture, and household items were repaired, repurposed, or reused until they couldn’t be salvaged anymore. There was no “toss out and buy new” mentality during this time.
- Mend Clothes: Learn basic sewing skills to patch holes, replace buttons, or hem pants. A simple sewing kit can save you from replacing worn-out items.
- Turn Old Sheets into Rags: Instead of buying paper towels, cut up old sheets or towels for cleaning rags. They’re reusable and eco-friendly. I’ve also used old clothing and socks for this.
- Repurpose Glass Jars: Save glass jars from pasta sauce or pickles to use as food storage, drinking glasses, or even small planters. Just clean them really good, peel off the labels – and you’re good to go!
DIY Cleaning and Personal Care Products
Store-bought cleaning supplies and toiletries can add up quickly. During the Depression, people made their own versions using basic ingredients.
- Homemade Cleaners: Mix vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil for an all-purpose cleaner. Baking soda is great for scrubbing sinks and tubs.
- Soap Bars Over Liquid Soap: Bar soap is cheaper and lasts longer than liquid soap. Use it for handwashing, showers, and even laundry in a pinch.
- DIY Laundry Detergent: Grate a bar of soap, mix it with washing soda and borax, and you’ve got a budget-friendly laundry detergent.
Grow Your Own Food
Even if you don’t have a backyard, growing some of your own food can save money and provide fresh, healthy options.
- Start a Small Garden: Tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs are easy to grow in pots or small spaces. You might have to invest a little bit of money in the beginning, but it will pay for itself in savings later down the road.
- Preserve What You Grow: Learn to can, pickle, or freeze excess produce to enjoy it year-round. This is a great way to eat fresh all year long.
- Sprout Seeds: Sprouts are a cheap and nutritious addition to salads and sandwiches. All you need is a jar and some seeds.
Barter and Trade
During the Depression, cash was scarce, so people often traded goods or services instead of spending money.
- Trade Skills: If you’re good at sewing, cooking, or fixing things, offer to trade your skills with someone who can help you in return. Just ask around, or post online in local groups.
- Swap Unwanted Items: Host a swap meet with friends or neighbors to trade clothes, books, or household items you no longer need. It’s also a fun way to socialize!
Cut Utility Costs
Reducing your energy and water usage can lead to significant savings over time.
- Line-Dry Clothes: Skip the dryer and hang your laundry to dry. It’s gentler on your clothes and saves on electricity.
- Use Less Water: Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and collect rainwater for watering plants.
- Unplug Electronics: Even when turned off, electronics can draw power. Unplug devices when they’re not in use – you’ll be amazed how the savings adds up!
Embrace Meatless Meals
Meat was a luxury during the Depression, and families often relied on plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and eggs.
- Cook with Beans: Beans are cheap, filling, and versatile. Use them in soups, stews, or as a meat substitute in tacos or chili.
- Eggs for Protein: Eggs are an affordable source of protein. Make frittatas, quiches, or egg salad sandwiches for budget-friendly meals.
Make Your Own Entertainment
Entertainment doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Depression-era families found joy in simple, free activities.
- Play Board Games or Cards: Dust off those old games and spend an evening playing with family or friends.
- Read Books from the Library: Libraries are a free resource for books, movies, and even community events.
- Go for a Walk or Picnic: Enjoy nature by taking a walk or packing a simple picnic to enjoy at a local park.
Practice Mindful Spending
One of the most important lessons from the Depression era is the value of mindful spending. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Can I make it myself or find it secondhand?
- Is there a cheaper alternative?
Build a Community
During tough times, communities came together to support one another. Don’t be afraid to lean on your network or offer help to others.
- Share Resources: Split bulk purchases with a friend or neighbor to save money.
- Start a Community Garden: Collaborate with others to grow food and share the harvest.
- Offer Emotional Support: Sometimes, you can give a listening ear or a kind word.
The Great Depression was a time of hardship, showcasing human ingenuity and resilience. Adopting some of these Depression-era money-saving tips can stretch your budget, reduce waste, and live more intentionally.
Remember, saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality of life—it’s about finding creative ways to make the most of what you have.
