Living frugally and building wealth go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, many good old-fashioned frugal habits have been lost over the years as we’ve become a more consumer-driven society that often values convenience over thrift. However, by reviving these seven long-lost frugal habits, you can take control of your spending and build lasting wealth.
Even small changes to your lifestyle and mindset can make a big difference in your ability to save money and reach your financial goals. Let’s explore these forgotten frugal habits and how they can benefit you.
1. Mending and Repairing Instead of Replacing
There was a time when mending clothes and repairing broken items was the norm. People took pride in maintaining their possessions and extending their lifespans. Somewhere along the way, the convenience of simply replacing things took over, and this valuable skill fell by the wayside.
By learning basic mending and repair techniques, you can save a lot of money over time that would otherwise be spent replacing imperfect items. As a bonus, you’ll reduce waste, which is better for the environment. Before tossing that torn shirt or wobbly chair, see if it can be fixed.
2. Cooking from Scratch Using Whole Ingredients
Cooking skills have gradually declined as people increasingly rely on prepared foods, meal kits, and takeout. However, cooking from scratch using whole ingredients is almost always more affordable than buying pre-made meals. A bag of rice and beans costs less than a single prepared rice and bean bowl.
Cooking your meals also allows you to use healthier ingredients. You can avoid excessive sodium, fat, and unpronounceable additives. Preparing large batches means using leftovers for cheap, quick meals later. Learn some staple recipes, and you’ll be well on your way to spending less on food.
3. Growing Your Own Food, Even in Small Spaces
During World War II, nearly 40% of all fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. were grown in “victory gardens” at people’s homes. While backyard veggie patches aren’t as ubiquitous today, growing some of your own food is still an excellent way to save money and enjoy the freshest possible produce.
You don’t need a big yard, either. Many vegetables and herbs do well in containers on patios or balconies. Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, green onions, and many more are perfect for small-space gardening. Growing your food can trim your grocery budget, especially for organic produce, while giving you a rewarding sense of self-sufficiency.
4. Learning Practical Skills for DIY Projects
As with mending clothes and repairing household items, many other practical do-it-yourself skills have fallen out of fashion as we increasingly outsource tasks to professionals. Things our grandparents used to do around the house without a second thought, like basic plumbing, painting, or building simple furniture, have been lost.
Taking the time to learn and practice some of these hands-on skills means you can handle projects yourself instead of paying premium labor costs every time. Tackle minor home maintenance, update your decor, or make furniture and built-ins. You’ll save money on hiring pros while feeling empowered and accomplished.
5. Buying Used Instead of New Whenever Possible
There was a time when buying secondhand and accepting hand-me-downs wasn’t anything to be ashamed of. It was savvy. However, as low-cost mass manufacturing expanded and consumerism grew, always having the latest “new” thing became the expectation. Now, there’s an odd stigma against buying used.
In reality, gently used items are nearly always much more affordable than their brand-new counterparts while being just as functional. Let someone else pay the steep new premium while you enjoy the savings. Shop yard sales, thrift stores, online classifieds, and local Buy Nothing groups to find deals on everything from clothing to tools to furniture. Choosing used helps resist the consumerist drive to always have the latest model.
6. Finding Free or Low-Cost Entertainment
Nowadays, paid entertainment is constantly expected, such as dinners out, movies, arcades, concerts, classes, and more. Of course, these things are fun, but feeling like you need to spend money to experience joy and connection is a very limiting perspective.
Challenge yourself to find free or very low-cost entertainment options. There are often free days at museums, free outdoor concerts in local parks, community festivals, public library events, and more. Check Facebook event listings and sites like Eventbrite. To stay in, learn some new board games or teach yourself a craft like knitting. Host friends for potluck dinners and movie nights instead of heading to a restaurant or theater. A little creativity is all it takes.
7. Seeing Frugality as a Virtue to Take Pride In
Modern society often presents a negative view of frugality, equating it with being cheap or stingy. Spendthrift habits are glamorized, and making a thrifty choice in front of others can feel embarrassing. But it doesn’t need to be that way.
Throughout history, many cultures viewed frugality as an essential virtue worthy of respect. Hard-working, frugal folks were praised. You can adopt this same pride in your frugal lifestyle. Change your mindset to genuinely feel good about your thrifty choices, not ashamed of them. Hold your head high when you trim your own hair, bring leftovers for lunch, or arrive on your used bike. Frugality is a wise, empowering way to live.
Case Study: Oliver’s Frugal Journey
Oliver grew up in a family that valued hard work and smart spending. His parents taught him to appreciate what he had and find joy in the simple things. They cooked wholesome meals together, grew veggies and herbs in the backyard, and repaired their clothes and belongings to make them last.
They also found plenty of free, fun entertainment, like picnics, hikes, and game nights. Oliver learned practical skills, helped with projects around the house, and saw how satisfying that could be. Frugality was a natural, positive part of life. No one felt deprived, and there was still plenty of room for occasional treats and splurges.
Oliver still carried these frugal habits and skills as an adult and felt empowered by his ability to live well with less. He could save, avoid debt, and weather financial challenges more quickly than his peers. To Oliver, frugality provided freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Mending and repairing items instead of replacing them saves money and reduces waste.
- Cooking from scratch with whole ingredients is cheaper and healthier than prepared meals.
- Growing some food, even in small spaces, can reduce your grocery budget.
- Learning practical DIY skills lets you take on projects yourself instead of hiring expensive pros.
- Embracing secondhand shopping helps you avoid paying high premiums for brand-new goods.
- Finding free and low-cost entertainment options is easier than you think with a bit of creativity.
- Seeing frugality as a positive virtue to take pride in helps you feel good about your thrifty habits.
- Your lifestyle and mindset changes can make a big difference in your finances.
- Frugal living provides a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency that builds confidence.
- Frugality doesn’t mean deprivation; it means maximizing the value you get for your money.
Conclusion
Reviving these long-lost frugal habits takes some dedication, but the payoff is well worth it. When you embrace mending, cooking, growing, making, and buying used, you gain valuable skills while spending less and reducing waste. You’ll feel good about your choices and more in control of your finances.
Building lasting wealth isn’t just about earning the highest salary. It’s also about being thoughtful with how you use your money, whatever the amount. Living with intention and prioritizing your long-term financial health through daily habits is incredibly empowering. By reviving these lost frugal arts, you can live a richly satisfying life for much less.