13 Financial Tips from Depression-Era Survivors Still Useful Today
These are timeless financial tips from the Great Depression that can help you save money and live more sustainably today.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The Great Depression forced people to adopt frugal habits and resourceful strategies to survive economic hardships. Many of these practices remain relevant and beneficial in today’s uncertain financial climate. Embracing these time-tested methods can lead to a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle.
1. Cook from Scratch
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During the Great Depression, families saved money by preparing meals from basic ingredients rather than purchasing processed foods. Cooking from scratch not only reduces grocery bills but also allows for healthier eating. Learning to bake bread, make soups, and prepare meals at home can be both economical and rewarding.
2. Eat at Home
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Eating out was a luxury few could afford during the Great Depression. By dining at home, families saved money and strengthened their bonds. Today, preparing meals at home remains a cost-effective way to manage your budget and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
3. Grow Your Own Food
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Many Depression-era families cultivated gardens to supplement their food supply. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can reduce grocery expenses and provide fresh, nutritious produce. Even small container gardens can make a significant difference.
4. Make Your Own Cleaning
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Store-bought cleaners were often unaffordable during the Depression, leading families to create their own using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. DIY cleaning solutions are not only economical but also environmentally friendly.
5. Learn Basic Sewing
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Repairing clothes instead of replacing them was a common practice during the Depression. Learning basic sewing skills can extend the life of your garments and save money. Simple repairs like sewing buttons or mending tears are easy to learn and highly beneficial.
6. Stretch Your Meals
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Depression-era cooks mastered the art of making meals go further by incorporating inexpensive ingredients like beans, rice, and vegetables. Hearty soups and casseroles could feed more people with fewer resources.
7. Practice Portion Control
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With limited resources, families during the Depression learned to serve modest portions to ensure everyone was fed. Being mindful of portion sizes today can help reduce food waste and promote healthier eating habits.
8. Preserve Food
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Canning, drying, and fermenting were essential techniques for preserving food during the Depression. Learning these methods can help you take advantage of seasonal produce and reduce food spoilage.
9. Use Leftovers Creatively
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During the Depression, leftovers were never wasted; they were transformed into new meals. Repurposing leftovers into soups, stews, or casseroles can minimize waste and save money.
10. Limit Meat Consumption
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Meat was expensive and often scarce during the Depression, leading families to rely more on plant-based proteins. Incorporating more vegetables, legumes, and grains into your diet can be economical and healthy.
11. Repurpose and Reuse
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Depression-era households found new uses for old items, turning worn-out clothes into quilts or rags. Embracing a mindset of repurposing can reduce waste and save money.
12. Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
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Frugality was necessary during the Depression, with families carefully considering each purchase. Adopting a similar approach today can help you distinguish between wants and needs, leading to better financial decisions.
13. Find Free Entertainment
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Entertainment during the Great Depression often came from free or low-cost activities like storytelling, music, or games at home. Families made their own fun without spending money. Today, game nights, local events, or enjoying nature can be just as fulfilling without the cost.