People can learn valuable lessons about living frugally from their grandparents and great-grandparents, especially those from the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation. These generations faced tough times during the Great Depression and World War II, which taught them to be resourceful and careful with money. Many people who identify as frugal continue to seek advice on saving money. To gather tips from older generations, one person asked on Reddit for frugal lessons they still practice today. Here are some of the top suggestions shared by Reddit users:
In the kitchen, some people reuse items creatively. One user mentioned that their grandmother would rinse and reuse aluminum foil until it fell apart. They also save glass jars, use tape to label lids, turn old t-shirts into rags, and freeze vegetable scraps for making stock. Another user shared that they save butter wrappers in the fridge to grease baking pans and use a bit of vinegar or milk in empty condiment bottles to make salad dressing or other meals.
One user loves using Tostitos salsa jars for storing leftovers and creating meal portions. They find these jars very convenient. Another person stated that they only grocery shop when their fridge and freezer are completely empty, which helps them reduce food waste and encourages creativity in cooking.
A user reflected on their grandmother’s experience during the Great Depression, where she cared for her siblings on a very low wage. They learned from her to save leftover food, bacon grease, bread ends, and even coffee grounds for gardening. They remembered how their grandmother would paint pumpkins instead of carving them and then make pumpkin pie afterward.
When it comes to making money stretch further, some tips included comparing prices by item or ounce instead of by package. One user shared that their parents taught them to consider how much time they need to work to afford an item. For instance, when wanting a TV, they would think about how many babysitting jobs it would take to earn that money.
Lastly, a user recalled their grandfather’s advice about debt, noting that it can allow others to control you. They realized the truth of this as they entered their twenties.
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Source: Upworthy, by Upworthy Staff