Money Saving Tips From the Great Depression

These Money saving tips from the Great Depression teach timeless wisdom to today’s families. This devastating economic period from 1929 to 1939 saw unemployment reach about 25%. Americans had to adopt extreme frugality. “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” became their guiding principle as families endured America’s harshest economic downturn. These Depression-era money saving tips still work remarkably well in our modern economy.

Modern circumstances differ, yet these frugal living tips can greatly affect your household budget. Take cooking from scratch – it saves families hundreds of dollars on grocery bills. Growing vegetables at home yields big savings too. A single tomato plant produces 8-10 pounds of tomatoes, worth about $20. Homemade cleaning products work just as well as expensive commercial cleaners when you mix simple ingredients like vinegar and water. Living below your means builds financial resilience beyond just surviving tough times. This piece explores practical strategies that prove a penny saved is a penny earned. Embracing frugality leads to lasting financial security, even in today’s world.

Simple Money Saving Tips from the Great Depression

American families found amazing ways to save money during the Great Depression that would revolutionize how they managed their households. These smart money-saving tricks didn’t just help them get by—they became habits passed down through generations to help families handle tough financial times. These time-tested approaches still work remarkably well today.

Cook From Scratch to Cut Grocery Bills

Depression-era kitchens ran on pure resourcefulness. Families made meals from simple pantry items instead of buying processed foods. “One of the really interesting characteristics of these Depression menus is that the ingredients seem to have nothing to say to one another,” notes culinary historian Jane Ziegelman. These unusual combinations still kept everyone fed.

Cooking from scratch wasn’t just another money-saving trick—people needed it to survive. Making bread at home with flour, yeast, salt, and water became part of daily life. Families stretched their budgets by turning simple ingredients into creative dishes. They bought cheaper cuts like liver and salt pork—the ones “the better-offs didn’t want”.

Beans became the life-blood of Depression meals, working as both protein and filler. “The number one crop and food my dad had during the Great Depression was beans,” reports one historical account. Simple ingredients like flour and cornmeal turned into everything from biscuits to cornbread and formed the foundations of countless meals.

Depression-era cooks became masters of substitution. When eggs ran low, they found that 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons of water could replace an egg in recipes. This kind of creative thinking shows us that living on less means looking beyond usual cooking methods.

Use Every Part of What You Buy

“Waste not, want not” wasn’t just clever words—it was a fundamental Depression-era principle that shaped daily life. Families employed every edible part of their food, from roots to stems and nose to tail.

“Most veggie peelings and waste was used for making broth,” recalls one descendant of Depression survivors. A chicken carcass became soup stock, vegetable scraps flavored stews, and fruit peels turned into homemade vinegar. One chicken provided several meals—first roasted for dinner, then cold slices for lunch, and finally the bones made soup.

Things we throw away today were valuable back then. Bread ends became breadcrumbs or pudding, people reused coffee grounds, and cooking fats were saved carefully. This detailed approach to resources showed how saving every penny helped families survive.

Wear Clothes More Than Once Before Washing

Clothing care offered another way Depression-era families saved money. People usually wore their clothes several times before washing them, which saved water, soap, and protected the fabric.

Spot cleaning became a crucial skill. People learned to clean specific stained areas while keeping the rest of the garment intact instead of washing the whole thing.

Doing laundry took real effort back then. “Before washing clothes was as simple a process as filling the washing machine, adding soap and turning it on, laundry was an arduous, seemingly endless task,” notes one historical account. This tough process made people wear their clothes longer between washes.

Hand-washing with washboards and mangles, followed by line-drying and using heated metal irons made conservation essential. Wearing clothes longer saved both the clothing and energy—showing how being thrifty often means rethinking our habits.

These simple Depression-era saving tips show us that being resourceful isn’t just about getting through hard times—it’s about building green habits that create financial strength whatever the economic situation.

Frugal Living Tips from the Great Depression for Your Home

Self-sufficiency at home stands out among the most practical money-saving tips from the Great Depression. Families who survived those tough economic times came up with clever strategies to run their households on minimal expenses. These methods became lasting habits that helped generations thrive despite the lack of resources.

Grow Your Own Food Even in Small Spaces

Food production at home became crucial during the Great Depression as families tried to stretch every dollar. Victory Gardens weren’t just patriotic—they became economic necessities. The back-to-the-land movement swept across America in 1933, and city dwellers formed small communities to grow their own food. People without large yards still found ways to produce food.

“My mother was a little girl of four when the Great Depression began… My grandmother tended the garden and raised a few dozen chickens. For a family of nine there was never enough of anything,” recalled one Depression survivor.

City residents created innovative solutions with window boxes, container gardens, and community plots. People who planted early when trouble started had a clear advantage. Depression-era money-saving tips included growing versatile crops like beans, tomatoes, and leafy greens that gave maximum nutrition for minimal investment.

Small-scale egg production proved to be a great way to get extra food throughout the Depression. “Chickens were also versatile. Unwanted roosters were harvested and processed by the family for roasting and frying,” reported one family history. Chickens ate kitchen scraps, garden weeds, and insects naturally, which meant minimal purchased feed—showing how resourcefulness helps you live below your means.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Homemade cleaning supplies became essential money-saving tips when store-bought products were unaffordable luxuries. White vinegar and baking soda are the foundations of depression-era cleaning.

A housekeeping handbook from the 1930s recommended these simple cleaning supplies:

1. Vinegar for cleaning glass, windows, removing soap scum and grease
2. Baking soda for scrubbing surfaces, pots, pans, and toilets
3. Ammonia diluted with water for deeper cleaning needs
4. Lemon peels for natural deodorizing and disinfecting

“Vinegar is wonderful for cleaning so many things! Plus you can usually buy it for a dollar or less,” notes one frugality expert. Families saved substantially by making these simple substitutions, proving that a penny saved is a penny earned through practical chemistry.

Laundry costs hit families hard, but they fought back with frugal solutions. One depression-era recipe called for “one pound of clean unsalted fat warmed and then 14 oz of lye solution” with ammonia and borax added as extra cleaners.

Reuse and Repurpose Household Items

The most creative money-saving tips from the Depression involved giving new life to items we’d throw away today. The simple rule was “use it up, wear it out, make do or do without”.

“During the Great Depression, when times were unimaginably tough, people relied heavily on repurposing household items to survive,” explains one historical account. Flour sacks became a rich source of fabric as manufacturers started printing pretty patterns on them because families used them to sew dresses, aprons, and curtains.

Common items found new purposes everywhere. Old tires became shoe soles, garden beds, or building materials. Glass bottles and jars stored liquids or preserved foods after washing. Newspapers cleaned windows when dampened with vinegar and provided insulation in walls during cold winters.

These Depression-era money-saving tips show that frugality isn’t about deprivation—it’s about resourcefulness. Modern families can cut household expenses substantially and build resilience against economic uncertainty by adopting even a few of these techniques.

Smart Shopping Habits That Still Work Today

The Great Depression’s shopping strategies still provide great money saving tips for today’s consumers. Bank failures hit between one-third and half of all U.S. financial institutions during this time. Americans learned to shop smart and get the most value for their money.

Buy Secondhand Whenever Possible

Secondhand shopping became a crucial money saving tip during the Great Depression as new items turned into unaffordable luxuries. The 125-year old “Salvation Brigade” started in 1897 by collecting items they could resell or fix up. Brick-and-mortar Salvation Army “family thrift” stores popped up across America in the 1920s. They expanded their collections with truck fleets that picked up donated items.

The Great Depression’s economic pressure wiped away any stigma about buying pre-owned goods. Yes, it is worth noting that by 1929, The Salvation Army’s resale shop sales made up more than half their annual budget. Secondhand shopping remains popular as Americans look for ways to save money while being frugal.

Use Cash to Control Spending

Cash became a vital part of frugal living tips from the Great Depression, especially after many Americans lost their life savings to failed banks. People rushed to sell assets for cash during the 1929 economic panic. This led to increased money demand throughout the economy from 1930-1931.

People who managed to keep physical currency had the biggest advantages. Cash payments make you instantly aware of your spending in a way digital transactions don’t. Historical records show that people with cash “were able to benefit from the plummeting asset prices around the world”.

Physical currency for groceries, restaurants, and daily expenses naturally helps you spend more carefully—a key strategy to live below your means whatever the economic situation.

Plan Errands to Save Gas and Time

Transportation costs stayed high even during the Depression. This made smart trip planning essential. Families learned to unite their trips and errands to cut down driving time and miles. People didn’t run to stores for single items—they got everything they needed in one weekly market trip.

To save on fuel:

• Pick one spot for banking, grocery shopping, and other tasks
• “Comparison shop” by phone or through newspaper ads before heading out
• Add errands to your daily commute when you can

The Department of Energy shows aggressive driving can cut fuel economy by 33% at highway speeds. Every penny counts through careful planning—doing all errands in one day each week saves gas and stops impulse buying from frequent store visits.

Stretching Every Dollar: Lessons from the Past

Resourceful living during economic hardship relied heavily on practical skills. Money-saving techniques from the Great Depression went beyond simple penny-pinching – they helped families survive through challenging times.

Learn Simple Sewing and Mending Skills

Families saved money by extending their clothing’s life through repairs. People became skilled at essential techniques like darning (weaving thread across holes in fabric), patching worn areas, and replacing buttons instead of buying new garments. A complete mending kit contained:

• Needles, thread, thimble, and scissors
• Button assortment in common sizes
• Patches and scrap fabric for repairs
• Simple measuring tools like tape measures

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” became the mantra for clothing maintenance. Families spent evenings together repairing clothes and teaching children valuable skills like turning worn collars, mending tears, and hemming pants. These skills helped them live within their means throughout life.

Preserve Food to Avoid Waste

Families looked to maximize their harvests through food preservation. Home canning became vital—as one survivor remembered, “Home-canned produce kept our family fed during the Depression years”. Safety remained paramount as families followed strict rules like “No more than four hours from garden to jar”.

Seasonal abundance preservation prevented waste and ensured year-round nutrition. Households wanted to can “at least two quarts of vegetables and a quart of fruit for each day of the coming year”. This practice of frugality prevented hunger and provided dietary variety during lean times.

Use Things Up Before Replacing Them

The Depression era taught people to use items until they were completely depleted. Frugal living emphasized getting maximum value from everything owned.

People saved bacon grease for cooking, transformed bread bags into sandwich wraps, and turned old towels into washcloths. Empty containers found new purposes—large yogurt tubs stored leftovers, while butter containers held various items.

Modern households can substantially reduce expenses and build resilience against economic uncertainty by adopting these practices. The philosophy teaches that mindful consumption, rather than constant replacement, helps save money effectively.

Building a Frugal Lifestyle for the Future

The Great Depression’s money saving tips offer more than just practical advice. Their philosophical approach to finances can revolutionize your money mindset and help you build lasting financial stability no matter the economic conditions.

Live Below Your Means for Long-term Success

Money saving wisdom from the Great Depression teaches us a simple truth – your expenses should stay below your income. Recent studies show that a quarter of U.S. consumers live paycheck to paycheck without saving or investing. Living below your means creates a significant buffer against tough times.

Frugality doesn’t mean depriving yourself. The focus stays on spending that matches your priorities. Research proves that frugal people enjoy better physical and mental health. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary debt and lets you invest in building lasting wealth.

Understand that Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

This wisdom predates Benjamin Franklin. Richard Capel’s 1637 book first recorded it as “Hence men are more glad of a penny saved than of a penny gotten”. All the same, this timeless advice from the Depression era shows us that keeping your money works better than chasing more income.

Math supports this wisdom. Financial experts show that saving one risk-free penny equals two pennies of expected but uncertain income. Frugal habits give you steady financial progress compared to risky investments.

Teach Frugality to the Next Generation

The Depression era’s most valuable financial lessons center on teaching children about money. Start with simple concepts through allowances and savings accounts. Modern research reveals that 92% of Americans see frugality as an attractive trait in partners, showing its lasting importance.

Children need to learn to separate needs from wants early. Schools rarely cover financial education, but parents can step in with hands-on lessons. Getting kids involved in coupon clipping, clothes mending, or vegetable growing teaches them self-sufficiency and smart money habits.

These lessons create a legacy of financial knowledge. Your family’s embrace of Depression-era money wisdom ensures financial strength for generations ahead.

Money Saving Tips From the Great Depression Frequently Asked Question

What were Some Effective Money-saving Strategies during the Great Depression?

People during the Great Depression employed various tactics to save money, such as growing their own food in gardens, preserving food through canning, repairing and mending clothes instead of buying new ones, and using every part of what they purchased to avoid waste. They also made their own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

How Can I Apply Depression-era Wisdom to Save Money Today?

You can apply Depression-era wisdom by cooking meals from scratch, buying secondhand items when possible, learning basic repair skills, and growing some of your own food even in small spaces. Additionally, adopting a “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” mentality can help you maximize the value of your possessions and reduce unnecessary spending.

Is It Worth Making My Own Household Products to Save Money?

Yes, making your own household products can lead to significant savings. For example, creating homemade cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be both effective and economical. However, it’s important to compare the cost of ingredients and your time investment against store-bought alternatives to ensure it’s truly beneficial for your situation.

How Can I teach My Children about Frugality and Smart Money Management?

You can teach children about frugality by involving them in budget-friendly activities like gardening, cooking from scratch, and repairing items. Introduce concepts like distinguishing between needs and wants, and demonstrate practical money-saving techniques such as comparison shopping and using cash for purchases. These lessons can help build a strong foundation for financial literacy and responsible spending habits.

What are Some Modern Equivalents to Depression-era Money-saving Tips?

Modern equivalents to Depression-era tips include using budgeting apps to track spending, taking advantage of cashback and rewards programs, utilizing online marketplaces for secondhand purchases, and learning DIY skills through online tutorials. Additionally, adopting a minimalist lifestyle, meal planning to reduce food waste, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions are contemporary approaches that align with Depression-era frugality.

What Role Did Bartering Play in Everyday Life During the Great Depression?

Bartering became a common practice during the Great Depression as many people lacked cash. Individuals traded goods and services directly, such as exchanging homegrown vegetables for eggs or offering sewing repairs in return for firewood. This informal system helped communities meet basic needs without spending money, reinforcing self-sufficiency and neighborly cooperation.

How Can I Practice Financial Resilience in Times of Economic Uncertainty?

To build financial resilience, focus on living below your means, building an emergency fund, reducing debt, and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Learning to adapt, being resourceful with what you have, and maintaining multiple income streams can help you better weather economic downturns, much like families did during the Great Depression.

Are There Benefits to Embracing a Simpler Lifestyle Today?

Yes, embracing a simpler lifestyle can reduce financial stress and bring more intentionality to your spending. By focusing on essential needs, avoiding impulse buying, and appreciating non-material joys like time with family, many people find greater satisfaction and mental clarity. This mindset mirrors the resourcefulness and minimalism of Depression-era households.

How Did Families Entertain Themselves Without Spending Money in the 1930s?

During the 1930s, families often turned to free or low-cost entertainment options. Common pastimes included board games, reading books, storytelling, music played at home, and community events like church socials or local dances. These activities strengthened family bonds and promoted creativity without straining finances.

What Skills Were Considered Essential for Self-sufficiency During the Great Depression?

Essential skills included sewing, gardening, carpentry, food preservation, and basic mechanical repair. These abilities allowed individuals and families to be more self-reliant, minimizing dependence on outside services. Many of these skills remain valuable today for those looking to save money and live more sustainably.