May 08, 2025

Greetings!

The 1950s might've been a time of economic boom, but the mindset? Pure post-Depression grit. Families still stretched a dollar like their pantry depended on it—because not too long before, it really had.

And guess what? A lot of those thrifty habits are still gold today—maybe even more so. With everything from groceries to rent on the rise, looking back might be our best way forward.

Below are 4 money-saving tips from the 1950s that still work like a charm in 2025.

Be Well,
Anisa

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1. Budgeting with (Digital) Envelopes

Back then, it was literal envelopes filled with cash—groceries in one, rent in another, savings in the last. When it was gone, it was gone.

Now? We've got apps like Goodbudget and YNAB doing the digital version. Set spending limits by category, track what's left, and avoid the "where'd my money go?" spiral. It's simple, low-stress budgeting—and it works.

2. Cooking From Scratch Isn't Just Charming... It's Cheap

In the '50s, takeout wasn't really a thing. Families cooked with what they had—and made it work.

Fast-forward to today: the price gap between homemade and takeout is wider than ever. A basic meal at home can cost half (or less) of what you'd pay eating out. Plus, tools like slow cookers, pressure cookers, and meal-planning apps make it easier than ever to cook fresh without losing your evening. Bonus: you'll eat healthier, too.

3. "Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without"

This one's a whole lifestyle. In the 1950s, mending clothes and fixing appliances wasn't just normal—it was expected.

Now? We're surrounded by fast fashion and throwaway gadgets. But if you can resist the urge to replace, and instead repair, reuse, or simply wait, your wallet (and the planet) wins. Pro tip: learning a few basic fix-it skills pays off big time.

4. Grow What You Can—Even a Little

Victory gardens didn't disappear after WWII. Through the '50s, growing your own food was just smart.

In 2025, you don't need a backyard to do it. Container gardening, hydroponics, and vertical setups can grow herbs, tomatoes, peppers—you name it. Even growing a few high-cost items can save hundreds each year. It's satisfying, it's healthy, and it makes your grocery bill a little less scary.

Key Takeaways

- The envelope budgeting system works in digital form just like with physical cash.

- Cooking from essential ingredients typically costs 50–70% less than buying prepared foods or takeout.

- Repairing/maintaining items instead of replacing them saves money over time.

- Growing even a little of your food both saves you money and better nutrition.

- Frugality is not about deprivation but about prioritizing spending.

- Many frugal practices align with environmental sustainability, doubling benefits.

- Simple changes implemented can transform financial health over time.

- Learning basic skills (cooking, minor repairs, gardening) pays lifelong dividends.

In Closing...

Frugal living isn't about cutting corners, it's about building a life that's sustainable, intentional, and less stressful. And these old-school habits still deliver.

Which one will you try? I urge you to at least try one of these. Which one are you up for?

For me I have embraced trying to repair stuff myself. There are so many great YouTube videos that in so many cases it is easy. I have saved over a thousand dollars over the year by doing stuff myself!

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