25 Depression-Era Money Saving Tips I Learned From Grandma (THAT WORK TODAY)!!

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
  • Ready for some depression era money saving tips that will save your budget?
    When money is tight and times are tough, we have to cut back on our spending and return to our roots. Learn these frugal tips from the great depression that are still relevant today.
    Whether you need to save money because the price of everything is on the rise or you're getting ready for some big life changes, taking these golden nuggets and applying them to your life will help you manage money better!
    For more depression-era tips, check out this article: frozenpennies....
    Book References in video, The Backyard Homestead: amzn.to/3DD4LIT

Komentáře • 362

  • @saraconklinfrozenpennies

    Did your grandparents teach you any favorite frugal tips?

    • @flossiepal
      @flossiepal Před rokem +23

      My grandma would cut up our school papers and use them for writing notes and lists. She thought writing on one-side of a sheet of paper was a waste. Glass jars were saved and used to make jams, jellies, preserves. Tin cans were saved and used for starting seedlings during the winter. They also held nuts & bolts. I don't remember why tin cans because she canned food in glass jars. Flower beds included vegetables and she was phenomenal at companion planting. Remember that roses love garlic. Clothes were patched within an inch of their life. Buttons and zippers were removed from clothing that couldn't be reused and used when mending the ones you owned or when sewing new ones. Those unusable clothes were then cut up to be used for rags around the house and given to her brothers who were farmers and ranchers and constantly working on machinery. Old dresses had the skirts removed to make clothes for babies and small children or quilt scraps. Everything was reused. In today's world my grandma would be considered a "hoarder". I still do a few of the things I learned from her. My son now calls me a "hoarder." 😂I don't care, at the rate things are changing, he will be grateful for what he learned from me.

    • @kerryjames6312
      @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +10

      @@flossiepal I do same dresses can be repurposed into skirts shirts long sleeves into t shirts pants into shorts you get the idea well done

    • @elizabethkoeppl121
      @elizabethkoeppl121 Před rokem +9

      Repurpose plastic containers (quart and pint size) for freezing homemade soups, wash and dry out ziploc bags, save vegetable scraps to put in a stock pot for vegetable stock....do same with chicken and turkey bones, buy discounted vegetables and fruits at grocery store to dehydrate, garden and can, get a couple of chickens if you are able for eggs.

    • @jbalconi5922
      @jbalconi5922 Před rokem +6

      @@elizabethkoeppl121 The vegetable scrap container is one of my favorites. It was also great for soon-to-go-bad vegetables that weren't needed for the week's menu.

    • @jbalconi5922
      @jbalconi5922 Před rokem +9

      My grandfathers had "work clothes" that were probably left over from his job in the mines. From cap to shoes, they had patches, paint-splotches, and varnish stains. When we kids were doing a messy project, our grandmothers dressed us in "smocks" which were really our grandparents' old blouses or dress-shirts that hung past our knees.

  • @grinning_owl
    @grinning_owl Před 10 měsíci +5

    Learn how to unravel sweaters to salvage the yarn. Find them in thrift stores. There are lots of YT videos that teach how to unravel them, how to clean the yarn, and how to dye it.

  • @nonnapapera3044
    @nonnapapera3044 Před rokem +11

    The "eating out" thing always amazes me, as a southern european (who gives a lot of importance to food) living in a rural area and going out for dinner maybe once a year... Anytime I stumble upon this kind of advice I think "but you (americans) have such wonderful-hitech-big kitchen... I'd love to cook in that amazing spaces!". I've never been in the US so I'm aware this is a superficial (and TV-based) point of view, but I can't help thinking about those huge refrigerators I see in TV shows! :D ). I hope my english is good enough. Have a good day

    • @nonnapapera3044
      @nonnapapera3044 Před rokem +2

      @@echognomecal6742I suppose my main bias is to associate "eating out" with wealth... I grew up in a low income family, eating out was something out of our reach. Wealthy people did it, so in my mind it became something connected with that. So my fallacy is this one: if a family eats out a lot, it means it is a rich one. And if it is a rich one, surely has a big functional kitchen... But if I think twice I definetely understand that is not that simple and even that a fast food meal maybe is less expensive than cooking at home. Anyway, I have a tiny kitchen but a huge garden and I really love cooking, so if you are planning to visit Italy I'll be happy to share a dinner and improve my english with you :)

    • @nonnapapera3044
      @nonnapapera3044 Před rokem +1

      @@echognomecal6742 garlic is one of my favourite, cause when you grow it yourself you can eat it in different stages and we really love to eat its fresh young leaves and the scapes! Nobody sell them in the stores so if you want a garlic scape you have to grow it. No choice :D

    • @nonnapapera3044
      @nonnapapera3044 Před rokem

      @@echognomecal6742 so happy to find a fellow gardener! I wish you an amazing harvest!

  • @1mourningdove54
    @1mourningdove54 Před rokem +97

    When I was working in health care, one of my co-workers made fun of me because I had glued part of my shoe together. I just laughed inside because I owned my own mobile home free and clear, and had no debts in the world, and she rented her sister-in-law's house and had debt out the ears. Some of them teased me because I brought my lunch every day while they went to McDonalds. Lots of people just have NO idea how to manage money.

    • @cherylcook1942
      @cherylcook1942 Před rokem

      A lovely story. But you weren't managing money, you were managing poverty.

    • @cavhutch
      @cavhutch Před rokem +4

      I'm amazed how many people still eat out - and leave half of the meal on the plate!!!

    • @1mourningdove54
      @1mourningdove54 Před rokem +3

      @@cavhutch Me too! When I do eat out, which is rarely, I always bring part of it home for the next day since I can't usually eat it all anyway. Then I feel a little more justified in spending the money.

    • @ycleiva
      @ycleiva Před rokem +2

      Good for you! I don’t mind people thinking I am always broke ❤

    • @1mourningdove54
      @1mourningdove54 Před rokem

      Oh you poor thing.......

  • @judithrobinson8344
    @judithrobinson8344 Před rokem +79

    My parents did not have a lot of money so grew there own vegetables and fruit . My mum saved weekly from my dads pay for Christmas and birthdays and anything we needed She made all our clothes. On a Friday wasbaking day for all the ladies in our street, everyone made different things ie. bread, pies, biscuits and cakes and they all shared what they baked so we had plenty to eat. Wonderful days

    • @johnclaybaugh9536
      @johnclaybaugh9536 Před rokem +7

      Fewer people lived in apartments back then and could have actual gardens. Now we live in apartment buildings and the neighbors are shooting durgs.

  • @mamabear4576
    @mamabear4576 Před rokem +106

    One that we've learned in our family of 6 is that you DO NOT need to wash your jeans every single wear. This prolongs their life also!

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +4

      We do this too!

    • @gwenj5419
      @gwenj5419 Před rokem +16

      True of almost all clothes. I only wash mine when they have spots or don't pass the smell test.

    • @repentbeforeitstoolate..8239
      @repentbeforeitstoolate..8239 Před rokem +4

      Wash clothes after only 1 day on !!. RIDICULOUS

    • @LydiaKrow
      @LydiaKrow Před rokem +6

      People don't seem to know what underwear are for.. you change those every day and wash the clothes only when they are soiled. Jeans (denim) and wool (like merino wool) can be worn quite a bit!

  • @olderandwiser78
    @olderandwiser78 Před rokem +33

    I have been frugal my whole life. I am 77 and have grown a garden since I was 8. I always canned and froze the food for winter. The pantry and freezer is stocked with food bought on sale or preserved. When I was a kid I had to take off my school clothes immediately when I got home and change into play clothes. The shoes were left at the kitchen door. Those school clothes were worn for 2 or 3 days before they went into the laundry. Mom did wash on Mondays which was hung on the line. There was no daily shower or bath. Bathing 2 or 3 times a week was plenty, with washing the essential areas daily with a wash at the sink. I learned to cut my families hair including my husband and my own. He never ate lunch out at work and brown bagged it everyday. The kids carried their lunch to school. There was no pop in the house or drink pouches. The meals were made from scratch with none of this packaged processed food. We don't need instant rice or potatoes. Insta-pots and rice cookers make the task easy. For an easy meal buy a roasted chicken and have it for one meal, make chicken salad or a casserole for the next night and boil the carcass with celery, onions, carrots and seasoning to make chicken broth or soup. Learn to mend or fix things yourself. Recently the brush on my upright vacuum stopped turning. I opened it up and saw that the belt was broken. It looked like it was an easy fix, so I ordered 2 belts online for $6 and put it on myself. A few years ago my dryer was making a thunking noise. I went onto CZcams and there was a video that said if your dryer makes this noise, this is the problem. I determined that it was the drum rollers that were bad. Another video explained how to change out the rollers. For $25 in parts it was fixed. Also using CZcams I changed the battery in my truck. There are plenty of ways to save money if we use our brains and the hands that God gave us.

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem

      All of your childhood memories were the same as mine.

  • @windygreco2492
    @windygreco2492 Před rokem +53

    My grandmother used to save everything so she could reuse it until couldn't use it anymore. She would patch her clothes yarn socks cut buttons off of Old shirts and reuse them. Cut pant legs off to make shorts. Use newspapers to clean her windows , use handkerchiefs and rags to clean the house with plus she used to hang her clothes a clothesline. I used to go pay my grandmother's bills for her she would always have them in an envelope to the penny and she would say to me make sure you pay them with these envelopes and bring them back to me so I can reuse them. She taught me a lot of things and you know I still use them today . I was blessed to have her around for 89 years. Oh by the way I love your channel too.

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +5

      Thanks so much! I miss my gram every day. She really was my best friend!

    • @luanngates4982
      @luanngates4982 Před rokem

      Ml

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem

      Use it up; wear it out; make it do; do without.

    • @terryhickman7929
      @terryhickman7929 Před 11 měsíci

      I think the use of newspapers to clean windows was back when newspaper ink was oil-based. Most are soy-based now, I think. I don't think it works quite as well now. But there are still old stained and holey dish-drying rags one can wash and use for cleaning!

  • @marciawhite7448
    @marciawhite7448 Před rokem +49

    Love your ideas. I'm 69 years of age and I'm so thankful I learned to sew and crochet. I never throw anything away because I know I could give it a second life. God bless you.

  • @mmc3731
    @mmc3731 Před rokem +6

    I’m a widow and recently retired. I found this gem online - free bus tours for 50 & up. Yes, I believe in using only cash and doing away with credit cards. That’s my 2023 major goal. Thanks for your frugal tips.

  • @Luvnsummer
    @Luvnsummer Před rokem +32

    Great tips! I did those things in the 80's with my young family - only 1 pay check coming in. I left the workforce because after paying childcare, gas, work clothes etc, I was only bringing home $50. Anyway my favorite thing was "Mom's Burgers" takeout. I would take everyone's special order - cook it all with baked ff's, wrap it in waxed paper, put in paper bags with label's "Peter's Yummy Burger (etc), put all in a warm oven while I cleaned the kitchen, then put all in a grocery bag, set outside the front door and rang the doorbell. The kids would run to the front door and bring in the dinner! It was fun and our version of going out for fast food😊 Saved a fortune!

  • @mariahsmom9457
    @mariahsmom9457 Před rokem +3

    I started a vegetable garden this year as a hobby. There is definitely some financial outlay the first year with chicken wire, tools, stakes, all that kind of thing. But I also learned to sprout so next year I will have most of the equipment AND I am going to sprout a lot of veg.

  • @vw418
    @vw418 Před rokem +69

    I like to put oatmeal, fruit, milk, honey & cinnamon in the almost empty peanut butter jar. It taste so good and helps me use it up
    Overnight oats works just the same 😊

  • @mommam.6101
    @mommam.6101 Před rokem +34

    I was raised by parents who were young adults during the depression, so I’ve always been frugal. I have always a saved portion of whatever money I had. The secret is to pay yourself first and live on what’s left. Right now, at 82 years of age, my house and car are paid for and I take in a little less than $1200 a month Social Security. I automatically save $200 a month transferred to my savings account, And even with the recent inflation, at the end of the month I’ve been able to transfer an extra $100 to savings. I’m saving for my old age ha ha. I do have a couple of bad habits, food doesn’t appeal to me anymore so I dump a lot out for the crows in my neighborhood, and I like to grab a hamburger or Chinese takeout once or twice a month. In 1958, just graduated from high school, I had a job where I took in $32 a week. I managed to save about $1500 in about 3 years and I could have made a down payment on a house. A bad marriage put an end to that plan.

  • @jonnaborosky8836
    @jonnaborosky8836 Před rokem +58

    Done all that for decades. So glad to hear the younger generation knows to do the same! You gave me great encouragement for coming generations!. 😊

  • @helgabastianello8551
    @helgabastianello8551 Před rokem +4

    I rinse my peanut butter jar (homemade) by making delicious salad drizzles!!

  • @kathyharmon2093
    @kathyharmon2093 Před rokem +13

    I purchased steak’s on sale this past summer and when I grilled them for my son and I they were rather on the chewy side😡and I had bought multiple packs because they were on sale so today I grabbed a package put it in my instant pot with tomato juice onions garlic and spices and made beef vegetable soup, it was out of this world 😊 Love my instant pot, very economical to use and turned that tough meat into a gourmet meal 😋

  • @DebiGoldben
    @DebiGoldben Před 5 měsíci +2

    My daughter found a pair of pants the other day for a dollar that need a button. We have buttons and that’s a very easy fix.

  • @jessicamonday7966
    @jessicamonday7966 Před rokem +5

    I do surveys online for reward cards, we also scrap metal, babysitting, pick up cans,

  • @inspired9239
    @inspired9239 Před rokem +20

    Thank you, Sara. To your "repair" suggestion, might I also add, when something breaks or just stops working, the first question to ask yourself is not who to call to fix it, but "how can I fix this myself?" When the heating element to my 16 year old electric oven burnt a hole through the element, I got on YT to find out what to do. I found out, yes I could fix it myself and so I did. I must've saved myself probably more than a hundred dollars taking that initiative. YT is a great go-to source because you get the visual along with the 'how-to' to repair it yourself.👍

  • @trkstatrksta8410
    @trkstatrksta8410 Před rokem +39

    My two seater, 45 year old comfy lounge finally fell apart. Too expensive to reupholster. I was wandering around in our local second hand store and saw a Moran, two seater genuine leather lounge in excellent condition for $14.95 and bought it!!!! That's what I call a bargain😃😃😃

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +3

      Oh wow! That' an amazing find! Good for you!!

    • @rkh7904
      @rkh7904 Před rokem

      That's is an outstanding bargain.I hope to find such a great find one day.We have hade our lounge since 80s and it's ready for a replacement.Looking for quality not the junk out there today.

  • @carolwintx8248
    @carolwintx8248 Před rokem +28

    I so agree about lighting. I rarely use overhead lights. And I turn lights out immediately when I’m done in the room or area. I’m very stingy

  • @CookingLessonsforDad
    @CookingLessonsforDad Před rokem +16

    Cooking is my favorite hobby. Eating is my husband’s favorite hobby. We are a perfect match😊

  • @Truthinthestarspsk
    @Truthinthestarspsk Před rokem +16

    Instead of throwing banana peels away, soak them in a container of water for a few days, and water your plants with it ~ plants love the potasium! And don’t throw your chicken or turkey carcass away (or ham bones, beef bones) make homemade stock that you can keep in your freezer ~ Lots of videos on yt on how to make stock.
    Fantastic info & video!! 👍

  • @suechris9610
    @suechris9610 Před rokem +1

    Yes !!! I used to work with children and one little girls shoes fastened with buttons. She lost one and her mom said she would have to buy more shoes and bin the others.
    I said bring the shoes in to me the next day, I sewed the button back on and the mom couldn't believe is saved her £20 on new shoes.
    It's such a basic skill. Can save you £ $ € in the end.

  • @sallydunbar1683
    @sallydunbar1683 Před rokem +22

    We use credit cards for the rewards! They are paid in full every month and we appreciate the rewards. I need them for online shopping also.
    I appreciate your concise posts as I only have so much time online. Glad I found your channel!

    • @loriella6250
      @loriella6250 Před rokem +1

      Agreed. I have one card and redeem my rewards towards the balance. I pay the balance in full monthly, never pay interest.

    • @DebiGoldben
      @DebiGoldben Před 5 měsíci

      This is what I do as well. I know a lot of people save up their rewards for a vacation or something that is a want instead of a need. I am not someone who feels the need to go on vacation because I love my home and my yard, so I just use the rewards as cash back to my card.

  • @dewuknowHIM
    @dewuknowHIM Před 5 měsíci +1

    In my 70s and still using all those tips mama taught me...
    I do all 25 of those....lol !
    😂❤

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +5

    Take care of what you have yes I compost and feed wild life

  • @karinscott4455
    @karinscott4455 Před rokem +3

    Use your library! It floors me to read Amazon reviews with people bemoaning spending money on a book they hated. That's a lot of money! Reading is free and a blast. If you don't like it, just return and try another. All free. Movies and stuff, too.

    • @joannpowers927
      @joannpowers927 Před 2 měsíci

      Libraries also have music to check out, plus audio books to check out and listen to on trips or while cleaning. Plus many have classes for free, even passes for museums and activities, just ask what might be available!!

  • @unpredictable913
    @unpredictable913 Před rokem +2

    Great tips, thank you for sharing them with us.

  • @carolyearsley
    @carolyearsley Před rokem +15

    My grandmother saved all her meat grease in a can near the stove, to reuse when frying up eggs and other foods.
    Nowadays, leftover vegetables can also be added to dog food to improve the nutrition. Dogs have similar nutrition needs as humans, and like the variety, too. Freeze up the extra in individual portions to use later.

  • @kathryncooper4001
    @kathryncooper4001 Před rokem +21

    I'm a legendary tightwad, and I live much like you do. One big difference is that I use my rewards credit cards for nearly everything. I have no debt, and I don't charge anything unless I have the cash to pay the bill when it arrives in the mail, but I calculate that I save about $1300 a year by using my grocery store credit card for special prices, digital coupons, and fuel discounts, typically $1.25 off per gallon. I buy household products only after searching online for prices to compare. I buy clothes, household goods, and even gift items at a local upscale thrift store. I'm not scrolling through my phone when watching TV; I'm embroidering or crocheting, so I do need good lighting -- nothing but low-cost LED bulbs. I made flannel makeup pads to apply my facial toner, flannel kitchen wipes to replace paper towels, flannel bathroom wipes to replace toilet paper, and make my own table linens ... and use handkerchiefs instead of tissues. I make my own laundry detergent (takes only 5 minutes), facial serum, toilet bowl cleaner, underarm deodorant, and dishwasher soap. I live very well on a poverty level income -- it just takes a little imagination.

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +2

      This is fantastic! I want to be just like you when I grow up! Great job!!!

    • @maebarlow7398
      @maebarlow7398 Před rokem +4

      You are probably much healthier too as you aren't consuming and putting chemicals on your body.

    • @arleneporter2317
      @arleneporter2317 Před rokem +1

      I make my own cleaning supplies except for my scrubbing bubbles for the toilet. Saves a lot. I don't make my laundry detergent. With coupons, sales and rebates I get Persil very inexpensively and normally I use half as much as they call for.

  • @julierahn6932
    @julierahn6932 Před rokem +8

    use a dryer rack since university days (decades ago) -
    towels last longer & everything smells wonderful when dried outdoors

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +8

    I like walking along beach pack packed lunch a cheap coffee library read free magazines newspapers I am very stingy with electricity lol I use sun light day light

    • @carolwintx8248
      @carolwintx8248 Před rokem +2

      I love reading magazines at the library! Most people aren’t aware of that free entertainment.

  • @chsrlottetaylor5804
    @chsrlottetaylor5804 Před rokem +7

    I use half a cup of baking soda per load of clothes it brightens and helps your detergent to work better and it's cheap better than the expensive stuff.

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem +1

      Do you also put in detergent, or just the baking soda? I have heard of this before but did not know how much or whether to use it alone.

    • @happycook6737
      @happycook6737 Před rokem +1

      I get a big tub of powdered odor remover for $11. On a cost per use basis much cheaper than washing or baking soda and works better too.

  • @jstanley8545
    @jstanley8545 Před 2 měsíci

    I tell people that I have a solar clothes dryer. One tip I learned is using a half cup of white vinegar in the rinse water to soften the clothes. If you want to take the "stiffness" out of the clothes from the line, then use the fluff (non heat) cycle of the clothes dryer. Five to ten minutes is all you need. Yes, you are using some electricity, but it's way cheaper than drying the entire load in the clothes dryer.

  • @marymartinez1672
    @marymartinez1672 Před rokem +1

    GOOD TIPS !! THE HOST IS FUNNY TOO !!😂

  • @pou618
    @pou618 Před rokem +3

    Grandmas and aprons ♥️

  • @williambent9636
    @williambent9636 Před rokem +9

    Loved your list. I could add one: #26 Do not buy exercise equipment or pay for a gym or classes to exercise. Instead go for a daily walk with a friend or alone to contemplate and get close to nature, or garden. You will definitely see results and feel better, without spending a dime. A decent pair of shoes is all you need. I buy used Nike or other top brands, along with almost all of my clothes, at thrift stores. Also develop a love of vintage. When you buy an antique it generally goes up in value, not down, and will last forever, too.

  • @musicleeinclined
    @musicleeinclined Před rokem +7

    That scraping tool is from Pampered Chef. It is amazing. I've been upgrading things to Pampered Chef lately so I can have better quality. I've had parties, got things at thrift stores, and bought on Facebook to save money. I've had my chopper since the 90s. Things are made well.

  • @marcielynn4886
    @marcielynn4886 Před rokem +1

    I have no utilities hooked to my home. I collect water. Have a solar system. Battery bank and inverter with load controller. Use a 12 volt pump, an on demand propane water heater.. Propane fridge and stove. Everything I have is paid in full.

  • @francisraffle2948
    @francisraffle2948 Před rokem +2

    I live in England I always use cash I go the charity shop I've got a 2 seater settee and chair and pouffe a sideboard and a fridge freezer all so inexpensive I hate looking for furniture the sales people pounce on you as soon as you start looking round .when the grandchildren were little we used to have a pizza film night 3 big pizzas from the supermarket and a big bottle of pop and a dvd we already own a big towel on the floor so if the kids make a mess and sweets it saves a fortune. I bake make my own meals I eat out once in a blue moon love fran xxx

  • @zombiemom5088
    @zombiemom5088 Před rokem +15

    I haven’t gone to the store with a list in years… I used to make a menu and go to the store to save money by sticking to a list … now I go find what I can that’s marked down or on sale and then make my menus from there … we eat all of our left overs I remake new meals out of it … I hang clothes .. the chickens get our veggies scrap cuttings, I have a large garden and tiny greenhouse, and no one throws anything out with out asking … I bake bread we don’t eat out and my kids are laughing because the joke I’m angry with the heat (won’t turn it up past 65° 🤣😂🤣) I can dehydrate preserve … I’m a teacher 90% of my wardrobe is from goodwill, hand me downs from work (we have a clothes sharing thing -we just leave them in the break room for people to take) or super clearance sales …

  • @andreacloyd4661
    @andreacloyd4661 Před rokem +5

    I already do all of this. No choice any way. On Soc Sec.but I make a game out of it 2 make it more enjoyable

  • @JohnDoe-wb4iv
    @JohnDoe-wb4iv Před rokem +2

    Read the book 5 acres and independence
    ..

  • @gdolly166
    @gdolly166 Před rokem +1

    Love the library

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +4

    We crochet keep ourself warm in cold winters up here in hills

  • @chlexiel.1022
    @chlexiel.1022 Před rokem +8

    Such great tips. I do so much of these things. My parents lived through the depression, and I learned so much. I have Nescafé glass jars from the 70s my mom had saved that I still use. She also acquired some huge glass jars from a restaurant my father in law worked at that would have gone in the trash-I use those too. As I was watching this, I was placing wax paper in between plain sandwich wraps so I could freeze them. I reuse the same papers every time I buy a new bag of wraps. That way they don’t stick together and they last longer as I only eat them once in awhile.

  • @dizzysdoings
    @dizzysdoings Před rokem +28

    I pretty much already do all these.
    The only things I don't agree with are getting rid of credit cards and paying cash. Currently, I have 3 credit cards. One for TSC, one for Lowe's and one for everything else.
    I get cash back on all of them. And, I normally pay them off each month. This actually saves me money.
    I also plan errands. This way, I use less in gas. I also keep an eye on gas prices. It's crazy. The station that I go past every day was $0.29 higher per gallon than one a mile away from a store I was going to. I got it at the cheaper station.
    You might also want to start small. If you don't already do the things on the list, if you try to incorporate all of them into your life at once, you can get overwhelmed. So, just pick what sounds easiest to you. Then, gradually add more.

    • @estellerussell352
      @estellerussell352 Před rokem

      I totally agree as a aged person I use it wisely especially on medical and have that month to pay it off. The bank would not give me one now. DO NOT GET RID OF CREDIT CARD. Use it emergency only, and boy do I have a lot of those...

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem +1

      I like all your ideas and also your gentle plan to start with making just l change at a time, which is so much more realistic.

    • @dizzysdoings
      @dizzysdoings Před rokem

      @@juliejohnson497 thanks.

    • @Another_ruined_manicure
      @Another_ruined_manicure Před rokem

      Good credit will help you save money on insurance rates and lots more. You just need to be careful with it. Maybe use an old time running balance sheet to keep track of your spending during the month so you are not surprised by the bill.- pay it off each month !

  • @kaelaleedaley
    @kaelaleedaley Před rokem +38

    Hi Sara, I've just found your channel and subscribed! You have such a lovely presenting style and an excellent way of communicating this valuable information

  • @flossiepal
    @flossiepal Před rokem +22

    I was raised by my grandmother was a single mom, who raised my mom and a brain damaged son during the depression in Oklahoma. They did not have credit cards like we have today, but they did have credit. Banks were closed and people couldn't get their money so many towns used "scrip". Yes, that's the correct spelling. Mercantile stores gave credit to their local customers.

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +3

      Thanks for sharing your story. Your gram sounds like an extraordinary woman.

    • @kathyb8540
      @kathyb8540 Před rokem +4

      I live in the south. When I was young my grand mother used to call grocery shopping trading they had a tab at the store

  • @adriennedaley8940
    @adriennedaley8940 Před rokem +9

    Great tips! I practice most of what you talk about here. Before tossing worn out clothes I cut them up for the "cleaning rag bag" and save the buttons for future use. If I plan to be out of the house all day I pack lunch and snacks, no drive thru. I use a fan instead of air conditioning. My apartment stays warm enough (except in January) that I don't need the furnace on. Well, maybe not warm but it feels like having the a/c on low. I just wear an extra layer and use an extra blanket for sleeping. I live close to stores so I walk there if it's just for a couple things. I can also walk to work, weather permitting. "Trip chaining" is another way to save gas, as in not driving out of my way whenever possible.

  • @dorotaz614
    @dorotaz614 Před rokem +18

    Bone-in chicken breast tastes soooo much better than boneless. And you save $$. Win-Win.

  • @lynnpierce7642
    @lynnpierce7642 Před rokem +5

    We cut buttons and snaps off old worn out clothes and save them and reuse them.

  • @gabriellemedeiros3161
    @gabriellemedeiros3161 Před rokem +15

    I worked in a cafe for a time and my boss was an excellent cook who hated to eat left overs, she would bring them in for me the next day which is fine by me! Someone else made me dinner? I'll take it! When she couldn't sell the last of the soup or sandwich meat, she'd send me home with it rather than throw it out!

  • @valeried2941
    @valeried2941 Před rokem +12

    Takeout is a big money waster! I do know once in awhile I need it as I don't go to restaurants. And I love these tips...I carry no debt but I just got laid off this week and my taste for generics is helping me alot! Thank you for the tips. I also watch for sales ALL the time!

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +1

      So sorry to hear about your layoff. I'm hearing more and more of these things happening. Thank goodness this, too, shall pass. Keep your chin up.

    • @lifeofeuropean
      @lifeofeuropean Před rokem

      I tried to save money and live on low budget for few months... Today I ordered McDonald... And I can tell you I already regret this... As I still have a lot of things in my pantry I basically spend today what one week grocery could cost me 😅 I think I will delete app... I really want to buy house so trying to save much as possible to have nice deposit.

  • @daniellegrzelecki5222
    @daniellegrzelecki5222 Před 2 měsíci

    "Put that peanut butter in your mouth" 🤣 I love watching you. Thank you!

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +2

    Meal prep live of written budget sinking funds

  • @grinning_owl
    @grinning_owl Před 10 měsíci

    I make my own calendars. A sheet of paper, a pen or marker, and a straight edge (like another sheet of paper folded in half) is all you need. Draw 31 squares on the paper then write the days of the week in the appropriate squares. If you want, you can use an old gift box as the backing. If you cut it large enough, you can add a picture, or draw your own. Old calendars can also be used. Just remove the old pages and insert new ones. It's dumb to pay 15 to 20 bucks for a new one. And FYI: The calendar for any given year will look exactly the same in 7 years. If you like to write inside the squares, things like Dr. appts and other reminders, a white board can be used as the calendar for each month. Once the month is over, erase the former numbers then add the ones for the new month making sure to place the number of the dates under the correct day of the week. Sounds like too much trouble? Then drop a hint to others that you'd love a new calendar for Christmas. If you end up with receiving several, just use one and save the rest for future years. If they have pretty pictures on them, they can be removed and framed. Don't like the pictures? Well then, just turn the picture over and use the back as scratch paper, gift wrap.....or to line the floor of the bird cage. I'm sure you guys can think of more ways to reuse those pictures. They would also look great as cover pages for report covers or 3-ring binders. 🙂

  • @buzzybee186
    @buzzybee186 Před rokem +17

    I LOVE that you just got to the point! Subscribed!

  • @alexachenbach821
    @alexachenbach821 Před rokem

    Yes

  • @pinkteaforfemininity7958

    I have a tip; whilst cooking roast in baking tray-add another

  • @JohnDoe-wb4iv
    @JohnDoe-wb4iv Před rokem +4

    Have a cookout. Get big tube hamburger mash flat add 1/3 box generic cornflakes and cover w generic ketchup kneed till can't see corn flakes repeat second and third time add salt. Break into patties n maybe save a little for chili or speghetti. Wrep all n thick alum foil put n oven on low. Serve hamburgers on bread add potato chips n beans n homemade iced tea. Bingo a good cheap cppkout n noone knows they're eating cornflake filler.

  • @schrodingerssquirrel6973
    @schrodingerssquirrel6973 Před rokem +28

    I bought a lab coat for fifty cents that I wear instead of an apron. Best fifty cents I ever spent.

  • @valerief1231
    @valerief1231 Před rokem +13

    Don’t buy a single use tool to scrape the 10¢ Worth of peanut butter, try using a rubber spatula, it’s amazing how clean that jar gets!

    • @jennifer1218
      @jennifer1218 Před rokem +2

      Yes!!!! I have had my $1 rubber scraper for many, many years. Still works awesome and I get every drop out of the jars, cans and bowls 😁

  • @nadinehildebrand8035
    @nadinehildebrand8035 Před rokem

    You so sympatico:)thank you for the tipps

  • @kamicrum4408
    @kamicrum4408 Před rokem +1

    My EX fibally lesrned to hand me the peanutbutter& mayo jars, I vcoukd alwsys get 1or more sabdwuches from the jar, he just used the metal knife to scrape! I use a a silicine skinny sostula! Wirks well& its already in my kitchen!😊

  • @LifeWellCruised
    @LifeWellCruised Před rokem +20

    I love the idea of trading services with others! Great way to support others and also save some money

  • @bobbieschendel3144
    @bobbieschendel3144 Před rokem +5

    Everything I cook that makes it to leftovers goes right to the freezer.
    That way nothing goes bad in the refrigerator if its left too long.
    I have saved SO much money because I am diligent to freeze it immediately.
    If someone wants it they have to get it from the freezer.

  • @fredswartley9778
    @fredswartley9778 Před 11 měsíci

    Great frugal tips! I would like to start a garden, but I just live in an apartment. I might try growing some herbs in my windowsill. Have you ever grown any veggies in your house?

  • @drusillarensel8089
    @drusillarensel8089 Před rokem +3

    Just found you. Great ideas- all of them. I learned so much from my grandparents and parents..but thank you for the reminders!

  • @bethanyg153
    @bethanyg153 Před rokem +7

    My family loves leftover night! They love getting a chance to make a choice!

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +2

      I read about a mom who creates quick menus for a leftover night so everyone can choose (like they were at a restaurant)! Sounded like a fun idea. :)

    • @judithrobinson8344
      @judithrobinson8344 Před rokem

      Left over nights are the best x

    • @carolwintx8248
      @carolwintx8248 Před rokem

      That’s a great attitude!!

  • @trishacarlson4122
    @trishacarlson4122 Před rokem +14

    I do the cash envelopes! I looove seeing where I put my money and WHY. And where did all my $ go!? Its rly helpful and I have learned basically everything from youtubers. The impulse buying was a real issue for me. I am still working on it but I am doing a lot better!
    I am an avid reader also. N I alwaaaays check all my book apps and the library before I go. I catch audible when I get $5 sale offers and quit the subscription before I have to make a full payment. Btw, you can gift credits and use that for birthdays and christmas!
    I alwaaaays bring my lunch to work. N I work 3rd shift. I even pack my snacks. I like to portion out chips or bars for the week instead of inhaling the whole dang bag. I also have been learning to shop n stock on sales of things I use! I give myself security that way so not every paycheck I have to buy peanut butter or coffee or etc
    Or even dog food, cat food or litter! I dont forget buying ahead for my furkids too!
    Sorry this is so long. I have truly evolved in so many ways and I am excited to teach myself more and more the older I get. Thank you for whoever reads this entire comment, you are the VIP! I hope everyone has a beautiful day.

  • @SuzanneU
    @SuzanneU Před rokem +4

    Buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself. Cheaper per pound and you get the carcass for soup or broth.

  • @tenthousanddaysofgratitude

    I do all this. By the way - green thumbs are a myth. All people can learn to grow food. Find a community garden or watch garden videos on CZcams by MI Gardener, Charles Downing, etc and know your growing zone. Practice, keep a diary of what works and what doesn’t and try to figure out why. Amend your soil every year, create your own compost and companion plant. It’s science. Everyone can learn practical science known as gardening.
    Not to take money away from you on affiliate marketing but a knife works fine. Or, put the bread in the jar and use it to swirl around the jar and mop up the last bit.

  • @jbalconi5922
    @jbalconi5922 Před rokem +17

    I just subscribed. I appreciate that you got straight to the tips and explanation. :)

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +2

    We sew butten back on whatever reuse recycle

  • @ericpride4710
    @ericpride4710 Před rokem +2

    Instead of buying used plant stands on marketplace. You can get free boxes from the liquor store and paint/decorate them after you stack them for stands.

  • @ccscreations3263
    @ccscreations3263 Před rokem +11

    I just found your channel and you crack me up. You are funny and one of my new faves on CZcams. I recently took up crocheting and I love it. Both my son's, their fiance's and my grandchildren are all getting a chunky blanket for Christmas. I wait until the jumbo yarn is on sale for less than $8 a scein and it's usually from Walmart.

  • @cristinagarcia-up8zt
    @cristinagarcia-up8zt Před rokem +4

    I just found your Chanel I like it, thank you for all the tips. Am a stay home mom I need at this tips😊

  • @kerryjames6312
    @kerryjames6312 Před rokem +4

    Use it up wear it out make do do without the only things I would like to grow tomatoes lettuce parsley it all adds up I use cloth napkins cloth napkins glass containers eat left ivers

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +2

      I love all of these things so much!!!

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem +1

      That first sentence is what I was raised with, but have not heard anyone say for years. I don't think most people under 30 even have the concept.

  • @maddie8975
    @maddie8975 Před rokem +8

    Great advice and I totally agree.Quick,concise and to the point . Many thanks

  • @catheyclarke2132
    @catheyclarke2132 Před rokem

    Hi like have 9 kids when thay were little l glued one of the shoes when that came home from school there
    sock was glued to the shoe so funny xx

  • @widowswatch6610
    @widowswatch6610 Před 10 měsíci

    Good tips

  • @fourdayhomestead2839
    @fourdayhomestead2839 Před rokem +25

    I need to wear aprons (with big pockets), so I can gather & put things away while I'm puttering around the house.

  • @kamicrum4408
    @kamicrum4408 Před rokem +5

    Inlive in an H.OA I have 2laundry drying racks in my exlg bedroom works great! Abd save anlittke$$

  • @randomactivitiesco.5848
    @randomactivitiesco.5848 Před rokem +2

    Don't buy things that nobody likes!!!! YES! Best food advice out there.
    Being creative is a blessing. But if your kid wants nuggets and Mac and cheese and will eat them, do those.

  • @wondafaith8621
    @wondafaith8621 Před rokem +1

    Great tips! Make homemade soup and give it as gifts. Recycle jars, add label and ribbon. Folks love it!

  • @kristinabailey5194
    @kristinabailey5194 Před rokem

    That knife that she put in the corner that like a double edge spatula type thing it is a jam and jelly spreader from pampered chef and it cost less than $10 and then they’ve got a bigger one too

  • @cathyeller5722
    @cathyeller5722 Před 9 měsíci

    Grocery shopping online just kills me. Kroger you have to spend 30.00 in order to do a pick up order. I now make my husband go in it saves me money, it was also good that he went in and saw the prices going up. He now knows why his meats have been cut down. Use gorilla glue on your shoes and boots. My mom and grandmother always used the back of envelopes to write list on.

  • @judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654

    Any really old T-shirts that are ripped or or way past their prime, we rip up and use as recyclable rags instead of paper towels

    • @juliejohnson497
      @juliejohnson497 Před rokem +1

      They are the best! Women used to use their husband's old white underwear and cotton diapers for rags, too and swore they were the softest and most absorbent.

  • @sheronlee152
    @sheronlee152 Před rokem +2

    Many good ideas. Lots of common sense. And yes I agree about credit cards which of course I have one. But you should know that way back in grandma or great grandpa's day
    Merchantiles and grocers would let people charge items and carry balances.
    Not like our present day cc's. But they did 'charge' things.

  • @danicegewiss862
    @danicegewiss862 Před rokem +4

    I'm not feeling the pinch, mostly because I paid off my credit cards. That payment freed up a lot of cash. I do have a clothes line. I'm a BJ's member, so I have a nice stockpile of food. We rarely go out. Leftovers become lunch the next day.

  • @staceycontreras4504
    @staceycontreras4504 Před rokem +13

    Mostly empty peanut butter containers are great dog toys!

  • @rosalindlively677
    @rosalindlively677 Před rokem +3

    I've seen this a few times -it drives me crazy... When a spoon used for getting mayonnaise out of the jar ends up in the sink with alot of mayo still on the spoon!!!

  • @trkstatrksta8410
    @trkstatrksta8410 Před rokem +10

    I always wear crocs. Ugly but comfy. They last me a year before starting to develop weak, thin points which eventually turn to holes. At $9 a pop I think that's pretty good. A couple of times I've seen them, brand new, at our second hand store in my size for $2.99 and grabbed them.

    • @saraconklinfrozenpennies
      @saraconklinfrozenpennies  Před rokem +4

      Me too! I wear them as slippers!

    • @gwenj5419
      @gwenj5419 Před rokem +2

      Crocs come in many styles other than the original clogs. I only wear Crocs and I have many that are unrecognizable as Crocs. Many flats even some that look dressy.

    • @lynncaldwell8345
      @lynncaldwell8345 Před rokem +3

      @@gwenj5419 Crocs are about70 in Australia.Fake ones areno good.

    • @gwenj5419
      @gwenj5419 Před rokem +1

      @@lynncaldwell8345 They can be pricey here too. I buy ones that aren't the latest style plus my DIL can get me an employee discount. I only wear them because I have trouble finding comfortable shoes. Also they never seem to wear out, just being plastic. 😉

    • @lynncaldwell8345
      @lynncaldwell8345 Před rokem +2

      @@gwenj5419 I had a funny day when a womanchased me to tell me l was wearing them wrong.I wear tbdm as clogs but she felt l nerded the strap ony ankle.

  • @pattylilly873
    @pattylilly873 Před rokem +5

    Love that you get right to it!!!

  • @victoriajohnson3034
    @victoriajohnson3034 Před rokem +2

    Farmers markets and picnicking!

  • @rochellethundercloud346
    @rochellethundercloud346 Před rokem +10

    not grandma,but grandpa always said
    buy quality over quantity
    you don't have to go to college,but at least learn a highly in demand trade
    he also did not differentiate because of gender.girls learned construction,carpentry,and automotive ,boys learned gardening,sewing,budgeting,cooking.
    it's useful .
    daddy taught organization.
    be early for everything.
    plan ahead as much as possible

  • @pinkteaforfemininity7958

    Also churning double cream creates butter and butter milk