- Tension: In an era dominated by consumerism and instant gratification, many individuals find themselves financially strained, questioning how previous generations managed to live within their means.
- Noise: Modern society often dismisses traditional frugality as outdated, promoting convenience and disposability over resourcefulness and sustainability.
- Direct Message: Revisiting our grandparents’ frugal habits—like repairing items instead of replacing them, cooking at home, and valuing simplicity—can offer practical solutions for financial stability and a more intentional lifestyle in today’s fast-paced world.
This article follows the Direct Message methodology, designed to cut through the noise and reveal the deeper truths behind the stories we live.
Sometimes, it feels like our grandparents were living in an entirely different universe, right? They didn’t have the internet at their fingertips, they probably had only one car (if any), and they weren’t constantly bombarded with advertisements the way we are.
Yet, despite living in a vastly different time, they managed to embody a few essential habits that might feel oddly relevant right now.
I’ve often wondered how they kept a calm, stable life while dealing with major global events like wars or economic recessions—no small task. But if we look closely, many of their practices were designed around one simple idea: Don’t waste what you have.
In our era of “buy now, pay later,” it’s easy to forget how valuable frugality can be. So today, I’m shining a light on five often-forgotten frugal habits our grandparents lived by that could seriously benefit us all in this modern age.
Let’s jump right in.
1. They fixed things instead of throwing them away
Our grandparents grew up in a time when you couldn’t just open an app and have a replacement item delivered by tomorrow. If your chair broke, you’d learn how to fix it. If your sock got a hole, you’d darn it (and if you don’t know what that means, it’s basically sewing a small patch so the sock is wearable again).
My own grandfather used to keep a modest toolbox in the garage, well-organized with carefully labeled jars of nails, screws, and assorted bolts. Whenever something around the house needed fixing, he’d grab his tools and tinker around until it was back in shape.
That attitude of, “Let’s see how we can salvage this,” goes a long way in cutting down costs. When I was younger, I remember helping him fix an old wooden stool. It took a bit of elbow grease and a coat of paint, but by the end, it looked almost new. I still have that stool in my apartment today, and it’s a nice reminder that longevity often comes from caring for what we already own.
Research suggests that people who actively participate in repair and maintenance of their possessions often form stronger emotional connections with them. This not only fosters appreciation but can also deter the endless cycle of replacement purchases. Makes sense, right? If you invest time and effort into something, you’re less likely to treat it as disposable.
2. They practiced mindful grocery shopping and cooking
Have you ever felt guilty throwing out a bunch of produce at the end of the week because it went bad before you got to it? Our grandparents learned early on how to avoid that. They tended to buy only what they needed and made sure almost nothing went to waste.
I’ll never forget my grandmother’s approach to cooking. She turned every leftover into something else—extra vegetables became soup stock, slightly stale bread transformed into bread pudding, and fruit on the brink of spoiling ended up in pies or jams. “Food is gold,” she’d say, “and you don’t throw out gold.”
Taking cues from our grandparents, we can plan our meals more carefully and find creative ways to repurpose leftovers. It not only saves money, but it also reduces our environmental footprint. After all, frugality and sustainability often go hand in hand.
3. They prioritized saving before spending
I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the biggest shifts in my own financial journey happened when I started automatically setting aside a portion of my income before I even saw it in my checking account. I used to wait until the end of the month and save whatever was left, but that “whatever is left” approach rarely amounted to much.
As bestselling author Greg McKeown once said, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” I’d say this goes for our finances, too.
Our grandparents prioritized saving, whether it was in a piggy bank or a hidden cookie jar, because they understood the value of having a safety net. These days, setting up an automatic bank transfer can achieve the same goal without us needing to remember (or hide jars of cash around the house).
There’s an added psychological benefit to saving first. By siphoning off a set amount into savings at the start, you’re less likely to feel “deprived.” Instead, you naturally adjust your spending habits to whatever remains in your main account, effectively keeping your day-to-day budget on track.
4. They found joy in simple, low-cost entertainment — and real connection
One of my most vivid childhood memories is sitting on the porch, snapping green beans or peeling apples with my grandparents. There was no grand plan—just stories, laughter, and maybe a little music crackling from a small radio.
They regularly had card nights with neighbors, potluck dinners, or gathered to watch an old movie on a tiny TV. It wasn’t about flashy entertainment; it was about connection.
Compare that to now: many of us spend hours a day scrolling on our phones, often alone, even when we’re physically near others. We’ve normalized being “together” while mentally checked out—each person in their own digital world. We might sit at the same table but barely make eye contact.
But meaningful connection is what nourishes us most. This is well backed up by research. For instance, The Harvard Study of Adult Development—one of the longest-running studies on happiness—found that strong relationships are the single biggest predictor of long-term health and wellbeing. Not wealth. Not fame. Not career success. Relationships.
Maybe it’s time we revisit the kind of entertainment that doesn’t require screens or subscriptions—just presence. Sharing a meal, playing a game, taking a walk, or swapping stories on a porch. It costs almost nothing but attention and time—and the returns are invaluable.
5. They delayed gratification
We hear the term ‘delayed gratification’ a lot nowadays, and it’s often framed as some sort of modern revelation. However, our grandparents’ generation was no stranger to the concept of waiting for what they wanted.
Whether it was saving up for a family car over several years or waiting to purchase a new appliance until a big chunk of money was set aside, they had to be patient. And patience is something that can feel in short supply now, when a couple of taps on a smartphone can get you almost anything you desire.
I’ve had my own struggles with impulse buying, especially when ads pop up on social media for a “limited-time offer.” But it’s astonishing how often those “must-have” items end up collecting dust in a closet. Our grandparents were experts in thinking twice, or even three times, about any major purchase. A bit of reflection can go a long way in preventing buyer’s remorse.
By taking a page from our grandparents and forcing ourselves to wait before hitting “buy,” we give our brains enough time to weigh the pros and cons more rationally.
More than that, when we master the art of delayed gratification, we begin to appreciate each purchase more deeply, and we avoid piling up consumer debt that can become a major source of stress. That’s a win-win in my book.
Putting it all together
So there you have it—five deeply practical habits that might seem “old school,” but are more relevant than ever.
No one’s saying you need to become a master seamstress or grow all your own food (though if you do, more power to you!). But by mending that torn shirt instead of trashing it, or by planning a simple potluck with friends, you can tap into a legacy of resourcefulness that’s both cost-effective and fulfilling.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that being frugal and mindful with our resources isn’t just about pinching pennies—it’s about rediscovering the value in things we already have, building strong connections, and shaping a healthier relationship with money and consumption.
In a world that encourages us to want more all the time, it’s good to remember that less can indeed be more—just ask your grandparents.
