50 Great Depression Habits for Surviving in Today's Economy | FRUGAL LIVING

Introduction

Surviving in today’s economy can be tough, but we can draw inspiration from the resourceful habits formed during the Great Depression. By adopting these frugal practices, you can save money, reduce waste, and live more sustainably. This guide outlines 50 great habits that can help you navigate and thrive in modern economic challenges.

Step 1: Plan and Rotate Food Stock

• Take inventory of your pantry and note expiration dates.
• Arrange food items so those closest to expiration are at the front.
• When buying new groceries, place them behind older items to ensure proper rotation.

Step 2: Learn Basic First Aid

• Acquire skills such as wound cleaning, CPR, and recognizing illnesses.
• Take a first aid course from a reputable organization or utilize online tutorials.

Step 3: Use a Rain Barrel

• Set up a rain barrel under your roof's downspout to collect rainwater.
• Use this water for gardening, lawns, or washing your car.

Step 4: Participate in a Co-op

• Join or create a co-op for bulk buying of food and supplies.
• Benefit from lower prices while supporting local farmers.

Step 5: DIY Home Repairs

• Learn basic plumbing and electrical skills through online tutorials.
• Start with simple repairs and gradually tackle more complex tasks.

Step 6: Use Public Transportation

• Research local public transport options to save on fuel and maintenance.
• Consider purchasing a monthly pass for additional savings.

Step 7: Make Homemade Baby Food

• Steam or boil fruits and vegetables, then puree to desired consistency.
• Store in jars or freeze portions for later use.

Step 8: Practice Community Sharing

• Organize tool sharing or ride-sharing with neighbors to reduce costs.
• Foster a supportive community by exchanging services and resources.

Step 9: Set Up a Barter System

• Identify skills or items you can trade, like home repairs or gardening help.
• Find others in your community willing to barter fairly.

Step 10: Reuse Canning Jars

• Wash and sterilize jars for repeated use.
• Check for cracks before reusing to ensure proper sealing.

Step 11: Create a Neighborhood Tool Library

• Assemble a collection of tools that community members can borrow.
• Create a system for checking out and returning tools.

Step 12: Make Homemade Baby Wipes

• Cut up soft cloths or old t-shirts, and soak them in a solution of water, baby soap, and baby oil.
• Store in a sealed container for use.

Step 13: Use a Bike for Short Trips

• Maintain your bike and invest in safety gear like a helmet.
• Utilize biking for errands to save on fuel and promote health.

Step 14: Create a Budget

• List all income sources and categorize expenses (e.g., housing, groceries).
• Allocate funds to each category and track spending to avoid overspending.

Step 15: Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

• Combine washing soda, borax, and grated soap to create detergent.
• Store in an airtight container for a cost-effective laundry solution.

Step 16: Practice Bulk Cooking and Freezing Meals

• Cook large batches of meals and freeze portions for later.
• This saves time and reduces the temptation of takeout.

Step 17: Use a Thermos

• Invest in a good thermos to carry homemade food and drinks.
• This helps save money on meals while out.

Step 18: Start a Community Garden

• Join or start a community garden to grow fresh produce.
• Share resources and learn about gardening with neighbors.

Step 19: Utilize Local Exchange Trading Systems

• Participate in local systems that allow trading goods and services without money.
• Earn credits for providing services and use them for others.

Step 20: Make Homemade Deodorant

• Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils to create a paste.
• Store in a small container for a natural deodorant alternative.

Step 21: Learn to Darn Socks

• Use a needle and thread to repair holes in socks, extending their life.
• This practice reduces waste and saves money.

Step 22: Use Natural Insulation

• Insulate your home with materials like wool or straw to reduce energy costs.
• Proper insulation maintains a comfortable indoor temperature.

Step 23: Smoke Meat

• Cure meat with salt or brine and smoke it to extend shelf life.
• This method adds flavor and preserves protein supplies.

Step 24: Make Homemade Pasta

• Mix flour, eggs, and water to create pasta dough.
• Store in the fridge or freeze for later use.

Step 25: Create Homemade Gifts

• Craft unique gifts for holidays and birthdays using your skills.
• Consider baked goods, crafts, or personalized items.

Step 26: Make Homemade Yogurt

• Heat milk, cool it, stir in store-bought yogurt as a starter, and let it ferment.
• Homemade yogurt is nutritious and often richer in probiotics.

Step 27: Set Up a Home Recycling System

• Create separate bins for recyclables like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
• Ensure everyone in the household knows how to sort correctly.

Step 28: Grow Window Gardens

• Plant herbs or small plants in containers on sunny windowsills.
• This provides fresh ingredients and adds greenery indoors.

Step 29: Use Firewood Efficiently

• Collect and season firewood properly to ensure optimal burning.
• Store wood in a dry place for cost-effective heating.

Step 30: Make Simple Herbal Teas

• Steep dried herbs like mint or chamomile in hot water for a flavorful drink.
• This is a frugal way to enjoy warm beverages.

Step 31: Make Potpourri

• Dry flowers and herbs, mix them with essential oil, and store in a bowl.
• This creates a pleasant scent without store-bought air fresheners.

Step 32: Make Homemade Ice Packs

• Fill a sealable plastic bag with water and rubbing alcohol in a 3:1 ratio.
• Freeze until it reaches the desired consistency for injuries.

Step 33: Practice Home Haircuts

• Invest in quality scissors and follow online guides for home haircuts.
• This can save significant amounts compared to professional cuts.

Step 34: Shop at Thrift Stores

• Regularly visit thrift stores for gently used household items.
• Keep a list of what you need and be open to creative uses for finds.

Step 35: Learn to Repair Leather Goods

• Acquire basic leatherworking skills like stitching and conditioning.
• Start with small projects, such as belts or wallets.

Step 36: Save Soap Scraps

• Collect soap scraps and melt them with water to form new bars.
• This practice reduces waste and extends soap supplies.

Step 37: Forage for Wild Herbs

• Learn to identify and responsibly forage for edible plants in your area.
• Ensure the area is free from pollutants and take only what you need.

Step 38: Make Homemade Vinegar

• Use fruit scraps or leftover wine to create vinegar.
• Let the mixture ferment, strain, and bottle for later use.

Step 39: Utilize Cold Frames

• Build a simple frame with a transparent lid to protect plants from frost.
• This extends the growing season for your garden.

Step 40: Practice Simple Sewing Repairs

• Invest in a basic sewing kit and learn to sew on buttons and fix hems.
• Online tutorials can help you master essential sewing skills.

Step 41: Sun Dry Fruits and Vegetables

• Slice produce and leave it in direct sunlight to dry.
• This preserves nutrients and is a cost-effective method.

Step 42: Make Homemade Candles

• Melt wax in a double boiler and pour into molds with wicks.
• Customize with essential oils for a pleasant ambiance.

Step 43: Use Homegrown Herbs for Pest Control

• Plant herbs like basil and mint to naturally repel garden pests.
• Create a natural pest spray by steeping herbs in water.

Step 44: Make Jam

• Combine fruits with sugar and lemon juice, then cook until thickened.
• Pour into sterilized jars for preservation.

Step 45: Create Natural Dyes

• Boil plant materials like onion skins or beetroot to extract dye.
• Use the liquid to color fabrics naturally.

Step 46: Practice Seasonal Eating

• Focus meals around in-season produce for cost savings and nutrition.
• Shop at local farmers' markets for fresh ingredients.

Step 47: Store Root Vegetables

• Place root vegetables in a box of sand to keep them fresh without refrigeration.
• Store in a cool, dark place.

Step 48: Engage in Community Skill Sharing

• Organize or join local groups to teach and learn various skills.
• This can include cooking, carpentry, and gardening.

Step 49: Create a Home Inventory System

• Use spreadsheets or apps to track household items and quantities.
• Update regularly to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Step 50: Implement a No Spend Day

• Choose one day a week to avoid all spending.
• Engage in free activities or cook at home to reinforce mindful spending.

Conclusion

By incorporating these Great Depression habits into your daily life, you can cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle while saving money. Start with a few practices that resonate with you and gradually integrate more into your routine. These timeless strategies not only help with financial management but also foster community and resourcefulness.