21 Old Fashioned Frugal Living Tips to Try Today (that will save you thousands 💰)

The speaker discusses the potential genetic predisposition to frugality or extravagant spending habits, introducing the field of neuroeconomics. They emphasize that while genetics may play a role, personal choices significantly influence how these predispositions manifest. The speaker encourages understanding one's brain to develop habits that counteract unhelpful tendencies, setting the stage for sharing 21 tips on frugality inspired by past generations.

The speaker highlights the importance of cooking at home and from scratch as a means to save money. They note that eating out frequently can be costly, and cooking at home was a common practice among past generations. They also mention the benefits of using simple recipes and ingredients, which are typically more cost-effective and healthier. Additionally, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about their love for trying new recipes and the value of meal planning.

The speaker extols the virtues of wearing aprons while cooking and cleaning to protect clothing from stains and wear. They share personal preferences for different types of aprons and how they serve a dual purpose as a 'walking dish towel.' The speaker also touches on the cultural significance of aprons and suggests finding fun aprons on Etsy, reflecting on the practicality and style of this traditional practice.

The speaker shares a tip from their grandmother about the financial benefits of limiting beverages to water, milk, and coffee, rather than purchasing juices and sodas. They discuss their own experience with a large family and how this practice has helped save money over the years. The speaker also mentions the rapid consumption of juice in their household and the high cost of these beverages.

The speaker emphasizes the cost savings of making coffee at home instead of purchasing it from coffee shops. They share personal experiences of saving money by not regularly visiting Starbucks since moving to a farm with less access. The speaker recommends investing in a good espresso maker, which has paid for itself in their family through daily use, and suggests that making coffee at home can lead to significant savings.

The speaker encourages learning basic baking skills as a practical and money-saving habit. They admit to not having learned to bake from their mother and express regret for not picking up the skill earlier. The speaker promotes self-teaching through online resources like YouTube and highlights the joy and practicality of baking homemade bread, citing a friend known as the 'sourdough queen' for inspiration.

The speaker advises holding onto good-quality jars and containers for reuse, a habit they learned from their grandmother. They discuss the importance of recognizing valuable storage items and the benefits of reusing them for canning or storage. The speaker also humorously acknowledges the adult realization of valuing a good box, reflecting on the practicality and sustainability of this practice.

The speaker suggests buying items in bulk when it is financially sensible, emphasizing the importance of doing the math to ensure actual savings. They caution against bulk buying items that may expire or go unused, taking up space and negating potential savings. The speaker promotes bulk purchasing as a strategy for smart money management.

The speaker advocates for planting a small garden as a long-term investment that can save money. They share personal experiences and lessons learned from gardening, including the initial costs and the importance of starting simple. The speaker suggests focusing on growing herbs and salsa ingredients, and they promise to share more about their gardening epiphany in a future video.

The speaker discusses the importance of preserving food through canning as a way to save money. They advise being selective about what to can, ensuring that it is something the family will consume. The speaker also introduces the concept of water glassing eggs to extend their shelf life, making use of the surplus from their prolific egg-laying chickens.

The speaker promotes DIY home projects as a way to save significant amounts of money. They share their journey of learning construction skills and completing various projects, despite having no prior experience. The speaker encourages others to undertake DIY projects, suggesting that if they can do it, anyone can, and emphasizes the satisfaction and proof of capability that comes from completing such tasks.

The speaker discusses the potential cost savings of buying off-brand products, which are often the same as name-brand items but at a lower price. They acknowledge the influence of brand loyalty in marketing but suggest that being open to off-brands can lead to substantial financial savings.

The speaker encourages learning basic sewing skills, such as hemming garments or curtains, as a means to save money and extend the life of clothing and home items. They reflect on their mother's teachings and the importance of self-teaching through online resources. The speaker sees sewing as a valuable skill that can offer long-term benefits.

The speaker suggests setting up a laundry line to dry clothes outside as an energy-saving and cost-effective alternative to using a dryer. They express a preference for the smell and feel of sun-dried clothes and note the potential for reducing household heat during hot weather. The speaker also mentions a recent purchase of a Gorilla line, a simple and sturdy option for creating a clothesline.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of decluttering as a means to save money by avoiding the purchase of items already owned but misplaced. They discuss the need for a regular decluttering regimen to stay organized and prevent unnecessary spending, highlighting the practical benefits of maintaining a tidy and organized living space.

The speaker promotes the practice of swapping and bartering as a way to save money, reflecting on its prevalence in the past and its potential in creative industries. They suggest using social media platforms for exchanging goods and services, emphasizing the need for skills or items worth trading and the creative ways to engage in this practice.

The speaker extols the virtues of buying second-hand clothing as a cost-effective way to acquire quality items. They share their fondness for thrift shopping and platforms like Thredup, which allow them to find favorite brands at discounted prices. The speaker encourages investing in quality pieces that will last, whether new or second-hand.

The speaker advises investing in quality furniture pieces that will stand the test of time, reflecting on their experiences with cheaper alternatives that quickly deteriorate. They advocate for the durability of well-constructed furniture passed down through generations and suggest refinishing furniture as a way to give it new life while maintaining its quality.

The speaker concludes with a personal tip on the mindset for saving money and living frugally. They recommend focusing on the progress made, or 'the gain,' rather than the distance to the goal, or 'the gap.' This approach fosters a positive outlook, celebrating achievements and promoting continued effort towards financial goals.

The script includes a brief musical interlude with lyrics about spending a romantic night together, symbolizing a moment of respite or transition within the video content.