Our parents and grandparents knew how to stretch a dollar in ways that seem almost unthinkable to Gen Z today. Before digital banking, subscription services, and constant online shopping, previous generations mastered the art of frugality with creative and disciplined habits. They avoided debt, made things last longer, and found ways to save money without relying on flashy budgeting apps or financial influencers. These money-saving tricks might seem extreme now, but they worked—and they could still teach valuable lessons today. Here are 10 old-school savings strategies that would leave Gen Z shocked but inspired.
1. S&H Green Stamps and Reward Programs
Before credit card rewards and cashback apps, S&H Green Stamps were one of the most popular ways to save money on everyday purchases. Families earned these stamps when they shopped at participating grocery stores, gas stations, and retailers. Once collected, the stamps were pasted into booklets and redeemed for household goods, appliances, or even furniture from S&H’s catalog. Many households strategically planned their shopping to maximize stamp earnings, making it a fun and rewarding way to save money. Instead of spending cash on new products, families “paid” for items using their collected stamps, stretching their budgets even further.
Gen Z, raised in the era of digital rewards, might find the concept of physical stamp collecting strange. Today, most rewards programs are tied to credit cards or store loyalty apps, often requiring spending beyond one’s means to accumulate points. Unlike modern rewards programs, S&H Green Stamps encouraged saving rather than spending impulsively. The program was a precursor to today’s loyalty systems but with a greater focus on long-term financial planning. While digital cashback offers convenience, the patience required for Green Stamps taught previous generations valuable lessons in delayed gratification and smart spending. According to Covalent Logic, S&H Green Stamps was a pioneering rewards program that allowed customers to redeem stamps for a wide range of products, fostering a culture of saving and loyalty.
2. Using Layaway Instead of Credit Cards
Before credit cards became the norm, layaway was the go-to method for purchasing expensive items. Instead of swiping a card and dealing with interest rates, people made small payments over time and only received the item once it was fully paid off. This system prevented unnecessary debt and taught financial discipline, ensuring that people only bought what they could truly afford. There were no impulse buys funded by credit limits—just a careful, deliberate approach to spending. Layaway forced people to think twice about their purchases and eliminated the risk of accumulating overwhelming debt.
Today, Gen Z is used to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services that allow instant gratification, often leading to financial trouble. Unlike layaway, BNPL gives people the product immediately, making it easier to overspend without considering the long-term cost. With high interest rates and hidden fees, many young shoppers end up paying far more than the original price. Our parents’ layaway method might have required patience, but it ensured financial responsibility. While waiting for an item wasn’t as exciting, it helped avoid the debt cycle that traps many consumers today. According to Marqeta, Buy Now, Pay Later services are often compared to layaway, but they offer instant product possession, which can lead to overspending.
3. Cooking Every Meal at Home
Eating out was a rare treat for older generations, not a daily habit. Families cooked almost every meal at home, using simple, budget-friendly ingredients and stretching meals to last several days. Leftovers were repurposed into new dishes, and nothing went to waste. Grocery shopping was done with careful planning, often using handwritten lists and weekly meal schedules to avoid impulse purchases. Convenience foods were rarely bought, as home-cooked meals were cheaper, healthier, and more filling.
In contrast, Gen Z spends a significant portion of their income on takeout, delivery services, and trendy food spots. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash have made it easier than ever to overspend on restaurant food. Many young people lack basic cooking skills, making them dependent on expensive meal options. Our parents’ habit of cooking from scratch saved them thousands of dollars over the years. While meal prepping and home cooking require effort, they remain some of the most effective ways to cut down on expenses. According to CNET, cooking at home can result in significant savings compared to ordering takeout or delivery, often saving around 50% to 75% on meals.
4. Paying with Cash and Avoiding Debt
Previous generations preferred using cash for most purchases, which made it easier to track spending and avoid unnecessary debt. Many people followed the envelope budgeting system, where cash was divided into categories for groceries, bills, and entertainment. When an envelope ran out, spending stopped—there was no dipping into credit or taking on loans for non-essential expenses. This method prevented impulse buying and ensured that people lived within their means.
Gen Z, on the other hand, relies heavily on digital payments, credit cards, and Buy Now, Pay Later services, which make it easier to lose track of spending. The convenience of tapping a card or phone at checkout means many don’t realize how much they’re spending until it’s too late. The shift away from cash has led to increased consumer debt and reliance on credit. While modern banking apps help with budgeting, nothing beats the discipline of handling physical cash. Bringing back cash-based spending habits could help young consumers regain control of their finances. According to Banque de France, despite the rise of digital payments, cash remains a key payment method, especially for small transactions.
5. Making Their Cleaning Supplies
Before name-brand cleaning products filled supermarket shelves, many households made their cleaning solutions using simple, inexpensive ingredients. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice were household staples used to disinfect, deodorize, and scrub surfaces. Homemade cleaners were not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, reducing the use of harsh chemicals. Cleaning rags replaced disposable wipes, and old t-shirts were repurposed as dust cloths. These DIY methods kept homes spotless without the need for expensive commercial products.
Gen Z often spends money on name-brand cleaning supplies, including specialty sprays, wipes, and single-use products. The marketing of antibacterial and “deep-cleaning” formulas has led many to believe that store-bought solutions are superior. However, the reality is that older generations kept their homes just as clean without spending a fortune. Going back to homemade cleaners could save families hundreds of dollars per year. With rising inflation and eco-conscious trends, this old-school habit is making a well-deserved comeback.
6. Reusing and Repurposing Everything
Unlike today’s throwaway culture, our parents and grandparents made the most out of every item they owned. Clothing was patched and repaired instead of replaced, and old furniture was repainted or refinished instead of being thrown out. Glass jars from store-bought products became storage containers, while aluminum foil was washed and reused multiple times. Even plastic bags were saved and repurposed rather than mindlessly discarded. This level of resourcefulness not only saved money but also reduced waste significantly.
Gen Z, accustomed to fast fashion and disposable products, would likely be shocked by the extent of this frugality. Many young consumers replace electronics, clothes, and household items at the first sign of wear instead of repairing them. While modern technology has made things more convenient, it has also led to a culture of constant consumption. The idea of sewing up a hole in a sock or keeping a glass jar for future use might seem outdated, but it could save a surprising amount of money over time. Learning from past generations’ waste-free mindset could be the key to financial sustainability today.
7. Mending Clothes Instead of Buying New Ones
Before fast fashion took over, buying new clothes was a carefully considered decision, not an impulse purchase. When clothes got a tear or a button fell off, people didn’t just toss them—they fixed them. Sewing kits were household essentials, and parents taught their children basic skills like hemming pants, patching holes, and reinforcing seams. Clothes were made to last, often handed down through siblings or even repurposed into cleaning rags or quilts. Shopping for new outfits was reserved for special occasions, not every season.
Gen Z, accustomed to the constant turnover of fashion trends, rarely considers repairing old clothes. Fast fashion brands encourage frequent purchases with new styles released weekly, making disposable clothing the norm. Many people today lack the sewing skills their grandparents once had, leading them to replace rather than repair. However, with rising clothing costs and increasing environmental awareness, there’s a growing interest in learning these old-school skills. Mending clothes may seem outdated, but it’s an easy way to save money while reducing waste.
8. Hanging Clothes to Dry Instead of Using a Dryer
Electric dryers were once a luxury, and many households relied on clotheslines to dry laundry naturally. Hanging clothes outside or on indoor racks saved money on electricity while extending the life of fabrics. Sunlight naturally disinfected and brightened white clothing, reducing the need for harsh chemical treatments. Families would plan their laundry around the weather, ensuring they took full advantage of sunny days. While it required patience, air-drying was an effortless way to cut down on utility bills.
Today, most people default to using dryers, even for delicate clothing that could be air-dried. Gen Z, raised with modern appliances, often overlooks the cost of running a dryer multiple times a week. While dryers are convenient, they wear down fabrics faster and increase energy costs. Bringing back the habit of air-drying clothes, even part-time, could lead to noticeable savings over time. A simple drying rack indoors or a backyard clothesline could save households hundreds of dollars annually in energy costs.
9. Growing Their Fruits and Vegetables
Many parents and grandparents maintained backyard gardens to save on grocery costs and ensure access to fresh produce. Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens were common homegrown staples, reducing the need to buy them from the store. Even small gardens provided a steady supply of food, cutting down weekly grocery bills significantly. For those without large yards, container gardening on balconies or window sills was a practical alternative. Gardening was not just a money-saving tactic—it was a way of life that promoted self-sufficiency.
Gen Z, raised with convenience foods and grocery delivery apps, rarely considers growing their produce. Supermarkets have made food shopping effortless, but rising costs have renewed interest in home gardening. While many young people lack the time or space for full gardens, small herb gardens and vertical planters offer easy ways to start. With inflation driving food prices higher, growing even a portion of one’s produce can result in long-term savings. This old-fashioned habit might seem tedious, but it’s an effective way to reduce food expenses while enjoying fresher, healthier ingredients.
10. Making Coffee at Home Instead of Buying It Daily
Before coffee shops became an everyday stop, people brewed their coffee at home, saving a small fortune over time. Parents often had a simple coffee pot or percolator, making enough coffee to last the day. Instead of spending $5 on a single cup, they’d buy coffee grounds in bulk, keeping their caffeine fix affordable. Some even reused coffee grounds for a second weaker brew, making every penny count. The idea of paying premium prices for a daily coffee run was unheard of.
Gen Z, however, has grown up in a coffee culture, where buying specialty lattes and iced drinks is a daily habit. With coffee shops on every corner and delivery apps making it even easier to overspend, this small luxury quickly adds up. Many young people now spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually on their caffeine habit. Learning to make quality coffee at home could free up significant money for savings or investments. What was once a simple necessity for past generations has become an unnecessary expense for today’s consumers.
Many of the money-saving habits our parents and grandparents followed may seem outdated to Gen Z, but they offer valuable lessons in financial discipline. From repairing clothes to brewing coffee at home, these old-school strategies helped families stretch their budgets and avoid unnecessary spending. In an age of convenience and fast consumerism, these frugal habits might seem shocking, but they could help today’s younger generations combat rising costs. With inflation and economic instability on the rise, going back to basics might be the smartest financial move Gen Z can make. The wisdom of past generations proves that sometimes, the best money-saving tricks are the simplest ones.
