Old fashioned homemaking skills to help you save money.
I've scoured the internet, talked with my grandma, and used my own experience as a homemaker to give you my favorite old fashioned homemaking skills to help you combat inflation.
I know inflation is hitting so many of us right where it hurts. We might even be fearful of what rising costs may do to our ability to survive in this economy, but please do not fear. Inflation may be out of our control but we still have control over our spending habits and we can develop skills that will aid us in being good stewards of our resources.
Homemakers have the unique ability to bring order to a chaotic household, and through that, the ability to bring order to a chaotic world. As women we have been created to multiply what we are given. We can make due with little, and turn a little into a lot.
Our great grandmother knew how to turn ingredients into nourishing meals. Fabric into beautiful linens and a house into a warm and cozy home. Don't underestimate your ability to create amazing things from very little.
Let’s dive into these old fashioned homemaking tips.
Shop secondhand
Let’s not underestimate what a little thriftiness can do.
Always look for items second hand before you pay full price. Thrift stores are packed nowadays and with access to Facebook marketplace we really can find almost anything for a better price second hand.
If you’ve got to buy Christmas gifts or winter clothes check out the local thrift store you might be shocked at the deals you can find there.
Save every penny, literally.
Have a jar and save all your change, we’ve been doing this for years now and on average we cash out around $50 every time we take our change to a coin star.
Saving every penny doesn't just mean penny pinching; it also means utilizing deals and rewards. Go to the same coffee stand a couple times a month? Use their rewards card. Frequent goodwill? Signup for the super savers rewards and get discounts. Don't sleep on those member rewards, most of them are completely free!
Cook from scratch
There are so many items that you can whip up in a jiff in your kitchen. Things like sauces, gravies, seasoning and baked goods can all be made cheaper than in store. These small items add up. Can you imagine your great grandma using gravy packets?! I think not, take a lesson from our ancestors and make these at home.
Use a meal plan & grocery list.
Every time you enter a store you are being marketed to, everything you see in a store is set up to get you to buy! Don't fall for it; avoid the baked goods, shop the outside aisles where the real food is, and try to stay out of the middle aisles where all the highly processed junk food is. Check the bottom shelves for the best prices (the most expensive stuff is always eye level) and try to buy the store brand, it's usually cheaper.
Another great idea is to bring cash that way you can't go over budget. Our great grandparents didn't have chip readers and bank apps, they paid with cash. It's an easy fool proof way to avoid overspending.
Consider supplemental income
Being at home gives women the opportunity to pursue artisan side endeavors
Such as flipping furniture, freelance writing, opening an Etsy shop, creating digital products or handmade products like soaps, decor, & linens.Our ancestors knew how to make baked goods, sell crafts, and knitted hats and mittens. Their craftiness was a financial asset to their household. In today's modern age we have far more avenues to sell through than they did. Our hobbies can become lucrative side income. But be careful not to fall into the trap of feeling pressure to make money as a homemaker. If its something you desire and have time for… great. If your time as a homemaker or stay at home mom is already stretched as is, then focus on some of the other tips.
Think before you buy.
Many of the influencer's you know and love are selling you a lifestyle. That's not to say that their advice and content isn't helpful, it certainly can be. But recognize when an online course, supplement or product they are attempting to sell you is actually within your budget.Get good at recognizing a marketing ploy, it can save you a lot of money and regret.
Learn how to mend your own clothing.
Our great grandmas knew how to knit, crochet and sew. My grandma still makes beautiful handmade blankets as gifts every year for her family. Not only is it a wonderful legacy to pass down, but in today's age it's a lucrative skill. You can learn to sew or even just learn a few simple skills like knowing how to use fabric glue, & stitch a hole in a pair of leggings. It can save you money, and make your clothing last longer.
Learn to bake homemade bread.
Sourdough is all the rage right now and for good reason. It's not difficult to get started and with bread
now costing an average of $4 for one loaf you're far better off learning to bake at home.
Our community over at americanmom.com recently did a bread making challenge for the month of November, but it's not too late to join us in making homemade bread! Checkout these recipes to get baking and save money.
Cut out unnecessary expenses
Get rid of streaming services, cable and unnecessary memberships. You don't have to live in the dark ages and throw out your TV but you can get by with just one streaming service or a free version or even rotate streaming subscriptions. While you're at it, don't forget to get rid of any unneeded subscription delivery memberships or gym memberships.
Carpooling and ride share
There once was a time when having cars was a luxury, and almost all households had just one vehicle available to them. Especially with the rising price of gas, carpooling can be a great way to save money on fuel and if you live close to friends or family consider taking turns driving to the grocery store.
Make due or do without
Practice a heart of contentment. Out of all the tips i find this to be the hardest, just remember if you are discontent with your home, your furniture, or your car, or even your relationship… it may not be your home or your husband that’s bothering you. It may actually be social media, comparison, or covetousness that’s at the root of your discontentment. Simple living is all about making due, and being happy with less. We do not need the latest hobby lobby decor or a perfectly curated vintage farmhouse kitchen to be good homemakers.
Our ancestors didn't have to deal with comparison to the same degree as us but they still struggled with it.
We all know the “Keeping up with the Jonese’s'' cliche for a reason: the struggle to covet what others have has been around since the dawn of time, and if you let it, it will suck you in.
Instead try to cultivate a sense of contentment by being grateful and cherishing the little things.
I hope some of these tips can help you during this difficult season in our economy. Take heart, we will get through this together.
