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    Home » Best Of

    22 Useful Depression Era Hacks to Help You Save Money Now

    Modified: Apr 11, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · Published: Nov 18, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

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    Saving money has always been a priority, and depression era hacks prove that simple methods can make a big difference. These tips are rooted in practicality and creativity, offering ways to stretch your resources without feeling deprived. Whether it’s reducing waste, finding new uses for old items, or cutting costs in everyday life, these ideas are as useful now as they were back then. They’re perfect for anyone looking to spend smarter and live more resourcefully. Let’s explore these timeless tricks and see how they can work for you today.

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing food from scraps is one of the most practical depression era hacks, helping you stretch your resources and reduce waste. With simple steps, you can turn kitchen scraps into a fresh supply of veggies and herbs.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

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    Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Winter composting was a classic depression era hack for making the most of kitchen and garden scraps, even in colder months. These tips help you keep composting efficient and your garden ready for spring planting.
    Read the Article: Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

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    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hand crank kitchen tools are timeless depression era hacks, offering functionality without relying on electricity. These essentials are cost-effective and perfect for simplifying tasks with minimal effort.
    Read the Article: 7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

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    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade bug spray is a smart depression era hack, using affordable ingredients to keep pests away naturally. This simple DIY recipe shows you how to make an effective spray without harsh chemicals.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Stove Top Red Beans and Rice Recipe

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    Stove Top Red Beans and Rice Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Red beans and rice is a classic depression era hack that delivers a filling meal from simple, inexpensive ingredients. This stovetop recipe is both hearty and easy to prepare, making it a great budget-friendly option.
    Read the Article: Stove Top Red Beans and Rice Recipe

    Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

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    Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Turning leftover mashed potatoes into new dishes is a timeless depression era hack for avoiding waste. Whether for pancakes or dumplings, this trick ensures nothing from your meal goes unused.
    Read the Article: Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

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    How to Make Beeswax Wraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Beeswax wraps are a sustainable depression era hack for reducing kitchen waste while keeping food fresh. With just a few materials, you can replace plastic wrap with something reusable and affordable.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

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    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Toilet cleaning bombs are a clever depression era hack, using simple ingredients to keep your bathroom sparkling. This DIY method is budget-friendly and helps avoid expensive commercial cleaners.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking

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    Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Using sourdough discard in creative ways is a smart depression era hack that turns leftovers into delicious baked goods. These tips help you embrace zero-waste baking while adding flavor to your kitchen.
    Read the Article: Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking

    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

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    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Turning old chicken feed bags into reusable totes is a practical depression era hack that saves money and reduces waste. These sturdy DIY totes are great for carrying groceries, tools, or supplies.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

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    Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Peanut butter bread is a simple yet resourceful depression era hack, turning pantry staples into a quick, satisfying loaf. This recipe shows how creativity in the kitchen can deliver delicious results.
    Read the Article: Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

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    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade laundry detergent is a classic depression era hack that saves money and avoids harsh chemicals. With a few affordable ingredients, you can keep your clothes fresh and clean without spending a fortune.
    Read the Article: Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

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    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Finding alternatives to toilet paper is a practical depression era hack, especially during shortages. These ideas offer resourceful, eco-friendly solutions that anyone can use in a pinch.
    Read the Article: 21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

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    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pine vinegar is a timeless depression era hack, using natural ingredients to create an effective, homemade cleaner. This DIY recipe combines simplicity with powerful cleaning power for your kitchen.
    Read the Article: Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

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    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Reusable hand warmers are a smart depression era hack, offering warmth without the waste of disposable products. With just a few materials, you can stay cozy while saving money and resources.
    Read the Article: Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    How to Hot Compost

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    How to Hot Compost. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hot composting is a resourceful depression era hack for speeding up the breakdown of organic materials. This method is perfect for creating nutrient-rich compost in less time, even during colder seasons.
    Read the Article: How to Hot Compost

    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

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    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making your own wood butter is a frugal depression era hack, perfect for extending the life of wooden utensils and cutting boards. This recipe uses simple ingredients to keep your tools in top shape.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

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    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade toothpaste is a great depression era hack for saving money and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. With a few common ingredients, you can create a natural alternative to store-bought products.
    Read the Article: DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own

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    Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Beeswax furniture polish is a timeless depression era hack for keeping wooden furniture looking its best. This easy DIY recipe nourishes wood naturally, without the cost of commercial polishes.
    Read the Article: Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own

    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

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    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    DIY magic eraser liquid is a simple depression era hack for cleaning stubborn stains with inexpensive ingredients. This recipe keeps surfaces spotless while saving you money on store-bought cleaners.
    Read the Article: How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

    Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started

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    Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Teaching kids to compost is a valuable depression era hack for passing down sustainable habits. These tips make it fun and easy for young ones to learn the basics while helping the environment.
    Read the Article: Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started

    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

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    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Saving seeds is a resourceful depression era hack that ensures a steady supply of plants for the future. This guide walks beginners through the process, helping you save money while building garden resilience.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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