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    Home » Best Of

    Grandma’s Guide to Frugal Living and Old-School Savings

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    If you're looking for simple ways to save, this guide to frugal living inspired by grandma’s tried-and-true methods has you covered. From stretching a dollar to making the most of what you already have, these old-school savings tips are all about getting back to basics. It’s amazing how much we can learn from past generations when it comes to cutting costs without feeling like we’re sacrificing. This guide is all about practical ideas that work, whether you’re budgeting for a big goal or just want a little extra at the end of the month. Let’s dive into these timeless tips for a frugal, fulfilling life.

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

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

    These eco-friendly hand warmers are easy to make and can be used over and over again, helping you stay warm without constantly buying disposable products. A simple DIY for frugal living, they’re a small project that brings warmth to cold days.
    Read the Article: Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    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.

    This beeswax furniture polish is easy to make and brings out the natural beauty of wood without harsh chemicals. Perfect for frugal living, it keeps furniture looking great without the expense of store-bought polishes.
    Read the Article: Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own

    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 yourself low on TP? These practical alternatives are a must-have resource for frugal living, ensuring you’re prepared when supplies run low and helping you keep spending under control with creative, sustainable options.
    Read the Article: 21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    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.

    With just a few common ingredients, you can make your own magic eraser liquid that cuts through grime with ease. This frugal living tip saves you money while keeping surfaces clean without store-bought cleaners.
    Read the Article: How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

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

    These DIY toilet cleaning bombs offer a fresh, chemical-free clean, and are easy to make in batches for multiple uses. Frugal living gets simpler with this cost-effective way to keep the bathroom sparkling without pricey products.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    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.

    Create a bug spray with essential oils that keeps pests away without chemicals or high costs. Ideal for frugal living, it’s a simple, natural way to keep you and your family comfortable all season.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

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

    Save big with this homemade laundry detergent that cleans well and skips the harsh additives. This is a frugal living staple that makes laundry time both affordable and effective.
    Read the Article: Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    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.

    Seed saving is a budget-friendly way to grow your own garden without buying new seeds each season. For frugal living enthusiasts, this guide offers tips for keeping plants growing while keeping costs low.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

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

    This wood butter recipe restores moisture to cutting boards and wooden utensils, keeping them in great shape. A frugal living trick, it saves on expensive wood conditioners while protecting your kitchen tools.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

    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.

    Transform empty feed bags into sturdy, reusable totes with this DIY project. It’s perfect for frugal living and sustainable shopping, giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

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

    Leftover mashed potatoes can be used in countless ways, adding flavor and substance to meals without any extra shopping. For frugal living, this guide shows you how to make the most of what’s already in your kitchen.
    Read the Article: Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

    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.

    This homemade toothpaste recipe is simple, natural, and skips the high cost of commercial brands. A smart option for frugal living, it lets you take care of your smile without the expense.
    Read the Article: DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    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.

    Put your sourdough discard to use with recipes that make the most of every last bit of dough. Great for frugal living, these recipes offer delicious ways to avoid waste in the kitchen.
    Read the Article: Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking

    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.

    Composting in winter keeps your garden fertile and cuts down on waste, even in cold weather. These frugal living tips help you get the most from your compost pile and prepare for spring gardening.
    Read the Article: Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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

    Turn kitchen scraps into fresh produce with these easy growing techniques. Perfect for frugal living, this approach keeps your food budget in check while making the most of what you already have.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

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

    Reusable beeswax wraps keep food fresh and replace single-use plastic wrap, saving you money over time. For frugal living, they’re a smart choice that brings sustainability to everyday storage.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

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

    These hand crank tools cut down on electricity costs and make food prep easier in any kitchen. A frugal living favorite, they’re reliable, durable, and help keep utility bills low.
    Read the Article: 7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

    How to Hot Compost

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

    Hot composting breaks down waste faster, providing nutrient-rich soil for your garden in record time. For frugal living, it’s an efficient way to turn waste into valuable compost without needing store-bought soil.
    Read the Article: How to Hot Compost

    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.

    Composting with kids teaches them about sustainability and keeps waste out of the trash. Ideal for frugal living, it’s a great way to involve the family in an eco-friendly habit that saves money on soil.
    Read the Article: Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started

    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

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

    This pine vinegar cleaner is simple to make and highly effective at cutting through grease, keeping your kitchen spotless. Frugal living becomes effortless with this homemade cleaner that’s both affordable and natural.
    Read the Article: Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

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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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