9 Money-Saving Habits I Learned From My Grandmother

Struggling with finances, want to save money or just be a more mindful and conscious consumer? In this article I’m sharing some wisdom passed down from previous generations that I think are still more than relevant today. Here are 9 money-saving habits I learned from my grandmother.

MONEY-SAVING HABITS FROM MY GRANDMOTHER

If there’s one person who taught me the true value of money, it was my grandmother. She wasn’t wealthy by any means, but she was rich in wisdom and always seemed to make the most of what she had. Growing up, I would spend hours with her in her little kitchen, sipping tea and watching her go about her day—whether it was mending a torn shirt, turning leftovers into something delicious, or making sure every penny was accounted for.

Over the years, I’ve come to realise that many of the money-saving habits she practiced were timeless, practical, and incredibly effective. Here are nine of those habits that have stuck with me, and that I believe can help anyone live a more intentional, simpler, and financially conscious life.

1. Plan Ahead for Meals

One of my grandmother’s favourite sayings was, “Waste not, want not.” And she truly lived by it when it came to food. She always planned her meals around what was in season, what was on offer at the local market, and what she already had in the pantry. Leftovers weren’t just an afterthought—they were a treasure trove for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner. She’d never throw out food without thinking how it could be repurposed into something new.

I’ve taken this habit to heart, meal planning each week based on what I already have in the cupboard. It’s saved me from unnecessary food waste and cuts down on my weekly grocery bills. I also love making larger portions and freezing meals for busier days—it’s not only cost-effective but also a time-saver.

2. Buy Quality, Not Quantity

My grandmother didn’t buy things on impulse. If she needed something, she would save up for it and ensure it was something that would last. Whether it was a good-quality winter coat, a sturdy pair of shoes, or a kitchen utensil, she knew the value of investing in items that would stand the test of time.

I’ve adopted this mindset, especially when it comes to clothing and household items. Rather than buying cheap items that wear out quickly, I focus on finding durable, well-made pieces. It might take a little longer to save up for them, but it’s well worth it in the long run.

3. Embrace Thrift Stores and Charity Shops

Grandma was always a fan of second-hand treasures. She didn’t see this as a last resort; to her, they were a place to find quality goods at a fraction of the price. From clothes to books to furniture, she found many gems in these shops—and, more importantly, she taught me to appreciate the value of recycling and reusing.

I’ve followed in her footsteps and have found some amazing items at charity shops. Not only does it save me money, but it also aligns with my desire to live more sustainably. Plus, sometimes there’s something truly special about finding a hidden gem that has a bit of history attached to it.

4. Stick to a Budget

My grandmother was incredibly disciplined when it came to managing her finances. She kept a simple budget, noting down her income, her outgoings, and making sure there was always enough to cover what she needed. Anything extra went into savings or was used for a special treat.

I’ve learned to do the same, creating a monthly budget that helps me stay on track and it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m not overspending. Keeping a budget also allows me to be more intentional about where my money goes—whether it’s saving for something I truly want or putting money aside for an emergency fund.

5. DIY Whenever Possible

One of the things I admired most about my grandmother (and my grandparents in general) was how they could fix just about anything. Broken lamps, loose buttons, garden fences. They always tried to find a way of mending or upcycling things instead of replacing them. I learned that with a little creativity and patience, many things can be repaired or repurposed rather than tossed out.

I’ve embraced DIY in my own life, whether it’s mending clothes, repurposing furniture, or fixing small household items. Not only does it save money, but it also gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch your resources and make things last longer.

6. Shop Smart

Grandma wasn’t a fan of impulse buying. She’d wait for sales, take advantage of discounts, and use coupons whenever she could. She’d also shop around to make sure she was getting the best deal possible. It was never about depriving herself—it was about being mindful of her spending and finding ways to get more value for her money.

I’ve adopted this habit by shopping smarter. I plan my purchases, keep an eye out for sales, and always compare prices before buying anything. I also look for high-quality items that are on sale or buy items out of season when they’re cheaper. Shopping smart doesn’t mean never treating yourself—it just means being mindful of when and how you spend.

7. Make Use of What You Have

Grandma rarely bought anything unless it was absolutely necessary, and even then, she’d make sure to use it to its full potential. She would use every square inch of fabric if she was making her own clothes and turn even tiny remnants into something useful, or use up the last drop of cleaning product before buying more.

I’ve learned to make the most of what I already have, whether it’s making the last bit of shampoo last longer or reusing packaging. It’s a habit that encourages me to be resourceful and think twice before purchasing something new.

8. Create a Savings Fund for Special Occasions

My grandmother always put aside a little extra money for special occasions—whether it was saving money at Christmas, for a birthday, or a small holiday. It was her way of making sure that those celebrations didn’t come as a financial burden.

I’ve adopted this strategy and started a small savings account specifically for special occasions. By setting aside a little each month, I can enjoy life’s celebrations without worrying about finances. It’s also a great way to avoid debt during festive seasons and big life events.

9. Value Experiences Over Things

Lastly, my grandmother was never one to chase after material possessions. For her, the most valuable things were the moments spent with loved ones. Whether it was a simple picnic in the park or a quiet afternoon of having tea and scones and chatting or playing a board game, she cherished the time spent connecting with people and creating memories.

I’ve taken this to heart by prioritising experiences over things. Instead of focusing on buying new items, I now look for ways to create meaningful memories. Whether it’s a family day out, a homemade meal with friends, or just a quiet evening in, these experiences feel richer and more rewarding than any material possession ever could.

CONCLUSION

My grandmother’s money-saving habits weren’t about deprivation or sacrifice—they were about living thoughtfully and intentionally. By making mindful choices with her time and money, she created a life filled with value and meaning. And the best part? Although the world has changed in many ways, these habits still hold up today. By adopting some of these simple but powerful strategies, I’ve been able to save money, reduce waste, and live more intentionally—and I hope they can help you do the same.

So, the next time you’re tempted to splurge or chase after the next big thing, take a step back and ask yourself: “What would Grandma do?” You might just find that the answers lead to a more fulfilling, financially secure life.

FAQ ON MONEY-SAVING HABITS

Here are some common questions I thought it might be helpful to answer here.

1. How can I start budgeting if I’ve never done it before?

Start simple! Track your income and expenses for a month to see where your money goes. From there, create categories for spending (groceries, bills, etc.) and set realistic limits for each. You can use an App or even just paper and pen. Here are some tips to help you simplify your finances.

2. How do I stop impulsively buying things?

Give yourself a cooling-off period. Wait 24 hours before purchasing anything non-essential. This allows you to reflect on whether you truly need it.

3. How can I save money on groceries?

Meal plan for the week, stick to a shopping list, buy in bulk where possible, and make use of leftovers. Simple, sustainable changes can make a big difference.

4. How do I shift my focus from material possessions to experiences?

Start by scheduling regular time with loved ones—go for a walk, visit a museum, or host a movie night at home. Create memories that aren’t tied to spending.

I hope you found this article helpful! Do you have any money-saving habits you’ve learned from your family? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some more articles you might find helpful:

20 Frugal Living Habits to Help You Spend More Wisely Every Day

Shopping Perfectionism: 8 Tips to Stop Obsessing Over Making the Perfect Purchase

15 Easy Ways to Save Money When Buying Clothes

14 Frugal Living Tips to Help You Save Money and Thrive on Less

15 Easy Ways to Save Money When Buying Clothes

Key Principles of Conscious Consumerism and Making Smart, Sustainable Choices

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

One of the money-saving habits we looked at in this article is about having more mindful shopping habits. To help you with this, I’ve created a free checklist you can use to help you plan your shopping and have a strategy for more intentional (and maybe wiser) purchasing. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…