Boomers had some smart money habits that still make sense today. They didn’t need fancy apps or complicated plans to make a few dollars — they just made do with what they had. Whether it was cost savings or sticking to basic habits, they knew how to stretch a dollar. The best part? These hacks still hold up today despite our many modern conveniences. In this list, let’s see some of their best saving tips we should bring back.
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Cook at Home Instead of Eating Out
Boomers didn’t dine out except on special occasions. Cooking at home – they understood – was not only less expensive, it was more satisfying. They wouldn’t pay for takeout and would make meals out of whatever they had in the fridge. Leftovers? They didn’t throw them – they’d transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch.
Buy in Bulk
Many Boomers advise to shop in bulk for pantry goods such as flour, sugar and cans. It conserves money, time and unnecessary store visits. Warehouse clubs are probably more fashionable these days – but Boomers were doing this before it was cool. Even now, if you buy bulk non-perishables or household goods – you can really stretch your money.
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Fix It Yourself
Boomers were not always quick to reach out to a professional for any fix. A leaky tap, a creaking chair, a ripped shirt? They’d get a toolbox or sewing kit and figure it out. DIY was not a pastime – it was a necessity. To this day, you can save yourself tons of money by learning some basic repairs.
Reuse and Repurpose
Boomers could see value in anything. A pickle jar wasn’t just trash – it was a container for later. Old clothes became cleaning cloths, and cardboard boxes became storage boxes. They had a way of making things last, which didn’t just save money, but helped the planet.
Shop Secondhand
They were masters at finding treasures from thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets. Clothing, furniture, toys, you name it, they got it secondhand. The best part? Buying second-hand was more than saving money, it was about buying rare items you couldn’t find anywhere else.
Use Coupons and Discounts
Remember those newspaper coupon inserts? Boomers made the best of them. They’d clip, sort and accumulate savings like pros. And now we have online coupons and cash back programs, but the rule is the same: never pay full price if you don’t need to.
Drive Your Car Until It’s Done
Boomers didn’t replace their car every few years with the latest model. They kept their old car, did regular maintenance and drove it for as long as they could. Of course, they didn’t have the nicest automobiles – but they saved a ton of money by not having to pay for an auto every few months.
Stick to a Budget
Boomers knew exactly what they were spending their money on. From registering expenses in a notebook to balancing a checkbook, Boomers kept their money in order. They had a budget and knew what was coming out of their paycheck – they didn’t have to wonder every month where it went.
Avoid Unnecessary Debt
Boomers didn’t pay with credit card every time they made a purchase. They’d save for the things they needed and only used credit when they really had to. If they couldn’t afford it, they’d wait. It’s a simple mindset to adopt that will save you a lot of money in the future.
Grow Your Own Food
Boomers had a garden — even if it was a small one in the back. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, even some fruits, were grown at home. It was cheaper, delicious, & it made them feel proud. If you don’t have a garden, some herbs on a windowsill will do the trick.
Make Use of Free Entertainment
Instead of shelling out thousands on entertainment, Boomers were happy with simpler things. A picnic in the park, a game night at home or a free community event was all they needed. They didn’t feel like they were missing out because they were more interested in quality time than spending money.
Swap and Share with Neighbors
Boomers were also well-connected and would reach out to neighbors or friends when they wanted something. From lending tools to swapping garden produce to sharing leftovers, they knew that it’s worth exchanging & giving rather than getting a new item. Not only did this save money but it also created connections. This can still be done today, for example by swapping streaming subscriptions or setting up a tool-sharing community in your local community.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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