When it comes to grandmas, I hit the jackpot.
Both of my grandmas passed along their unique passions and gifts to me. Wildly different in personality and talents, I always felt like I received the best of both worlds from them. Odds are good your grandmother taught you a thing or two, too. Without even realizing it, you may have even incorporated your grandma’s approach to money and possessions.
These somewhat old fashioned lessons (primarily unspoken) from my grandmothers translate into the modern world. I have a feeling they’ll never go out of style and always be productive when it comes to saving money and living a full life.
Don’t waste
Both of my grandmothers were young during the lean years of the Great Depression. However, their parents’ experience influenced the ways they handled consumer goods. Grandma Thelma regularly reused plastic baggies — washing them out and drying them first, of course. Grandma Beulah kept bacon grease in a jar, ready for use in green beans or another downhome dish.
Embracing a “waste not” philosophy may seem silly in an age of disposable everything. However, using and reusing items saves you money and reduces trash, too. Whether it’s the containers our foods come in or the leftovers from dinner, try to reuse as many items as possible.
Eat at home
There are more than two dozen restaurants between our home and my husband’s office. While we all love a meal out on the town from time to time, consuming meals at home costs less, usually provides more healthy options, and allows you to spend time reconnecting with your family.
During my grandparents’ era, there were fewer restaurants. Many required driving 30 to 45 minutes from their rural Indiana homes. As a result, they ate the majority of their meals at home. Set a goal this week to eat at home everyday. Plan your meals. Use what you already have. Sit down and enjoy the time with your family. You’ll save money and invest in relationships money can’t buy.
Grow your own food
I’ll admit that I don’t have the green thumb abilities Grandma Beulah wielded with such ease. However, I have learned that growing some food of my own allows me to relish in expensive items I rarely budget for at the grocery store.
I love fresh herbs, especially basil and cilantro. While you may not have the time or yard space to tend to acres of fresh produce, you and I both can probably find a way to grow a small crop of foods we love. Even if you keep a small pot inside during the winter months, growing herbs or vegetables brings life to your home and more money to your wallet.
Be generous
While my grandmothers differed in their levels of wealth, both were incredibly generous with what they did have. From Beulah, I learned the importance of gathering forces to support those in your community during times of need. Sure, we might not have a lot to give as individuals, but together we can combine forces to make a large impact.
From Thelma, my eyes opened to a wider view. She saw the value in investing in people all over the world, some she didn’t even know. Both of my grandmothers recognized the fact that there’s always someone whose needs are greater than your own. It may require creativity or going without something yourself, but being generous helps you live an abundant life.
Generosity moves us from focusing on what we want next to seeing who needs help. When we focus inward, no matter how much money we make, we’ll never have enough. Casting our gaze beyond our own circumstances loosens the grip of consumerism on our lives.
Pay attention to small details
My grandmothers (and probably yours, too) were bean counters, list makers and penny pinchers. They took note of small details like turning off the lights to keep the energy bill low. They counted and rolled change. Grandma Thelma actually kept her change in the freezer and I can remember my fingers going numb as I helped her sort coins.
Tracking small details adds up over time, saving you money. Take a page from your grandmother’s book and do things like daily reconciling your checkbook, planning your meals for the week, and making a list before heading to the grocery store.
The legacy of our grandparents and the lessons they taught us can transform our finances. Simply reflecting upon how your parents and grandparents handled money can help you discover your own heart’s position toward it. This week, implement or return to an “old fashioned” practice or two. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also feel a deeper connection to the people in your life who loved you as only a grandparent can.
