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StitcherLet’s take a look at the habits and mindsets that helped people thrive through some of history’s toughest times. In this episode, Jen and Jill share lessons from the 1920s and beyond that can help us push back against a century of overconsumption marketing and rethink what it means to live well with less.
The great depression era living isn’t something to strive for but there are still a lot of things we can take away from it both on the practical side and the mindset side.
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There are a lot of tips and mindsets people had in the 1920’s that would be good for everyone to adopt to reset the last 100 years of overconsumption marketing we’ve endured. If this is something you agree with, hit that subscribe button. That’s what we talk about on our podcast. How do we practice conscious consumption, take what’s good, and leave what no longer works.
Living Through the Great Depression
Jen reads a story from someone who lived with people who experienced the Great Depression, offering a glimpse into what that era was like through the memories of those who lived it. The story emphasizes that Great Depression-era living isn’t something to aspire to, but there are still valuable lessons we can take from it, both practical habits and mindset shifts.
Frugal Living Mindsets from the Great Depression
Everything Jen and Jill lists points to getting the maximum value from what you already have rather than constantly acquiring something new. People repaired instead of replaced, reused instead of discarded, borrowed instead of bought, cooked instead of outsourced, and delayed purchases until they were truly needed.
Success wasn’t measured by how much you owned but by how well you used, maintained, and stretched your resources.
Frugal Living Habits from the Great Depression
Jen and Jill also point out that many of these habits were about staying ready. People did not assume life would always go according to plan. They saved extras, learned useful skills, and kept their needs simple so they could adjust when circumstances changed. That preparation gave them a sense of security even during uncertain times.
What’s a great depression era frugal living tip that you no longer do?
Jill used to darn socks which is great but not anymore, she also doesn’t keep bacon grease any longer. Jen on the other hand, takes boarders to cut rent, but she don’t want to have “boarders” anymore.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Stacey for sharing your bill about the library and access to online courses – skill building AND exercising classes.
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews of our book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and we especially loved this one from:
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Realistic approach to mindful spending
I’ve gone through phases in my life where I’m more frugal/thrifty than others. I hit the thrift shops HARD in high school, for example, and only recently rediscovered the thrill. I also had a Dave Ramsey phase. And lately, I’ve gone down the “buy nothing” rabbit hole. Jen and Jill speak to all of these different parts of me so clearly, and use all the best lessons learned from each phase to create a holistic new lifestyle that I’m excited about: values-based spending.
This is a great read — it’s conversational and educational all at once, and requires just the right amount of self-reflection. I’m definitely “embracing my season” and saying “no” more, thanks to these gals.
If you want to check out our monthly challenge community head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/club to see what challenge we have coming up next.
Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to reviews@frugalfriendspodcast.com. And don’t forget to share your favorite quote from the episode by using the hashtag #FrugalFriendsNote. 😉