I put together a list of 24 money-saving hacks that are perfect for us grandmas! The first few are obvious, but I found some really unique ideas that you’ve probably never heard of.
Anything that saves a few bucks here and there is up my alley. Of course I end up just using that money on my grandkids or something, but that’s okay.
Hopefully some of these ideas help! #5, #15, and #19 all help me a lot but #24 is my favorite.
1. Bulk Buying
I hoard stuff, it’s in my DNA, so buying in bulk is right up my alley. When you buy a ton of stuff at once, you can get a better price, which means more money in your pocket for other important things, like that trip to Hawaii you’ve been dreaming of.
The best places to buy in bulk are Costco, Amazon, and Sam’s Club.
2. Couponing
We all know this one, but I’m not one to turn down a good deal, so I’ve become quite the coupon queen. I clip coupons from the newspaper and print them out online, then stock up on whatever items I can get a discount on. I even have a coupon for my next 20 years of life!
You can check your mail for junk or try some websites like slickdeals.net and coupons.com.
3. Thrift Shopping
I love a good bargain, so thrift stores are my go-to for finding gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. You never know what treasures you’ll find, like that antique tea set that now sits pride of place in my living room.
Thrift stores have popped up all over the place, but there are always the go-tos like Goodwill.
4. Cooking at Home
I may not be the world’s greatest chef, but I sure can whip up a mean batch of spaghetti. Cooking at home is way cheaper than going out to eat, and I can use the money I save to buy more cat food for my furry friends.
If you’re looking for some ideas, especially to make with your grandchildren, check out my article here: Easy Recipes To Make With Your Grandchildren.
5. Programmable Thermostat
While I’m not a tech expert, even I know that a programmable thermostat can save me money on my energy bills. I set it to turn off when I’m not at home, and now I can afford to splurge on that deluxe cable package.
Here’s a good tutorial with more information. Most companies like Nest have an install option, and the savings pay for itself!
6. Subscription Cancellations
Who needs all those subscriptions? I sure don’t. I’ve cut back on my magazine subscriptions and canceled my gym membership, which means I have more time to focus on what really matters in life – like watching my favorite soap opera.
There’s also an app that helps you with this. It might require a little bit of tech savvy to get set up, plus you have to link you bank account. The app is called Rocket Money and it’ll automatically alert you and cancel things you aren’t using. Very helpful.
7. Generic Brands
I don’t mind buying generic brands instead of name-brand products. They’re usually just as good, and they cost a lot less. Plus, my grandkids don’t know the difference anyway.
8. Sale Shopping
When I see a sale, I go for it. I wait for sales before making big purchases.
Impulse shopping can be hard to control but it’s so much more expensive.
9. DIY Haircuts
Well, you probably think I’m crazy on this one and I can’t blame you. I would never try to cut my own hair but I used to cut my children’s hair all the time. With prices lately, it saves a lot of money. Of course I don’t recommend this is you’re not good with a pair of scissors.
10. Public Transportation
Who needs a car when you have a bus pass? Taking public transportation is not only eco-friendly, but it saves me money on gas and parking. Plus, I get to people-watch, which is always entertaining.
11. Used Cars
I don’t need a fancy car, so I bought a used one instead. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it gets me where I need to go, and I don’t have to worry about making car payments.
They say that a brand new car loses 15% of its value the moment it is driven off the lot. I don’t know how true that is, but used is the way to go for me.
12. Clothesline
I like to live my life like they did in the good ol’ days, which means hanging my clothes out to dry on a clothesline. It’s free, it’s easy, and it makes my clothes smell like sunshine. It might not make a lot of sense since a dryer is so easy, but sometimes it’s nice to save on water and get a little extra execise.
13. Reusable Water Bottles
I’m all about being eco-friendly, so I use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water. It’s a simple way to save me money in the long run. Plus, it gives me something to hold onto when I’m feeling nervous lol
14. Senior Discounts
I’m not above asking for a discount. Many stores and restaurants offer discounts to seniors, so I always ask if they have any specials. And if they don’t, I’ll just give them a good ol’ grandma stare until they cave in.
Check out Devoted Grandma’s Exhaustive List of Senior Discounts here.
15. Homemade Cleaning Products
You don’t need a degree in chemistry to know how to make your own cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Not only are they cheaper than store-bought products, but they’re also better for the environment. Or so I’ve heard!
16. In-Season Produce
I like to keep things fresh, so I buy produce that’s in season. It’s usually cheaper, and it tastes better too. Plus, it gives me an excuse to try out new recipes.
17. Library Card
Why buy books when you can borrow them for free? I use my library card to check out books, movies, and even audiobooks. It’s a great way to save money and keep my brain sharp.
I have friends who don’t even have Netflix or Cable because they just always rent movies at the library. Those savings really add up.
18. Discount Stores
Discount stores like Walmart and Dollar General have lower prices than traditional retailers, so I always check them out before making a purchase. Of course I do like to support mom and pop shops… we all know corporate America might be cheaper but it’s not the best for small businesses.
19. DIY Gifts
Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift. I like to make my own gifts, like crocheted blankets or homemade cookies. It’s a great way to save money and show someone that you care.
You can check out my article here: 30 DIY Gifts To Make With Your Grandchildren
20. Cashback Credit Cards
Since I’m spending money anyway, I like to get a little something back. That’s why I use a cashback credit card for my purchases. It’s like getting a discount without having to clip a coupon.
Most banks offer these at this point. You can take it a step further though. For example, if you get the Amazon card for only Amazon purchases, you get 5% back! That’s usually a lot more than a regular credit card but again it only works for Amazon purchases.
21. Meal Planning
Planning your meals out can save lots of money. That way, I can buy only what I need and avoid throwing away anything that’s gone bad. Plus, it makes grocery shopping a breeze.
22. DIY Home Repairs
I’m handy with a hammer and nails, so I always try to fix things myself before calling in a professional. It saves me money, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment. You should always be careful when tackling anything outside of your abilities.
Use YouTube and search for tutorials on just about anything. I’ve saved a lot of money by just figuring out what’s wrong via YouTube help!
23. Bartering
I’ll trade my homemade jams for a haircut, or my hand-knitted scarves for some fresh produce. It’s a great way to save money and connect with my community. Unfortunately it’s not really the way things work these days, but you might be surprised how receptive some people are to it if you just ask.
We’re all used to forking over cash in return for an item, but bartering was the way to do things for centuries! Why not now?
24. Grow Your Own Food
There’s nothing like the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables. I like to grow my own food in my backyard garden. It’s a great way to save money, get some exercise, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of my labor.
I hope you enjoyed reading through these money-saving hacks as much as I enjoyed writing them. Remember, saving money doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. With a little bit of creativity, you can make your penny-pinching journey both enjoyable and rewarding. And who knows, with all the money you save, maybe you’ll be able to finally take that trip to Hawaii with your grandkids.
Be sure to pack sunscreen and coupons. 🙂
