Saving tips from grandma
5 habits that are easy on our wallets
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Grandma just knows better sometimes. This not only applies to her cooking skills or her wise advice about life – she also has a few tips and tricks up her sleeve when it comes to saving.
Being with grandma has always been a special feeling. As a child you were allowed to stay up late there, there were delicious sweets and great toys. As teenagers we had our first deeper conversations with grandma and got tips from the kitchen. And the older we get, the more wise advice we can take away from our grandmother. It’s not just about living, it’s also about saving. Because what has been true for grandma for years – why shouldn’t it also work for us?
5 grandma habits that are easy on our wallets
1. Take a snack with you
When we were at school, it was normal for many of us to make a sandwich and take it with us along with other snacks. Homemade is not only practical, but usually also cheaper than food from the kiosk or the canteen.
Of course you can treat yourself to a good lunch from out – but taking your own food with you once or twice a week makes a huge difference! Because if we add up all expenses for food, coffee and snacks, the result is a considerable sum. And financially aside, with prepared meals, we always know what’s in it. That means they are usually healthier too. Two birds with one stone – what could be better?
2. Grow your own vegetables
How nice would that be: A huge garden in which we can grow our own vegetables and fruit – because that simply tastes so much better than from the supermarket. If you are now thinking: “Of course, who has a garden these days?”, we can reassure you. It doesn’t need that. We can also plant our own beds on any city balcony or even in the kitchen. This is not only easy on the wallet, but also gives us a new sense of achievement. Whether small tomatoes, carrots or fruit – even in a small apartment you can grow a lot. Just try not to buy your vegetables in the supermarket, but to grow them yourself. This is not only cheaper, but also good for you and the environment.
3. Keep a shopping list
We all know it: shopping is imminent and we are totally unprepared or even hungry for the way to the supermarket. Big mistake! Grandma’s tip: Write yourself a shopping list and only put the items in the shopping basket that are on the list. This will help you avoid quick impulse and cravings and not only save you money, but also be more organized.
Extra tip for everyone who keeps forgetting their shopping list at home: With a shopping list app for your smartphone, you always have the list with you and can also go shopping spontaneously. This is practical and easy on the wallet.
4. Reuse
Not only is it sustainable, but it can also be fun. Reuse, buy second-hand and don’t just throw away carelessly. It starts with potato peels, which are great as a face mask because of their strength, continues with vintage furniture, which conjures up an extra portion of charm in our homes, and extends to clothing that we don’t throw away, but donate, sell or even use second hand can acquire by hand. All of these options make it easy for us to find clothes, furniture, etc. in good condition.
Reusing also includes the upcycling trend, which breathes new life into our things. Cut up old jeans to create a new summer outfit, place plants in jars and grow cuttings, or start a makeover project for your old furniture.
5. Small livestock makes crap too
Who does not know it? If we don’t pay attention to our expenses, we quickly lose track. Sometimes a coffee on the way, sometimes five euros spent here, sometimes something quickly taken away and then a lot of purchases come together that we don’t have an overview of. Grandma’s tip is to shop more consciously and simply leave out the little things. It is also useful to keep a list of every errand. This can be annoying and unfamiliar at first, but becomes routine if you keep it up. This is the best way for us to keep an eye on our finances.