The generations before us learned to be frugal and have lots of tips that we could apply to our lives today. Grandma’s are full of wisdom on such topics. I’ve rounded up 36 frugal tips from grandma. She offered lots of little tricks to save money in the kitchen and even a few about cleaning.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mama Susie Said
As the first grandchild, I was privileged with naming the grandparents. I called my mom’s parents Mama and Papa. My dad’s parents were Mama Susie and Papa Susie. Creative I know. Everybody was ok with their name except for Papa Susie. He gave me many half dollars to quit calling him that. It is now permanently a part of his headstone.
Growing up I did not appreciate all of the bits of wisdom imparted to me by my grandma, Mama Susie. Now as a wife, I listen and ask for more. She kindly collected a bunch of her tips for me to share with you guys.
Pin it for Later!
Frugal Tips from Grandma in the Kitchen
- Shop one store, with exceptions.
- Make up a menu using seasonal food.
- Stick to the menu plan.
- Keep old menus to refer to.
- You will have leftovers at the end of the week. So that it isn’t wasted, use this food first the following week.
- Consider a monthly cooking day. Put meals in the freezer for the month.
- Use coupons. Put the money you saved in a separate place.
- Double the vegetables in a recipe.
- Don’t overbuy just because it is a good deal.
- Utilize food given to you, such as someone’s garden tomatoes.
- Make overnight oats. They make a great breakfast on the go.
- If the milk goes sour, freeze it in 1 cup increments. In most recipes that call for milk, you can use soured milk.
- Avoid impulse buying at the store.
- Make use of a rotisserie chicken. You can use it for a chicken noodle soup, casseroles, and chicken salad. Boil the bones and skin with old vegetable scraps to make a broth. This can be used to make soup or in recipes that call for broth.
- Making soups is so easy. Most commercial soups are full of preservatives and dyes.
- Clean out the refrigerator. Chop up the leftover vegetables and meat and add them to pasta. Use salad dressing to create pasta salad.
- Use stale bread to make croutons. A little butter and garlic season them up nicely.
- Save all of the crumbs from bread, crackers, and chips. They can be used to top a casserole when drizzled with a little butter.
- Extra tomatoes can be used to make chili, pasta sauce, or salsa. Roast tomatoes, and garlic in olive oil Blend it up to make oven roasted tomato sauce. Freeze it in 2 cup potions for oven roasted pasta sauce.
- Clean out the bits of cheese. Grate it all together then add pimientos, mayo, and salt. For a bit of tartness add a small amount of mustard or vinegar. For a bit of spice, sprinkle it with cayenne pepper.
- When eggs are abundant or less expensive make deviled eggs, egg salad, and creamed salad as a treat.
- Make mac and cheese using bits of leftover cheeses. You can add bacon bits if you like. Using a can of evaporated milk will make it extra creamy.
- When baking, conserve energy and fill the oven. Mix up some beef, sausage, and bread crumbs. This can be turned into several meatloaves. Press the mixture into a cookie sheet. Then cut to make square meatballs.
- When you have an empty bottle of mustard, mayo, or ketchup, pair it with ingredients for a salad dressing. Give the bottle a good shake to mix it up.
- Pork loins are a great buy. An 8 pound pork loin can be cut into 2 roasts or 5 pork chops.
- Take an inventory of all of your food.
- When doubling recipes, do not double the spice. Add them to taste.
- Make chicken pot pie to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. Biscuits are an easy topper.
- Turkey is much like chicken. Eat slices of turkey breast. Use the bones and vegetables to make stock. Add turkey and vegetables to a white sauce. Top it with bread crumbs or biscuits to bake. Grind it up to make turkey salad.
- Plant a small garden. A raised bed is a simple way to start. Even just producing a few vegetables can really help the budget.
- When somebody is sick add a couple tablespoons of bleach to the dishwater.
Frugal Tips from Grandma in the Utility Room
- Measure the laundry soap if you use liquid detergent instead of sheets or pods.
- Dawn dish soap will remove almost any stain. Apply it and allow it to sit for a while before washing.
- Bleach can be used for whitening, but do not dump directly on the clothing. If you prefer not to use bleach try bluing. It keeps whites brighter anyway.
- Wash mirrors and windows two or three times. Try out my natural window cleaner or just plain vinegar. One wash just doesn’t get them to shine.
- Wash everything in cold water unless there is a special circumstance.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop this Post
Essential Oils Use the code MORGANSFARMHOUSE10 for 10% off your first order
Leave a Reply