The 1970s were a time of change and challenge, with rising inflation and economic uncertainty. For many families back then, making ends meet required creativity and resourcefulness. Without the convenience of modern technology and credit options, saving money meant relying on old-school strategies and making do with what you had. Whether it was patching up clothes, growing their own food, or relying on a single car to get by, families learned to get by with less and make every dollar count. These practical habits weren’t just about saving money; they were about building resilience and community, proving that even in tough times, ingenuity could make all the difference. Here are 20 ways our families saved money in the 1970s.
1. Rarely eating out
Cooking meals at home was the norm in the ’70s, and restaurants were reserved for very special occasions.
2. Using hand-me-down clothes
Passing clothes down to younger siblings helped reduce the need for new purchases.
3. Carpooling
Some people still carpool, but it was much more popular in the ’70s. Asking a coworker for a ride was normal then, but it has somehow become awkward recently.
4. Gardening
While people still have gardens, they don’t compare to the family gardens of the ’70s. Families often grew their fruits and vegetables that would last the majority of the year, saving loads on grocery bills.
5. Couponing
Taking advantage of store coupons was a popular way to save on groceries. Today, most people don’t want to take the time to go through and find coupons for their things.
6. Homemade cleaning supplies
In the ’70s, many people made their cleaning products by combining household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. I’m glad we have toothpaste that tastes better now though.
7. Repairing clothes instead of buying new ones
Mending and patching clothes was a common practice that saved families loads of money. However, being the youngest in the family could be tough, as it often meant inheriting hand-me-downs that were full of patchwork.
8. Handmade gifts
Instead of buying expensive gifts from the store, people would make gifts to give themselves. Homemade gifts are cheaper and more personal.
9. Free community events
Attending free community events like festivals or park events was a great way to have fun without having to spend money.
10. Baking at home
Instead of buying baked goods that are marked up 100%, families would bake their own bread, cookies, and cakes from scratch.
11. Hand-me-down toys
The money people spend on toys today is incredible. In the ’70s, kids would inherit toys from older siblings and relatives, cutting the need for new ones.
12. Using cloth diapers
While the transition to disposable diapers was well underway, cloth diapers were still used among families trying to save money.
13. Reusing plastic
Taking a look at how much plastic is thrown away today will blow anyone away. Back in the ’70s, we washed and reused plastic bags and items rather than throwing them out.
14. No air conditioning
You’d be surprised how much it costs to cool a home during the heat of the summer. Back in the ’70s, to save money, families would rely on open windows and fans to cool off.
15. Fixing appliances
Any parent or grandparent from the 1970s would laugh at someone who had to hire a professional to fix an appliance for them. Learning to fix things yourself is an important skill, and it saves families tons.
16. Making do with one car
Instead of owning multiple vehicles, many families would collaborate and use one car. Although this process can be extremely stressful, it’s a great way to save some extra cash.
17. Home haircuts
Can you believe the price of haircuts today? Cutting family members’ hair at home could save a lot of money instead of going to a salon.
18. Simple vacations
In the ’70s, a road trip or camping was the height of family vacations. Kids today lose their minds if they don’t go to Disney for one year.
19. Living with fewer home luxuries
Many families went without fancy things like microwaves and dishwashers to save money. Although these gadgets are useful, they are costly.
20. Drinking tap water
Did you know that Americans spend more than $18 billion annually on plastic water bottles? If you’re buying a $6 pack of water every few days for your family, try getting a water filter instead.
