Back in the seventies, managing a household budget often meant getting creative with everyday choices. Families leaned on practical habits, small adjustments, and a good amount of ingenuity to keep costs down while still covering what they needed. It was a time when saving money was less about strategies and more about everyday common sense.
Looking at these examples, you’ll start to see how different priorities shaped the way people spent their money. From how groceries were bought to how we reused items, nothing was wasted without thought. These approaches offer a glimpse into a more frugal era, where making things last was simply a part of life. Let’s dive into 20 ways seventies families saved money.
1. Rarely eating out
Cooking meals at home was the norm in the ’70s, and restaurants were reserved for very special occasions. Families gathered around the table most nights, turning dinner into a shared experience rather than a quick stop on the way home.
2. Using hand-me-down clothes
Clothing was often passed from one child to the next, stretching both fabric and family budgets. It was a practical system that made sure nothing useful went to waste, even if it meant developing a sense of style shaped by older siblings.
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
Clipping coupons was a regular part of grocery shopping, with families taking the time to plan purchases around the best deals. It required patience, but the savings added up in a meaningful way over time.
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6. Homemade cleaning supplies
Many households relied on simple, homemade mixtures to keep things clean, using ingredients already on hand. It was an approach rooted in practicality, even if it meant sacrificing some of the convenience and polish of modern products.
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 for themselves. Homemade gifts are cheaper and more personal.
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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
Cloth diapers remained a practical choice for families looking to cut costs, even as disposable options became more available. They required more effort, but the long-term savings made the extra work worthwhile.
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
Keeping cool meant opening windows, drawing curtains, and relying on fans rather than expensive systems. It required some adjustment, but it kept energy costs manageable during the hottest months.
15. Fixing appliances
When something broke, the first instinct was to fix it rather than replace it or call for help. Learning how things worked was part of everyday life, and it saved a significant amount of money over time.
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.
Want to see more content from the seventies?
Check out 18 Vintage Images That Show What High School Was Like In The Seventies, or take a look at 20 Actresses Who Ruled The Seventies. Finally, if you want to see yearbook photos from the ’70s, check out 20 Yearbook Photos from the Smokin’ Seventies.
