Grandma's Frugal Hacks | Frugal Living Tips from the Great Depression
Visit helixsleep.com/frugalfitmom to get up to $200 off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows #helixsleep
My name is Christine, and welcome to Frugal Fit Mom! Today is a throw back to my grandparents and the frugal living tips they learned by growing up in the great depression.
Frugal Fit Dad Channel - / @frugalfitdad
Andrew's Rubik's Cube Channel- / @candycuber1
Find me online:
~~Instagram - frugalfitmo...
~~Facebook - / christinethefrugalfitmom
~~Website - frugalfitmom.com
For business inquiries please contact me at: contact@tablerockmanagement.com
✨ FREQUENTLY MENTIONED LINKS + DISCOUNTS ✨
ludabottles.com/FFM
Get 2000 Bonus points with FETCH rewards: FP9XH
Get a $10 bonus on Ibotta - ibotta.risj.net/E65yD
Want a send a letter?
P.O. Box 50472
Idaho Falls, ID 83405
Shop my Favorites on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/frugalfitmom
00:00 Frugal Tips From Grandma
1:30 Save soap scraps
2:15 Learn to sew
2:55 Learn woodworking
3:15 refinish Furniture
5:00 Invest in Quality
8:30 Modest Housing
8:40 Learn to Fix things
9:00 Modest Car
10:15 Learn to fix your own car
10:25 Take care of your things
11:58 Lower your standards
14:30 Don't eat out
14:45 Find DEALS when eating out
16:00 Save activities for special occasions
16:20 Get the free bread
18:20 Rice with meals
18:41 Bread with meals
19:10 Expensive food for special occasions
20:10 Drink water
20:58 Buy in Bulk
22:10 Camping
22:45 Deals on Trips
25:20 Make regular things exciting
28:52 Memories are people, not things
Disclaimer
In compliance with FTC guidelines: Any/all of the links on site/video are affiliate links of which Frugal Fit Mom receives product credit or a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you. Frugal Fit Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting my channel!
#frugalliving #frugaltips #frugalfitmom
Пікірлер: 816
Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/frugalfitmom to get up to $200 off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows #helixsleep
@commenter5901
Жыл бұрын
Your mom looks like Meryl Streep
My grandma put the slivers of soap in a knee high stocking ( usually with a run) when she got enough she tied a knot... diy soap on a rope!
@JB-vd8bi
Жыл бұрын
Yup we did that or Nan crocheted little bags so you had your own soap saver bag
@viviannichols3582
Жыл бұрын
I always put the end of the soap onto the new bar (on top of where the logo is) and they kind of glue themselves to each other when they’re both a little wet.
Your mom is so comfortable in front of the camera. I’m closer to her age and would love to see her on her own channel.
I love how that puppy just sits there and just enjoys the conversation.
This video is just heart warming. It's lovely to see the kind of relationship you two have and your mom is great!
Oh my goodness, Christine! At the end when your mom said she had done her job as a parent and was proud of you, it made me cry! And you look super pretty today! Thanks for sharing!
We stopped eating out as much for budget sake. We hardly eat out now. My oldest is 9 and she says eating out now feels so much more special and fun. She’s right! I actually love it!
@amosiren
Жыл бұрын
Omg with prices now- I can tell anybody if they are eating out even once a week⬅️ that's why they are broke 🤷🏼♀️
@missyprissyable
Жыл бұрын
It would be more special if the food was good. I have found most restaurants have really gone downhill!
@gloriaalex11
Жыл бұрын
The prices went up and the portion sizes went down -- you get LESS for your money. That's the opposite of what we're trying to accomplish. So on the rare occasions when we do go out for a meal, we only eat at our very favorite places where at least the quality is still high. Not wasting money on mediocre food, when we can cook better stuff at home.
@awhiny1
Жыл бұрын
We only go out to a restaurant for a birthday. That way it’s extra special since the birthday person gets to pick where we go
@lv2flip24
Жыл бұрын
@@amosiren … how about the people that buy their specialty coffee out everyday
Your mom AND Speedy in one video...what a treat!
When my daughter was under 2, we would ride the bus around for fun. She rode free and loved it. I would doze in the seat while she marvelled at the sights. $2 for an afternoon of fun/rest!
@alldaymusiclover107
Жыл бұрын
Love it!
I grew up on a family of 10 kids and in order to stretch tunafish my mom would always buy it in the oil and then she would break up little pieces of the bread into the tuna mixture which would absorb the oils in the tuna and then mix the mayonnaise and the celery and all of that but you never knew you weren’t eating tuna
Speedy sitting on your moms lap the whole video is adorable!
I’m British, and Christmas isn’t Christmas without mince pies and cake crammed full of dried fruit ( homemade of course) Love watching you with your Mum x
@cookshackcuisinista
Жыл бұрын
Yes I think the Americans forget all of the British heritage with regards to the mincemeat pies! It is more common in the Canadian household at Christmastime (especially if your father came from the East coast of Canada) than in the American household!
@jlw7189
Жыл бұрын
I'm American (60 yrs) and my grandmother always made mincemeat! Homemade with a brandy sauce. Fruitcakes weren't homemade though. Usually storebought. New traditions have taken over in the US at Christmas, chocolate things and more pumpkin pie.
@cherryknott7233
Жыл бұрын
Loved the video, Christine; great to see you sharing tips & memories with your mom. Rebecca Kit I grew up in Utah with my British parents and it wasn't Christmas in our family without mince pies & rich fruit cake covered in marzipan & royal icing; and like you they were all homemade by my mom.
@sharonpalmer8844
Жыл бұрын
I’m British too and Christmas is NOT Christmas without minced pies and fruit Christmas cake. It’s as popular in the UK as Pumpkin pie in the USA …… not something we ever eat as a nation. We’re such similar nations but totally different at the same time. Lovely video with your mom too. Happy new year to you all xx
@lynnkavanagh7361
Жыл бұрын
My mom made fruitcake every year at Christmas. Everyone said it was so delicious. The reason they said that was because, once the fruitcake was baked & cooled, she poured whiskey (I think that’s what it was, it was some kind of alcohol anyway). It sat on the counter for about a week, covered with a tea towel, & every day she’d pour more on it. I think that was the draw! Lol! My husband grew up in a family of 11 kids. His father was the only one who liked mince meat pie, so every Thanksgiving she would make a small one for Jack. He’s the only person I’ve known who liked mince meat pie.
Your mom is a national treasure. ♥ I am also the product of Depression-era grandparents, and I found myself nodding along with so many of these tips. Our "fancy restaurant" was Western Sizzlin. A steak, a piece of grilled Texas toast, a foil wrapped baked potato, and salad bar all the way baby! Didn't get any better than that! 😅 I honestly don't know if my dad ever went to any other sit-down restaurant than Western Sizzlin. I was well into my teens before I ever had restaurant Mexican food or Chinese food (two of my favorites now).
@Crackrzz
Жыл бұрын
Ahh the fancy steak place for us was the Ponderosa. I was five when it left, supply issues or something. I miss it. I think I went to one quite a while ago between my hometown and my current city (same province, I'm in Canada). Fancy to us was a local chain (only 2 or 3 existed) Jaspers, and then Boston Pizza & East Side Mario's when they arrived. And Smitty's. And another local spot that I think is still in operation, Simeon's, which was very close to the old Ponderosa. There was a sit down Mexican restaurant we loved that closed down in the 90s, but there are several Chinese places at home and around me in my part of the city.
@ellendunn559
Жыл бұрын
I think her mom is a Boomer (like me), raised by Depression-era parents. I picked up a lot of these sorts of tips from my parents!
Half hour video with your mom? Great way to start a Monday! Hi Speedy 😊
@FrugalFitMom
Жыл бұрын
Hope you enjoyed it!
@manuelaeder6387
Жыл бұрын
Love long videos.
@rangerlove7
Жыл бұрын
@@FrugalFitMom I did! I love when y'all reminisce about your childhood
@crybebebunny
Жыл бұрын
@Renee Horne alot our my childhood came to mind. If I happen to go to DL I am of those who the park opens and I am the last family out of the park.
If people don't know Wendy's sells frosty tags that cost $2 each. Everytime you go to Wendy's and buy anything (my husband and I get the $5 bag and get the double stack, fries, drink and 4 chicken nuggets) then we get a small frosty for free for the whole year. I love the peppermint and hubby likes chocolate frosty. You attach the tags to your keys and never lose them. Peppermint has been replaced with vanilla for a time but I think they vary the flavors but they always have chocolate.
I promise I am listening, but I can’t help watching that sweet pup!
You are so right about the memories. I tried to teach my children that while "things" are nice, memories are what matter.. and unlike those "things" they last forever.
I grew up on bread and butter with every dinner too! 🤣 I must have blocked that "classy" dinner staple out lol
Your mom telling you she's proud of you is everything. What a beautiful soul she is.
Speedy loves some Grandma. Look how he just snuggles in no matter how much she moves him around.
I wish your father was there to tell his stories as well. Life is short. Always be sure to give your mother more hugs and kisses than she count whenever you can. Randomly send her a text that you love her etc. and even think those thoughts to your Dad, I'm sure he's still with you today in the heart.
The pic of your mom and Craig - she looked so incredibly happy it made me smile!! It's not easy loving a frugal man, unless you're a frugal woman, lol. Clearly, your dad is the reason why your so good at making bread, nobody wants to eat plain 'ol sandwich bread if they don't have to, lol. My favorite part was hearing your mom say she feels she did a good job raising you, and she clearly means it when she said how proud she is of you!!
It's so fun watching you and your mom together! Keep 'em coming!
@FrugalFitMom
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@chantellecunningham8899
Жыл бұрын
@@FrugalFitMom so welcome!! We are committed to getting to be debt free so I appreciate the frugal tips!
My daughter in law goes out on bulk trash pickup day and looks for good throw aways from the neighborhood. She cleans them up and resells them. Most of her furniture is used and purchased at garage sales or resale shops.
You and your mom look so much alike! I love hearing about the Great Depression and how people lived then.
My parents survived the Depression. My mom taught me how to make my own toys. My dad ate onion sandwiches. We passed our clothing down. My clothes were so outdated, but having 7 siblings meant we had to do this. Your mom reminds me of my one sister. My mom loved those fruitcakes and mince pies. I appreciate watching you two. We go camping, too.
Your Mom is fantastic Christine! She has great ideas, and her skin is incredible!🥰🥰
Smiled from ear to ear watching this video. Have been wondering how your mom is lately, it was so nice to see her and you and Speedy of course. Have to admit, I got teared up at the end.
This is great! Your mom is lovely. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. SO BLESSED to have my 86 year old mom live .3 miles (but who's counting, lol?) away from us for the past few years :) She learned to knit (socks for WWII soldiers) in The First Grade.
@countryfrau8328
Жыл бұрын
Wow!!! Loved this!
May Ponchos rest in peace. We went ALL the time. I live in The Colony. I am finding that Black-eyed Pea restaurant. 53 minutes from me! YAY.
Lol, the bloopers at the end were awesome! Please have your mom on again! She was so cute.
Frugal tips video host: I just came from the salon, got highlights, lash extensions and tinted eyebrows. I had to chuckle 🤣 I just love you and your mom is the sweetest and Speedy is so cute listening to every word your mom says. This video just warmed my heart ❤
I agree with the not eating out much! We don't eat out much, and with the resent price spikes it comes down to birthdays, anniversaries, and really special occasions. This makes eating out so special and memorable in contrast of eating out every day of the week!
How fun! I am a strong believer that Home Economics is just as worthy a pursuit as Business. My mom, born in 1945, was a home ec major, and brought frugality to a whole new level in the 80s it was like living in the 50s. She packed my lunches because the cost of the extremely expensive nutritionally questionable school lunch (less than a dollar) was outrageous. Somehow my dad did deals with everyone to trade services. My mom would make someone a dress or teach them to can and we would be paid in fresh fruit or frozen meat. My dad helped everyone fix everything and everyone came over to help him too. Maybe making friends with the neighbors is a thrifty tip 😂
Tip #26 is my favorite tip, my friends and I all value the memories and the experience more than anything else, we love to camp, hike, rent a cheap cabin or hotel at the beach and just have fun with each other and our kids. Some of the best memories are made from the weirdest circumstances, my family also had a camping trip that was rained out and my sister and I along with our kids spent hours trying to put up tarps and laughing and dancing in the rain, warming up by the fire - then we had the best,greasiest hamburgers in the history of camping. My boyfriend gets mad when he asks me what I want for a present, because I will always say nothing - I just want to hang out and spend time together, I don't put a lot of value on things that don't matter - people matter so I focus on that!
My parents grew up in (communist) Eastern Europe. Our parents left when we were still very young. They never stopped using the lessons and skills they were taught by those before them. How to stretch food and budgets, make clothing, sew, repurpose, repairs, etc. Many are simple things that can save so much money. Even with my own family, I apply those same skills and teach my children. My dad would say that you can do a lot of living on very little.
Your Mom is a true gem 💎❤
Omg! I luv the closeness with you and your Mom; it appears to be the same as what I had with mine before she passed last year. I miss having my ‘person’ that I could talk with about my childhood - things only a Mom could remember… Please hug and luv your Mom every day as there will never be anyone like her in your life when she’s gone. 💗
@kelmike060404
Жыл бұрын
I feel you I lost my mom 2021 and not a day goes by I don't think of her 💔wish I could call her
@justpatty7328
Жыл бұрын
Hugs to you both. I lost my mom in 2007, life has not been the same. I do more of what she would do, in honor of her.
I absolutely love that little dog. I just want to hold him or her. She was so quiet😊
Your mom is so cute and the dog is adorable! Luv ur hair!
@FrugalFitMom
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@thebusybees2006
Жыл бұрын
@@FrugalFitMom You are welcome!
My grandparents had 10 kids. My gran was a wizard on the sewing machine and for years when the kids were younger made their clothing (this is pre, and post war era Belgium, EU). My grandpa was into woodworking next to his 9 to 5 and as a grandchild I loved spending time with him. We made serving trays and picture frames often in his basement when my gran used to curse I wasn't interested in sewing (and should be) LOL! I learned at a later age to do the sewing, the crocheting and the knitting. Soap scraps are never tossed here, to this day. By the by, Brie is not expensive at all. But I live in Europe, maybe that's why. And I get it at Aldi. They have a very nice cheese selection.
My grandparents lived during the depression and it really influenced my dad, who wanted to make everything, cook everything, and fix everything. He was also a boy scout leader and went on many a camping trip. I couldn't believe it when you mentioned Pancho's! My grandparents used to live in New Orleans and I have such fond memories of eating at Pancho's--raising the flag, having the sopapillas!! I went to a Mexican place in Florida last summer that reminded me of it--it was not a buffet, but the sopapillas were to die for. It was in Venice, I just looked it up--Mi Pueblo is the name of it.
I liked how the dog was so calm with being held by your mom. Good tips too.😋
My mom made her own mincemeat, and it was delicious. She also made amazing fruit cake. When you meet someone that can make this stuff well, it's delicious!
@sharonberg4817
Жыл бұрын
My mom's fruitcakes were sooo good that I never understood why all the jokes... until I was visiting someone's home. They offered fruitcake and I gladly accepted. Wow, it was awful, nothing like what mom made, learned not to eat anyone's fruitcake but moms!
@JB-vd8bi
Жыл бұрын
@@sharonberg4817 oh yes. The mass produced ones don't hold a candle to homemade ones, especially a proper steamed fruit or plum pudd.
My grandmother taught me to stick the last sliver of a soap bar onto the new soap bar, to use it up.
@sharonberg4817
Жыл бұрын
I still do this
I love this video! Your Mom cracks me up, Christine!! Your family has such a great sense of humor.
@FrugalFitMom
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh my goodness I went to Disney with my single Mom, Dennys was attached to our hotel and we ate Dennys every morning too!
We were like that at Disney. Sounds just like my Dad. I paid for you to be here - you will have a good time.
I love grandma so much! Seeing her in videos is always such a treat :)
Love your mom….I mean you, love your mom!
My dad did bread and butter too or a tortilla and butter. I miss my dad so much.
My grandpa did that too, if he needed something, he made it. He made picnic benches and built sheds, whatever he needed, he figured out a way to make it work. I fixed my frig the other day. Just looked it up on KZread! Invaluable resource we have these days that people in the Great Depression didn’t.
We use to eat at Poncho's for my sister's birthday every year.
I love your emphasis that the key is feeling rich by building relationships and memories, not the amount of money spent. You can't buy love, it's all about the quality time invested. People seem to forget that genuine, lasting happiness does not come from material things. Especially in the disposable lifestyle some follow, things don't last and you can't take them when your time is up. Leave a treasured legacy.
Your mom is HILARIOUS!!! It seems like so many people think just because a person is older, they aren't expected to be funny. I don't know why that is! Anyway, she's fabulous. :)
You and your mom are just the cutest!
That is the most calm puppy!
@flightlessphoenix77
Жыл бұрын
Speedy is the best
OHMYGOODNESS!! @FrugalFitMom Everything you & your amazing Mom are saying about Fred....is my Dad to a T. He gushes when Thanksgiving comes round cause there is MINCEMEAT PIE! He will be the only one eating it, & He will say...Welp...More For Me!!! & Claxton's Fruitcake!! Usually from me...because nobody in my family eats the stuff! My one sister & I take polite morsels, & nod & go to the kitchen sink & spit up the cake & wash our mouth out with COFFEE! TMI, I know! There are Doppelgangers my Dad is the Doppelganger to Fred! All of the things made your video so endearing! My Dad is still kicking butts & taking names in GA...I totally eye rolled when I think of him...in a pure loving way!!! Big Smiles to you & your kick butt Mom!!!! So many things your Mom revealed opened my eyes a little wider! Mmmmmmmmmmm! Nodding like a person on a very bumpy road!!! Hahaha! Have a wonderful day!!
My mom grew up in the depression In our neighborhood, everyone said she was the only person who could get $3 worth out of every $1. She taught us well! My kids love the makeshift meals I would make the day before grocery shopping.( makeshift is whatever is left in the cubbards and frudge) Thanks mom and thanks grandmom for teaching me so well!
Your mom is so wonderful, Christine. Makes me miss my mom so much. I was raised the same way and it was great.
We traveled a lot growing up, and we would stay wherever possible at Howard Johnson’s because kids at free. We also got a desert. I would always get the ice cream which always came with a Howard Johnson’s cookie. We did most of our meals out of the cooler in the car. We never flew anywhere. We drove to every state in the United States. Great memories.
I started crying when you mentioned Pancho's bc when I was little me and my mom would go to Garden Ridge (she loved making flower arrangements) and Pancho's for lunch. She loved the chile rellenos and enchiladas. That was our bonding time bc she had me late in life and I was the baby so it was rare she had the energy to run after me. I lost her the week of mother's day in 2022 and it still hurts to not have her with me 😢
I remember panchos!!! And the flags! Great to hear a shout out San Antonio!
I love fruit cake and mince pie. My mother was British and those items are very popular there. I was recently in England at Christmas time and they were selling them everywhere.
@lizmelia7545
Жыл бұрын
I know
This sounds very similar to my upbringing as a 70s/80s kid. Camping during the summer was a regular occurrence and eating out was a treat. I liked hearing the stories with the tips, especially playing in the mud :)
Our first table as newlyweds was a wood picnic table that we painted bright red. On one side of the table we used the picnic bench, other side we had garage sale chairs. Red and white gingham as a table cloth. It was too cute!!
@Crackrzz
Жыл бұрын
My ex common law husband and I had a card table and two of those folding wooden chairs in the corner of the eat in kitchen in our (well started as his) apartment. I think I put a tablecloth on it and a CD/radio he bought me one Christmas in the corner. I would turn that on while I did dishes.
@rvmush3883
Жыл бұрын
I remember using a large packing box on the floor😮
I took a small engine repair class. I’ve saved a lot of money fixing my stuff. Got some funny looks, being the only woman in the class
Boy your sister looks like your mum, they could almost be twins! your mums face is so smooth, Mary Kay is really working well on her.
I have learned to make many of my purchases once a year in bulk when they are on yearly sale. Towels, candles, clothing, bedding, etc! Has saved me a ton over last 30 years!
My mom would cut up slivers of soap to use it for her laundry detergent. She also would open up her bar of soap package to harden the soap bar to last longer.
I love that between 1 and 2 of very frugal ideas, there’s a discussion about the beauty salon and eyebrows. 😂 Times have changed.
That is the most well behaved pup! Lol. I am thankful for my frugal ways but woah that’s frugal 🤣
Most of this I thought was just normal day to day living.Yes I am in south-North Central Texas to be exact, native born. Brings up so many memories of my family's lifestyles.
I loved watching you and your mom so much! I’m laughing because I grew up in a whole family that ate mincemeat and fruit cake!🤣
My childhood dinner experience was definitely all about the bread and butter. Our starch was usually potatoes.
not dressed without my glasses...adorable~
I forgot about the massive 12 person tent that my grandparents took camping with them all over Europe. Always taking all of their kids. Without question. In summers when they were not using it, they pitched that tent in the backyard and let the kids go wild. LOL!
Love this video…..your mom is AMAZING and now I know you a lot better in your journey in life! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
That precious dog is snoozing.
I am the youngest of 6 kids (still in my 50s) born to depression Era parents. These are familiar stories, but I also grew up in a health food store. Way more restrictive! Only had milk that my mother cut with powdered milk, water, and sometimes tea with honey to drink. Water is still my favorite beverage!
Isn't she adorable! I love when the moms join and we get that sage advice! ❤
I love her. :D My grandparents became adults/got married during the depression, and my mom learned NOTHING from them (somehow my aunt did, but not her, go figure). All my frugality I've learned along the way as I grew up and figured out things for myself (cooking, baking, canning, crocheting, money management...being frugal vs being cheap... buying good quality stuff that won't wear out fast and also taking care of what you have so it lasts longer). I still need to learn sewing/mending, especially since my kids bust through knees like nobody's business. Fortunately, my mother in law is a seamstress. ;) But I'm sure she's getting tired of me tossing pants at her to make shorts out of.
Your Mom is amazing. Love the relationship you have with her. You are soooo much like her
Glad to see Speedy again!😊
I’m a Mary Kay consultant. You go girl! I love that you get your years worth! My house as I raised kids : milk and water that’s it too!
Loved you and your mom doing this together!
We crocheted small fish with cotton thread to put slivers of soap in, could use as a luffa
I love the “outtakes” at the end.
Christine-your hair looks fabulous you look 10 yrs younger....
We have a paid off Cadillac (that we bought gently used) that has a rear window wiper that needed to be changed from the winter’s snow and ice. We went to our very trusted mechanic and several others who would not touch it. We had to go to the dealer to get it changed. Between that and the oil change it came to $130. Crazy but we had no choice. While we were there we had the computer checked out and a few other things that were particular to a Cadillac model. So we made sure to get all bang for our buck that we could. The new bells and whistles that are on your car the more things can break.
Love your mom while you can❤
Great memories!
Uk and Ireland are full of fruitcakes and mince pies for Christmas. Love a good mince pie ❤
Funny....when your mom asked who's grandma cracked me up. I liked your mom said she was not really frugal and fit....we're all different levels of what frugal and fit is Its nice that you've been so frugal all your life and now you can pamper yourself now LOVED THIS VIDEO.
You can still camp on the gulf coast and it’s still beautiful.
I like fruit cake and minced meat pie. When I was growing up my mom used to make both. I still like them. I'm sixty, so it could be a back-in-the-day thing.
I remember my grandma had one of those soap slurry jars with all the little bits of soap scraps with water. She would scoop a little out and use it to scrub out stains on clothes before they went into the washer
Christine! Whoa! Your hair looks FABULOUS! ❤️❤️
I knew I had more sisters out there! I am not the only weirdo, listening to yaw I was laughing because I can relate!
That dog is adoreable. Thanks for a lovely sit Down frugal tip video