The skills your grandparents mastered are now rare—but they could save you serious money.
Growing up, you probably didn’t spend much time watching your parents sew a button, fix a leaky faucet, or rewire a lamp. And why would you? These days, everything can be replaced, outsourced, or handled with an app. But skipping out on these classic household skills is costing you—big time.
Between repair bills, service fees, and replacing things instead of fixing them, Gen Z is losing thousands of dollars simply because they were never taught how to do basic home maintenance. Companies love that you’d rather throw out a shirt than stitch it up or call a plumber for something as simple as a clogged drain. But learning a few of these old-school skills could change that. If you want to keep more money in your pocket and avoid unnecessary expenses, it’s time to pick up some of the life skills previous generations took for granted.
1. Not knowing how to sew is costing you a fortune in new clothes.
You might love fashion, but what happens when your favorite shirt gets a tiny hole or a button pops off? If your first instinct is to toss it and buy something new, you’re wasting money. Basic sewing skills could save you hundreds of dollars a year, especially on minor repairs that take just a few minutes to fix, as reported by Kristen of The Frugal Girl.
It’s not about turning into a tailor—it’s about learning a few simple stitches to extend the life of your clothes. A ripped hem, a loose strap, or a missing button shouldn’t mean an automatic trip to the mall or another Amazon order. A needle, some thread, and a YouTube tutorial can keep your wardrobe in good shape without draining your bank account.
2. Paying for simple plumbing fixes is draining your wallet.
A slow-draining sink, a running toilet, or a leaky faucet might seem like problems only a plumber can handle. But in reality, most of these fixes are so easy that previous generations wouldn’t have dreamed of calling for help. Now, people are paying hundreds of dollars just to have someone twist a wrench or unclog a drain, according to Jarrett Mohn at Hard Knox Plumbing.
Learning how to handle basic plumbing issues can save you money every year. A clogged pipe? A plunger and a $5 drain snake can usually fix it. A constantly running toilet? It’s often just a worn-out flapper, which costs less than ten bucks at the hardware store. Plumbers charge premium rates, so knowing how to tackle minor repairs can keep your bank account from taking an unnecessary hit.
3. Throwing out old furniture instead of fixing it is a costly mistake.
Furniture isn’t cheap, but most people don’t think twice about replacing a wobbly chair or a scratched table. In previous generations, people would sand, stain, and tighten screws instead of tossing things out. That mindset saved them thousands—and it could do the same for you.
A scratched coffee table doesn’t need to be replaced, just refinished. A loose chair leg isn’t broken—it just needs a little wood glue and a clamp. Even a faded dresser can be transformed with a coat of paint. Learning some basic furniture repair skills means you’ll spend way less on home goods while also creating pieces that feel personal and unique, as stated by Woodrich Brand.
4. Paying for professional painting when you could do it yourself is ridiculous.
Painting is one of the easiest home upgrades, yet so many people pay professionals hundreds, if not thousands, to do it for them. Sure, hiring someone is convenient, but painting a room yourself isn’t rocket science. A few simple techniques can make the job look professional without the outrageous cost.
Investing in quality brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape is way cheaper than hiring a crew. Plus, knowing how to properly cut in edges and apply even coats means you won’t be stuck with streaky walls or messy trim. Learning to paint isn’t just about saving money—it gives you the freedom to refresh your space whenever you want, without waiting on someone else’s schedule.
5. Paying for takeout because you can’t cook is killing your budget.
Eating out is great, but if you’re relying on DoorDash for most of your meals, your food budget is probably out of control. Cooking at home is one of the biggest money-saving skills anyone can learn, yet many Gen Zers struggle with even the basics.
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef, but knowing how to make a few easy meals can save you thousands each year. A homemade pasta dish, stir-fry, or even a simple sandwich is cheaper, healthier, and often faster than waiting for delivery. Plus, learning to cook means you control what goes into your food—no more overpriced, over-processed meals that leave you feeling sluggish.
6. Buying new tools when you could sharpen the ones you have is wasteful.
Most people don’t realize that dull knives, scissors, and garden tools aren’t broken—they just need sharpening. Instead of replacing them, a simple sharpening stone or honing tool can extend their lifespan indefinitely.
A dull kitchen knife makes cooking harder and more dangerous, while blunt scissors can ruin fabric or paper. Sharpening tools is a skill that takes minutes to learn but can save you money for years to come. There’s no reason to replace perfectly good items when a quick tune-up can make them as good as new.
7. Ignoring basic car maintenance leads to massive repair bills.
Owning a car is expensive enough without adding unnecessary maintenance costs. Many people don’t know how to check their oil, change an air filter, or replace wiper blades—simple tasks that mechanics charge a premium for.
Learning a few basic car care skills can keep your vehicle running smoothly while saving you hundreds in labor fees. Checking tire pressure, topping off fluids, and knowing when to replace brake pads can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your car in top shape for years.
8. Letting electronics die instead of fixing them is a waste of money.
A cracked phone screen, a broken laptop hinge, or a loose charging port doesn’t always mean it’s time for a new device. But many people throw away expensive electronics instead of learning how to fix them.
Battery replacements, screen repairs, and minor fixes are often cheap if you’re willing to DIY. With a few tools and some patience, you can extend the life of your gadgets instead of shelling out for a replacement every time something goes wrong.
9. Not knowing how to properly clean and maintain appliances makes them wear out faster.
Your fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher will last years longer if you just take care of them properly. But if you don’t know how to clean the lint trap, descale your coffee maker, or clear a dishwasher filter, you’re shortening the lifespan of expensive appliances.
A little maintenance goes a long way. Learning how to care for these everyday essentials means you won’t be stuck replacing them sooner than necessary.
10. Overpaying for yard work is an unnecessary expense.
Mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and even simple landscaping can be done yourself with minimal effort. Hiring a service to do basic yard work adds up fast, but learning how to handle it yourself saves money and gives you control over how your space looks.
11. Paying for storage because you don’t know how to organize is a waste.
If your space feels too cluttered, the solution isn’t more storage—it’s better organization. Learning how to maximize closet space, fold clothes properly, and declutter effectively can keep you from wasting money on unnecessary storage solutions.
12. Replacing home décor instead of repurposing it is throwing money away.
Trends change, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy all new décor every season. Instead of constantly replacing things, a little creativity can refresh your space without the expense.
Small skills like reupholstering chairs, repainting picture frames, or swapping out hardware on cabinets can make old items look brand new. Instead of buying into fast décor trends, learn how to transform what you already own.