
Learn from the resourcefulness of the past to thrive in today’s uncertain economy.
The Great Depression was an era of intense hardship that tested the resilience of millions. Yet, despite the scarcity, people of the time discovered ingenious ways to stretch a dollar and make do with what they had.
Today, Gen Z and Millennials face economic pressures of a different kind—crippling student loans, rising living costs, and stagnant wages.
But the wisdom gleaned from the past offers lessons for navigating these modern challenges. By revisiting the survival money tips from the Great Depression, younger generations can embrace practical, creative strategies to manage their finances more effectively and thrive in an increasingly unstable economy.
Make every purchase a calculated decision.
During the Great Depression, every cent was scrutinized before being spent. People often asked themselves whether an item was a need or a luxury—a mindset that helped families make the most of their limited resources. Today, this principle remains relevant.

Before making a purchase, consider whether the item adds genuine value to your life or is simply a fleeting desire fueled by advertising. Apps and online wishlists can help enforce this habit by forcing you to delay gratification and rethink impulsive buys.
This approach can also extend to recurring expenses. For instance, review your subscriptions regularly to see if you’re paying for services you no longer use. A streaming platform you haven’t logged into in months or a gym membership gathering dust could be draining money without your realizing it.
By being intentional and mindful of every expense, you’ll develop a habit that not only saves money but also ensures you’re spending on what truly matters to you.
Repurpose and repair instead of replacing.
In the 1930s, wastefulness was not an option. People repaired shoes, patched clothing, and found new uses for old items. For instance, flour sacks were transformed into dresses or curtains. This resourcefulness is especially relevant today, as fast fashion and disposable goods create a cycle of constant spending and waste. Learning basic repair skills like sewing, mending, or fixing small appliances can save hundreds over time.
Repurposing is another underrated strategy. An old coffee tin can become a plant holder, while worn-out jeans can be turned into reusable tote bags. YouTube tutorials and DIY blogs offer endless inspiration for upcycling household items.

Not only does this practice save money, but it also aligns with sustainable living—a value embraced by many Millennials and Gen Zers. By choosing to repair and repurpose, you’ll break the cycle of needless consumption and start seeing potential in items you’d otherwise discard.
Grow your own food wherever possible.
During the Depression, many families turned to home gardening to supplement their food supply. Victory Gardens, as they were called, provided fresh vegetables and reduced dependence on grocery stores. This practice has a modern parallel in the urban gardening movement. Even if you don’t have a backyard, small-scale gardening can be done using window boxes, balcony planters, or even indoor hydroponic setups.
Not only does growing your food save money, but it also ensures you have access to fresh and healthy produce. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are particularly easy to grow and can replace store-bought options that often come with hefty markups. Plus, gardening has mental health benefits, offering a calming break from the stresses of daily life. Whether you plant tomatoes in a backyard garden or keep a small pot of green onions in your kitchen, every little bit helps reduce grocery costs while fostering a sense of self-reliance.
Cook from scratch and avoid pre-packaged meals.
In the Great Depression, processed and pre-packaged foods were a rarity, and families relied heavily on home-cooked meals. Ingredients like beans, rice, and potatoes became staples, as they were both affordable and versatile. Embracing this mindset can drastically cut down food expenses in the modern day. Cooking from scratch not only reduces your reliance on expensive ready-made options but also allows you to control portion sizes and reduce waste.
Planning meals ahead of time is a crucial part of this process. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and batch cooking, you can prepare meals that last for days, saving both time and money. For instance, a large pot of chili or a roasted chicken can serve as the base for multiple meals throughout the week. Additionally, cooking at home allows you to explore healthier, budget-friendly alternatives to dining out, giving you greater financial freedom without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Borrow, trade, or barter before buying new.
Bartering and trading were essential survival tactics during the Great Depression. Neighbors exchanged goods and services, trading eggs for milk or labor for food. While these practices may seem outdated, they can still be incredibly useful today.

Community groups, online forums, and apps like BuyNothing have revived the tradition of exchanging goods and services without spending money.
For example, you could trade a skill like graphic design for babysitting or offer to fix someone’s laptop in exchange for a homemade meal. Borrowing is another valuable tool—especially for items you rarely use, such as power tools, party supplies, or camping gear. Libraries also offer more than books; many now loan out everything from kitchen gadgets to musical instruments. By tapping into these networks, you’ll not only save money but also build stronger connections within your community.
Avoid debt by prioritizing cash-based spending.
During the Great Depression, credit was virtually inaccessible for most, so people had to rely on cash for all transactions. This forced families to live within their means and avoid accumulating debt. Adopting a cash-based mindset today can help reduce reliance on credit cards and loans, which often come with steep interest rates that snowball over time.
Try implementing the envelope budgeting system, where you allocate a set amount of cash for specific expenses, like groceries or entertainment. When the envelope is empty, it’s a clear sign to stop spending in that category. Using cash forces you to make intentional spending decisions and prevents the temptation to swipe a card for nonessential items. Over time, this approach can free you from the stress of mounting credit card debt while helping you build a stronger financial foundation.
Practice community sharing to reduce individual costs.
In the Great Depression, families and neighbors often pooled resources to get by, sharing everything from food to tools. This communal mindset can be adapted to modern times through carpooling, bulk purchasing with friends, or even starting a tool library in your community.
For instance, organizing a group to buy groceries in bulk from warehouse stores can significantly cut costs. Similarly, sharing rides with coworkers or neighbors reduces transportation expenses while helping the environment. Community gardens or shared childcare arrangements are other ways to save money and foster deeper connections. By thinking collectively rather than individually, you can stretch resources further while building a support network that strengthens your community ties.
Conclusion
The lessons of the Great Depression are a reminder that resourcefulness and frugality can transform how we manage our money today. As Gen Z and Millennials navigate financial hurdles, adopting practices like intentional spending, repairing and repurposing, growing food, and leveraging community resources can offer significant relief. These strategies not only save money but also promote a more sustainable, mindful way of living. By looking to the past for inspiration, younger generations can take control of their financial futures with resilience and creativity.