Let’s face it, life in South Africa has been challenging over the past few years.
From skyrocketing food prices to load-shedding and the ever-increasing cost of living, it feels like we’re constantly swimming upstream.
Older generations often get a lot of flack and shame. Sure, they had their flaws but let’s give credit where it’s due: they were masters of frugal living.
Many of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents grew up making do with far less than we have today. Out of necessity, they developed practical and sustainable habits.
And now, as South Africa faces economic struggles, from rising food prices to stagnant salaries, their wisdom is more relevant than ever. We’ve been through the most, haven’t we?
From polony scares to surviving a pandemic, we’ve lived through some tough times. But maybe it’s time to take a step back and embrace some of those old-school habits that prioritise simplicity, resourcefulness and creativity.
Frugal living isn’t about deprivation. It’s about learning to make the most of what you have while building a sense of confidence and independence.
Let’s channel some of that “make-do” energy from our elders with these 7 timeless frugal living habits that are perfect for 2025.
1. Cooking from scratch instead of buying processed food
Back in the day, the idea of “fast food” was boiling an egg or frying up pap and wors. Families relied on pantry staples like flour, beans, rice and fresh seasonal produce to whip up hearty meals.
Today, processed food is everywhere but it comes at a cost to your wallet and your health. Cooking from scratch not only saves money but it also gives you control over what goes into your meals.
Plus, it brings back the joy of creating something nourishing with your own hands. A pot of hearty vegetable soup or homemade bread can go a long way, especially when your grocery budget feels tighter than usual.
2. Making do and mending instead of tossing and replacing
Remember when a hole in a sock or a broken chair didn’t mean tossing it in the bin? Our grandparents knew how to mend things, whether it was sewing on a button, patching up clothes, or fixing household items.
Fast fashion and cheap goods have made it easy to replace rather than repair but this mindset is costing us more in the long run financially and environmentally.
Learning basic mending skills, like sewing or fixing appliances, can save you a ton. Plus, it feels pretty rewarding to fix something instead of buying new.
3. Using leftovers creatively instead of wasting food
Throwing away food was practically unheard of in the past.
Leftovers were a treasure, not a burden. Roast chicken from Sunday lunch? That became soup on Monday. Stale bread? Perfect for bread pudding.
With food prices skyrocketing in South Africa, this habit is gold. Start thinking of leftovers as the foundation for your next meal. A little creativity can turn last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch saving you money and reducing food waste.
4. Living within your means - no excuses
Generations before us didn’t have the luxury of credit cards or buy-now-pay-later schemes. If they couldn’t afford something, they simply didn’t buy it. This approach might feel restrictive in our consumer-driven culture, but it’s also liberating.
Learning to prioritise needs over wants, saving for big purchases, and appreciating the things you already have can help you escape the cycle of debt and overspending.
It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Financial freedom lies in living within your means.
5. Finding free entertainment instead of paid experiences
Before Netflix, theme parks, or expensive nightclubs, people found joy in simpler, cost-free activities. Families would gather for board games, take walks, have picnics, or read books borrowed from the library.
These days, entertainment often feels tied to spending but it doesn’t have to be. South Africa is full of free (or affordable) options to explore, from hiking trails to local markets. Reimagine fun call friends over for a braai, host a game night, or enjoy a simple walk at sunset.
6. Using cash for budgeting instead of swiping cards
There’s something powerful about paying with cash. Older generations relied on physical money to manage their budgets, and it kept spending in check. With cash, you can see how much you have left, which makes it harder to overspend.
Frugal living isn’t about going without it’s about living smarter, not harder. By adopting some of these old-fashioned habits, we can navigate the challenges of modern South Africa with grace, creativity and resilience.