Your grandparents had a knack for making money stretch. They reused aluminum foil, saved every button from old shirts, and somehow bought a house with what seems like the cost of a nice dinner today. While times have changed, their financial habits still hold up—especially when paired with modern tools. Here’s how to bring some of their old-school wisdom into 2025.

They Lived Within Their Means

If your grandparents couldn’t afford something, they didn’t buy it—simple as that. No impulse Amazon orders, no late-night online shopping sprees. Just good old-fashioned patience and self-control.

Modern Take: Budgeting apps now do the hard work for you, tracking your spending in real time and even sending alerts if you’re getting too enthusiastic with your online cart. It’s like having a very polite (but firm) grandparent in your pocket.

They Used Cash (And Knew Where Every Dollar Went)

The envelope system was their version of mobile banking. They’d divide cash into labeled envelopes—groceries, rent, “mad money” (which was probably just for more groceries). Seeing their budget physically dwindle made spending feel very real.

Modern Take: Digital cash-stuffing apps let you organize money into virtual “envelopes,” so you can still keep spending on track—without carrying around a stack of actual paper money like a 1920s bootlegger.

They Fixed Instead of Replaced

Grandma and Grandpa didn’t toss things just because they were a little worn out. They patched up jeans, glued the sole back on a shoe, and made that same coffee maker last decades.

Modern Take: While some things aren’t built to last like they used to, investing in quality items and maintaining them can save you money. Plus, learning a few basic DIY fixes can help—just maybe watch a YouTube tutorial first unless you want an extra hole in your wall.

They Used Credit Wisely

Credit wasn’t for everyday spending—it was a tool for big purchases, and they made sure to pay it off responsibly. They knew how to make it work for them, not vice versa.

Modern Take: Credit cards today come with great benefits—cash back, travel rewards, and fraud protection—so using them strategically makes sense. Setting up autopay and monitoring your spending keeps things in check while letting you earn those sweet rewards.

They Cooked at Home More Often

Eating out was a rare treat. Your grandparents could turn a sack of potatoes into five different meals, and you can bet they weren’t paying extra for guac.

Modern Take: Meal prep apps, grocery delivery services, and cooking tutorials make it easier than ever to whip up meals at home—saving you money while still letting you eat like a pro. Bonus: No awkward small talk with the delivery driver.

They Had a “Rainy Day” Fund

They were ready if something unexpected happened—like the car breaking down or a surprise home repair. No panic, just a well-stocked emergency fund.

Modern Take: A high-yield savings account is the 2025 version of stashing cash in a coffee can under the sink. Automating savings makes it easy to build your cushion without even thinking about it.

It turns out your grandparents knew what they were doing. By blending their money smarts with today’s financial tools, you can build a strong, sustainable approach to managing your money—without having to hand-wash tinfoil.