Growing up in the country teaches you a lot about life—and about saving money. When you live miles from the nearest store, you learn to make the most of what you have, stretch your resources, and embrace a saving money aesthetic that’s all about practicality and creativity.
The techniques I learned back then still guide me today, whether it’s sticking to my money goals, adopting money-saving methods, or tackling a no spend challenge. Here are 9 of the best money-saving techniques I picked up during my country upbringing that you can use no matter where you live.
1. Buy in Bulk to Save Big
When the nearest store is 20 miles away, you stock up. Buying in bulk doesn’t just save on trips to the store—it also saves money. Staples like flour, sugar, and rice were always bought in large quantities to stretch our budget and ensure we never ran out.
Money Saving Tip: Bulk shopping works great today if you focus on non-perishable items and split costs with friends or family to avoid waste.
2. DIY Whenever Possible
In the country, if something broke, you didn’t replace it—you fixed it. From mending clothes to repairing fences, DIY was a way of life. This mindset saved money and taught me invaluable skills.
Money Saving Technique: Apply the DIY mentality to modern life by fixing broken items, making your own cleaning products, or even crafting your decor.
3. Garden for Fresh, Free Food
Growing a garden was both a necessity and a joy. It’s amazing how much you can save by growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Plus, nothing tastes better than homegrown produce!
Budgeting Aesthetic Tip: Even if you don’t have space for a full garden, try container gardening for small savings that add up over time.
4. Repurpose and Upcycle Everything
In the country, nothing went to waste. Old jars became storage containers, worn-out jeans turned into patches, and tin cans transformed into planters. Repurposing was as much about saving money as it was about creativity.
Saving Money Aesthetic Tip: Repurposing isn’t just practical—it’s stylish! Incorporate upcycled items into your home for a unique, budget-friendly look.
5. Plan Ahead to Avoid Impulse Spending
Trips to town were rare, so planning ahead was crucial. Grocery lists were detailed, and errands were grouped together to save time and gas money.
Money Goals Hack: Today, this translates to planning your shopping trips and sticking to a list to avoid overspending.
6. Share and Barter With Your Neighbors
In the country, neighbors helped each other out. Whether it was trading eggs for fresh vegetables or lending tools, bartering built community while saving money.
Money Saving Method: Bring this idea into modern life by joining local buy-nothing groups, bartering skills, or sharing resources with friends.
7. Make Do With What You Have
When running to the store wasn’t an option, you learned to “make do.” Need a birthday card? Use construction paper and markers. Out of a spice? Improvise with what’s in the pantry.
No Spend Challenge Tip: Embrace this philosophy during a no spend challenge by using what you already have instead of buying new.
8. Preserve What You’ve Got
Canning, freezing, and drying food were common practices to ensure nothing went to waste. This approach stretched budgets and provided homegrown meals year-round.
Money Saving Technique: Use modern preserving methods to reduce food waste and save money. Freeze leftovers, make jams, or pickle vegetables.
9. Embrace Simplicity
Country life taught me that you don’t need a lot to be happy. Simple pleasures, like a picnic outside or a handmade gift, often brought the most joy. This mindset is the foundation of a saving money aesthetic—finding contentment in what you have rather than chasing more.
Budgeting Aesthetic Tip: Simplify your life and focus on experiences, not things, to save money and reduce financial stress.
Final Thoughts
The clever money-saving techniques I learned growing up in the country are just as relevant today as they were back then. They’ve helped me stick to my money goals, embrace practical money-saving methods, and find creative ways to thrive on a budget.
Which of these tips resonates most with you? Share your own favorite money-saving techniques in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make the most of your resources while living your best life!
