Hard times inspired brilliant habits. These frugal living tips from The Great Depression are as practical today as they were nearly a century ago. Our grandparents and great-grandparents lived through one of the most financially devastating periods in American history. The Great Depression forced families to be resourceful, creative, and incredibly intentional with every dollar, and many of the habits they developed are just as useful today. Whether you’re trying to cut costs, reduce waste, or simply be more mindful about spending, these frugal living tips from The Great Depression are worth revisiting. How the Great Depression Shaped American Frugality During The Great Depression, unemployment was staggeringly high, and many families lost their homes or were forced to move in with relatives. Some lived out of their cars as they traveled from town to town searching for work. Others had to sell their possessions just to survive. Out of necessity, frugality became deeply ingrained in the culture. Families grew their own food, bought secondhand clothing and furniture, reused and recycled everything they could, and found ways to entertain themselves for free. Many of these frugal living habits from The Great Depression were passed down through generations, and they still work today. Frugal Living Tips from The Great Depression Era Make Your Own Clothes One of the most practical ways Depression-era families saved money was by making their own clothing. Sewing allowed them to avoid the cost of store-bought garments while still wearing something unique and well-fitted. All you need to get started are basic supplies: scissors, needles, thread, fabric, measuring tape, and pins. Many tutorials are available online for making specific clothing items, or you can let your creativity guide you. A particularly smart trick: use old clothes you no longer wear as patterns. Instead of throwing them away, cut around them to make entirely new pieces, giving worn-out garments a second life. Cook from Scratch Using Simple Ingredients Depression-era cooks made the most of inexpensive, filling staples. Here are a few classic recipes from the 1930s that are still easy and budget-friendly to make today: Potato Soup – Made with potatoes, onions, celery, and chicken broth. Serve it as a side dish or pair it with bread for a full meal. Fried Corn – Fresh corn kernels stirred in butter until golden brown. Simple and satisfying. Canned Stew – A can of beef stew, a can of tomatoes, and some rice. Quick, cheap, and filling. Jello – A classic Depression dessert requiring only gelatin, sugar, and water. Fruit Salad – Fresh apples, pears, or oranges tossed together for a light, affordable treat. Use Every Part of the Animal Wasting food was not an option during The Great Depression. Families used every part of the animal when cooking, including bones, organs, and tougher cuts that are often overlooked today. Organ meats and bones are typically cheaper than other cuts and can be highly nutritious. Bone broth, for example, can be made from scraps that would otherwise be discarded.

A proposal to raise taxes on San Francisco’s largest businesses has gained the backing of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, adding national attention to a local ballot fight that reflects a broader push to tax wealthy individuals and major corporations more aggressively. The June ballot measure, known as Proposition D or the “Overpaid CEO Act,” would increase taxes on certain companies with large pay gaps between top executives and workers. Read the rest