Doesn’t it feel like everything has gotten so expensive these days? With prices increasing with no end, there has never been a better time to start rolling up our sleeves and making things ourselves. Anyone who wants to retire early should consider stopping the habit of buying these things and start making them themselves.  Making things yourself allows you to take control of what goes into your products and fosters a sense of accomplishment and creativity. Cleaning Products Commercial cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Instead, you can make your own homemade alternatives using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are these DIY solutions cost-effective, but they are also gentle on surfaces and the planet. Bread Store-bought bread may contain preservatives and additives. Making your own bread lets you control the ingredients and provides the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Experiment with different types of flour and seeds to tailor the taste to your liking. Yogurt Homemade yogurt is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Not only does this save you money in the long run, but it also reduces the plastic waste generated by individual yogurt containers. You only need milk and a small amount of yogurt with active cultures to start. Granola Bars Pre-packaged granola bars often come with excessive sugar and artificial additives. Making your own allows you to choose healthier ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits. You can customize the sweetness and reduce packaging waste using reusable containers. Salad Dressing Bottled salad dressings often contain high sugar levels, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Creating your dressings with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs enhances your salad’s flavor and ensures a healthier and fresher option. Candles Rather than buying expensive candles with synthetic fragrances, use natural ingredients like beeswax or soy wax. You can add essential oils for a personalized scent, creating a soothing atmosphere in your home without worrying about harmful chemicals. Snacks Commercial snacks are notorious for being processed and loaded with unhealthy additives. Make snacks like popcorn, trail mix, or energy bars using whole, nutritious ingredients. This not only promotes a healthier diet but also reduces excessive packaging waste. Household Decor Instead of constantly buying new home decor items, try creating personalized pieces. From handmade picture frames to upcycled furniture, DIY projects let you infuse your personality into your living space while minimizing costs. Beauty Products Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Make your skincare items, such as facial masks, scrubs, and natural deodorants. You’ll save money and have better control over what goes onto your skin. Gifts Consider the personal touch of homemade gifts for special occasions. Whether it’s a batch of homemade cookies, a hand-knit scarf, or a crafted piece of art, the effort and thought put into creating a gift make it more meaningful and cherished. Read More: 7 Items Frugal People Always Buy at Sam’s Club

I’ll go to with the basics, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But if you look at the popular rhetoric on social media and from several senior advocacy groups, you will see “we” deserve more, we earned it, we paid our dues. “We” being seniors, the elderly. I don’t feel that way at all. I don’t want to see more resources diverted to those of us who were fortunate to achieve those age designations, […]

Sometimes we think that since older people, aka boomers, lived in a very different time, there can’t possibly be anything about their lives that is relevant today. But believe it or not, there are some frugal habits that the older generation used that still work in 2025! Cooking From Scratch There was a day when food had to be made from scratch. And sure, it’s nice to have modern conveniences, like popping something in the microwave or ordering from DoorDash.  But this is arguably one of the best ways to save money. Cooking from scratch is always cheaper, and it’s a valuable life skill that you can always lean on to improve your diet and your finances. Mending Clothes Dealing with a missing button or a ripped sleeve? Instead of going out and buying new clothes, why not try repairing them first? The older generation all knew how to wield a needle and fix a rip or sew on a button.  All you need are some basic sewing skills, thread, and a needle! Saving Leftovers Even the best meal preppers find themselves with too much of something. That’s never a bad thing if you have space in your freezer. Maybe you made a soup that makes 12 servings, but you know there’s no chance you’ll eat it all. Great: pop half of it in the freezer and enjoy it next week. You can do this with bones and vegetable scraps for making broth, or even with fresh herbs, by putting them in ice cube trays with olive oil to create an easy-to-access puck that adds a punchy flavor to any dish in seconds. Line Drying Laundry Clothes were typically dried on clotheslines or racks before the invention of the modern dryer. It’s on its way back in vogue as people become more conscious of their energy consumption and environmental impact. Air drying your clothes helps you significantly lower your electricity bills while also preserving the quality of your garments. Hang drying can also impart a fresh, natural scent to your laundry. Seriously, it’s like the wind and sun impart a fresh, nostalgic outdoor smell. So, whether you have a backyard, balcony, or even a small indoor space, incorporating hang drying into your routine can lead to some surprising savings. Using Cash Before credit cards were the norm, people managed their budgets with cold, hard cash. This led to a powerful, psychological money hack: the cash envelope system. This system involves a series of envelopes you label for different things, like groceries and rent. You put whatever money you need in that envelope, and that’s all you get for the month. It’s visual budgeting that still works just as well, and even forces you to be more deliberate and mindful with your purchases. Sharing Tools With Neighbors Need a specific tool for a household project that you don’t already own? Check with friends and neighbors to borrow theirs before buying your own. In the past, people knew their neighbors and

Finding ways to manage your grocery shopping on a budget has never been more important. With rising food prices and shifting economic conditions, learning how to make your money stretch further at the supermarket is…

Making timely home repairs is more than upkeep; it is a disciplined savings strategy. When you address small issues early, you control scope, preserve efficiency, and avoid premiums for emergency service. A minor fix during a planned visit almost always costs less than a crisis that damages adjacent systems. Preventive habits also stabilize monthly bills, reduce last-minute downtime, and help you negotiate better with contractors because you are not rushing under pressure. Small Fixes Prevent […]

Energy savings don’t come from one big purchase as much as a series of smart, repeatable habits. Start with the biggest loads in most homes—heating and cooling—and then tighten up the rest of the house for steady, year-round gains. According to Sensible Digs, nearly 100 million U.S. households benefit from air conditioning, which means small efficiency upgrades can add up to a massive impact when applied consistently. Seal Air Leaks And Add Targeted Insulation Your […]

Image source: shutterstock.com When you see the total at the meat counter these days, it’s tempting to swear off steak completely and declare pasta night forever. Families who love grilling or serving a special Sunday roast are feeling squeezed as meat takes a bigger bite out of the grocery budget. The good news is you don’t have to choose between tasty beef dinners and keeping the lights on. With a little strategy, you can still […]

Do you have an idea for a business or a product? Don’t just sit on the idea, put it into action. In fact, put it on your 2026 to do list. Continue Reading The post Monday Money Motivation-Put Your Ideas into Action appeared first on My Worthy Penny.