In a world where you can have anything delivered in a day, it’s easy to forget that less can be more. But our grandparents and great-grandparents knew the art of stretching a dollar. These timeless frugal habits aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re resourceful and surprisingly satisfying. Ready to channel your inner penny-pincher? Let’s bring these throwback habits back to life. MEND IT, DON’T END IT. Once upon a time, people didn’t just toss a sock with a hole. Instead, you sewed it right back up! No need to rush to the store — just a few basic mending skills can save you from countless unnecessary purchases. It’s also more empowering to fix something with your own hands than tossing it — not to mention much more eco-friendly. MASTER THE MAGIC OF HOMEMADE MEALS. Fast food might be convenient, but cooking from scratch is where the real savings (and flavor) happen. Think soups from veggie scraps and hearty meals made from simple pantry staples. Not only does it cut costs, but it puts you in control of your ingredients and nutrition — a win-win.
RETRO HABITS MAKE MODERN LIFE (AND PRICES) EASIER
STAYING CLOSE TO FARAWAY GRANDKIDS Bridging the Miles
Many parents look forward to spending their preretirement and golden years with grandchildren, cuddling on the couch, mixing cookie dough, or planting seeds in a garden. Yet that comfy dream eludes half of today’s grandparents because their grandchildren live more than 200 miles away. According to a 2023 AARP survey, distance is currently the biggest obstacle to grandparents spending as much time as they want with grandchildren. A growing number of grandparents are closing that gap by using FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or other video-chat apps for virtual get-togethers with grandkids. The rewards of mastering those apps are worth the effort. Here are two strategies for making the most of virtual family visits. LET KIDS LEAD Children often revel in a grandparent’s undivided attention and delight in hosting a room tour or a show-and-tell session with their latest project or toy. A grandchild might enjoy showing you how they play with a train set or blocks. Others might like modeling their latest superhero costume or showing you how they make slime.
Many games and conversations you would have when you are physically together can also work virtually, such as delivering a joke, riddle, magic trick, song, or poem. Take turns making up stories or holding two-way conversations with hand puppets. Kids also love scavenger hunts, guessing games, or playing I Spy. MIND THEIR MOODS When you call, your grandchildren may feel tired, excited, silly, or sad. Don’t take it personally if your grandchild checks in briefly, then breezes away to do something else. Children live in the moment. Some days, they may be eager to engage in a lively conversation, while on others, they want to roam free. They may also want to “hang out” with you without talking. Many grandparents learn to just “be in the room” as a presence on the screen. Some grandparents keep the same toys, puzzles, or craft materials on hand that their grandchildren enjoy. Then, you can either invite your grandchild to teach you how to use the items or just play alongside them.
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