"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
That was the mantra that inspired a generation of Americans raising their families during the Great Depression.
When the country was facing drastic numbers of people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, we worked smarter and harder.
That generation's wisdom lives on today, and following it could make your life a lot easier.
1. Find a use for old fabrics
In the 1930s, children started sporting dresses and shirts made from old pillowcases, animal feed bags, and potato sacks. And why not? It was a waste to just throw out that leftover fabric.
You don't need to dress your kids in potato sacks, but learning to turn scrap clothes into new outfits is thrifty.
2. Get help from your neighbors
When you needed help around the house that your family couldn't provide, calling a professional was out of the question.
You could save money by calling a neighbor to lend a hand. These days, Craigslist makes it easier to find a handy neighbor, just remember to be safe and smart.
3. Sit on big decisions
It's easy to spend money without thinking things through (so, so easy). Instead, take time out to consider if you really need something. That's what our parents and grandparents did.
Take a 10 second time-out before chucking something into your grocery cart, and give yourself at least a week to mull over anything more expensive than $100.
4. Add salt to your coffee
This old trick is coming back in style now that people are trying to avoid expensive coffee shops like Starbucks. Salt gives cheap, bitter coffee a smooth taste.
Add just a pinch to your coffee grinds and you'll notice a difference.
5. Share with your neighbors
To save money, poor farmers would share a "party line," a connected phone line that would ring on all of their dials.
These days, you probably have your own phone, but the idea is the same. If there's a big purchase you absolutely need, see if your neighbors will split it with you.
Not only is this easier on your wallet, you might make a new friend.