Let’s look at ways to save money like the Amish. If you want to find ways to save money, the Amish live the perfect lifestyle for you to emulate. They do not spend money on most things that people who live a regular lifestyle spend on.
This causes the Amish to need less money, be in less debt or none at all and live a life worrying less about money. Here are 10 ways in which you can save money, or avoid spending money like the Amish.
1.Weddings
Regular weddings can cause a pretty penny. Engagement and wedding rings, outfits, honeymoon and all the other wedding activities can be of great expense. The Amish do not spend on these things. And it would be wise to simplify your wedding in a similar way, so that you can save some money and won’t be left in debt after the event.
2.Transportation
The Amish do not own vehicles. They travel mainly by foot and buggies. They do not have the monthly car payment or auto fuel to think. You do not have to only travel by foot or buggies to save money on transportation. You can save by chartering, renting and taking public transportation. If you choose to own a vehicle, you can save on fuel by walking or cycling to places when possible, and not only depend on your automobile.
3.Leisure And Fun
The Amish are hardworking people. But they do have leisure and fun time too. They visit and gather at each other’s homes instead of going to an expensive restaurant. They don’t participate in leisure time activities that will make them spend a lot of money. Some inexpensive activities include card games (not gambling), board games camping and bird-watching.
4.Gift Giving
The Amish enjoy giving and receiving gifts like people in normal society. But they do not spend a lot of money on ‘just because’ gifts. They give functional, simple and inexpensive gifts like buggy towels, books, and clocks. You could try to apply this when buying gifts. Choose to buy functional and inexpensive gifts.
5.Furniture And Home Decor
The Amish homes are plain and simple. They use good quality furniture. But just what is required. So in your money saving endeavours, only use furniture that you need and avoid buying pieces just for aesthetics or what is trending. Also, avoid too much home decor like the Amish.
6.Food
The Amish usually save a lot on food. They try to grow most of their food and preserve for later usage. They also keep a well stocked pantry not only by preserving what they grow, but bulk buying what they don’t make or grow. Bulk buying can help you to benefit from special wholesale prices. Causing you to spend less on food.
7.Homeschooling
Schooling is one of the most expensive things that regular people have to spend on. But homeschooling can be just as good or even better. And won’t cost you so much money. Or even your time. This is another smart tradition that help most Amish families to spend less money.
8.Clothing
Keeping up with fashion and clothing trends will keep you spending endless amounts of money. But if you choose to be like the Amish, you can save by making your own clothes and focus on owning essential pieces.
9.Off-Grid
A lot of regular people spend a lot on electricity, buying water and technology. The Amish don’t have these things in their budget. So they save a lot by choosing to be off-grid. You too can save a lot by eliminating some of the things you use. Go off-grid, or choose to use a minimal amount of these resources.
10.Building Construction
Amish ‘barn raising’ is a tradition that saves them a lot of money. An Amish community will gather and build a barn for a member without charging for their time and labor. The same can be done when you are constructing your home. Ask friends and family to support you by contributing their time and labour. That will save you a hefty lot of money, as it can be quite costly to pay for all the labour that goes into building construction.
All the best on your money saving endeavours.
Flonnie says
I would love to see more of this in print. I grow up in 1950 S. I no what it like. And we had A great life There was 11. Kids in or family of course mom and Dad to. We grew up Grandma Grandpa. Just family. I had a great child hood. THANKS
Judy says
I grew up in Elkhart, Indiana in th 50′ and 60’s. Amish communities surrounded us, went to school (up to 6th or 8th grade.) One of my girlfriends was Mennonite so I learned alot from her. Granted there are some differences, but, their way of life was peaceful and good. And..their homemade cookies were the best!!
Imogene says
I agree. I recently lived on a road with Mennonites. They do have electricity and cars, but I love their family life, their quilting sessions and just their way of life in general.
summer says
Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories with us, Judy. Glad you enjoyed the article.
summer says
Glad you had a wonderful childhood, Flonnie. Also, thanks for your lovely comment.
Marjorie banter says
I enjoyed the article on the Amish good tips. I use quite a few of them without even knowing about them. When you raised 9 children you learn to do without and you buy in bulk you don’t go out to eat you cook. But we lived in a city. Now I live in the country but my husband and I are and I 70s and it’s hard to grow a garden by ourselves especially since we have health issues. I will pass this on to some of my children and hope they can get something out of this. Thank you
summer says
Hi Marjorie
So glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for reading and giving your feedback.
Sharen Coulter says
I enjoyed all that i have read would like to read more.
summer says
Thanks Sharen 🙂 Do look out for more content.
Tina says
I would like to see more of this.
summer says
Hi Tina
Glad you enjoyed the post. We will definitely continue to share more content like this. Thanks for giving us your very much appreciated feedback 🙂
Anni says
Would love to see more of this
summer says
Glad you have been liking the series, Anni!
Marjorie Kantor says
Hi Marjorie,
I’m a Marjorie, too! Lol. The best way for us older folks to garden is by using raised beds. You can find lots of information about this on Pinterest, by Googling, and also through your local library and your local agricultural extension. These last are often attached to a college or university, give tons of free information and help and will know what’s best to grow for your area. You can get contact info for them from the librarian or by getting in touch with the USDA. Incidentally, a librarian is a wonderful source of help an information on almost any topic you can think of!
When you use raised beds, you can design them to whatever height and width you need so you don’t have to bend over and stretch too much. Also, you can often grow a wider variety of crops in a smaller space as you can control the fertility of the soil, ph, watering, etc. much more easily. You can even arrange the width and style of the paths between the beds so you can garden from a wheelchair!
I hope this is helpful to you, and that you needn’t give up the joys and benefits of gardening.
Best,
Marjorie
summer says
Thanks for all this helpful info, Marjorie 🙂