13 Money-Saving Secrets We Learned From the Amish

The Amish may live simply, but don’t confuse simple with ineffective. Their financial practices are rooted in tradition, discipline, and a healthy dose of practicality. These 13 Amish-inspired money-saving habits just might transform your approach to saving and spending.

Grow Your Own Food

The Amish grow most of their food, and they waste very little. Home gardens are packed with potatoes, carrots, kale, and more. Not only does this cut grocery costs, but it also means you’re eating fresh, organic food—minus the hefty price tag.

Start small with a few potted plants or herbs and work your way up. Seeds are cheap, and the satisfaction of harvesting something you grew yourself is priceless.

Avoid Debt Like the Plague

If there’s one thing the Amish avoid, it’s debt. They pay cash for everything—including big ticket items like homes and farmland. What’s their trick? They save diligently and don’t splurge. While not everyone can ditch credit entirely, you can adopt their mindset. Save first, spend later. Use only money you already have. It’s liberating, and your wallet will thank you.

Repair and Reuse

“Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.” That phrase captures the Amish philosophy perfectly. Holes in shirts? Sew ’em up. Wobbly chair? Fix it. If it can be repaired, do it yourself before shopping for new. Learning basic sewing or handyman skills can extend the life of nearly everything you own. It’s also quite satisfying to fix something yourself instead of throwing it away.

Cook from Scratch

Sure, boxed mac & cheese is convenient, but cooking everything from scratch is almost always cheaper. For the Amish, making meals from simple, whole ingredients isn’t just frugal—it’s healthier, too. Their baked goods, soups, and preserves are all homemade, often using what they’ve grown, bartered, or stocked in bulk. Try weekly meal-prep days to ease into this habit. You’ll cut costs and eat better, guaranteed.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

The Amish don’t buy things that won’t last. They believe in quality craftsmanship—and are willing to pay a little more upfront to save money over time. Think sturdy furniture, durable clothing, and well-made tools. It’s better to spend $200 on boots you’ll wear for 10 years than $30 on a pair that’ll fall apart after six months. It’s not being cheap—it’s being smart.

Barter for Services

Amish communities thrive on trading goods, skills, and services instead of exchanging money. Need a fence built? Offer to bake pies or help with repairs in return. Bartering might feel outdated, but it works when money’s tight. From haircuts to babysitting, there’s often an arrangement just waiting to happen in your community if you look for it.

Scale Back on Technology

The Amish largely avoid modern electronics, which means no draining monthly cable bills, streaming, or the latest smartphone. While you don’t need to give up your gadgets entirely, scaling down can save a bundle. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions or swap excessive screen time for community activities or hobbies. You may even rediscover free (and fun) forms of entertainment.

Buy Bulk, Save Big

Some Amish families purchase flour, sugar, oats, and other staples in bulk, which cuts down on overall expenses. Bulk buying costs less per unit and means fewer trips to the store. They also preserve food—like canning vegetables or freezing fruits—to stretch out resources. You don’t need a pantry the size of a barn to make it work. Just start with a Costco membership or co-op to stock up on essentials.

Stay Out of the Fast Lane

Owning a truck or SUV may be practical, but constantly filling its gas tank isn’t. The Amish stick to buggies and bikes, but the takeaway is clear: drive less, and you’ll save on gas and maintenance. Think walking, biking, or carpooling for short trips. Lowering your dependency on cars not only saves on fuel but also adds a surprising boost to your health.

Declutter Your Life

Amish households are refreshingly minimal. They reject the idea that more stuff equals more happiness. By decluttering, you’ll spend less on storage and have fewer things to replace, repair, or maintain. Sell what you don’t need or donate excess items. A decluttered life isn’t just easier to manage—it’s lighter on the bank account, too.

Skip Energy-Hogging Appliances

Many Amish homes don’t have central heat, air conditioners, or other electricity-hungry gadgets. While you don’t have to go completely off-grid, reducing energy use can save quite a bit. Do laundry on cold settings. Line-dry your clothes. Use natural light instead of leaving lamps on all day. These small shifts can shrink utility bills in the long run.

Celebrate Simply

Amish weddings and gatherings may be big events, but they’re low-cost by design. Forget DJ booths, party planners, and lavish gifts. They embrace potluck dinners, handmade décor, and home-baked desserts. You can create special moments with your own family by emphasizing quality time and creativity over expensive outings or gifts. Memories, after all, don’t have to come with a price tag.

Build a Community Network

Amish communities are tight-knit, and that’s no accident. Neighbors pitch in during tough times—whether it’s raising barns, watching kids, or sharing tools. Having a strong support system means fewer individual costs. Don’t be afraid to rely on your circle for help or trade-offs. Community makes everything cheaper and easier when everyone contributes.

Adopt the Amish Way

Living like the Amish isn’t about giving everything up. It’s about making simple, intentional choices. Gardening, bartering, and their daily habits save money and improve life. Pick one or two tips that feel right and give them a try. You’ll spend less and enjoy simplifying your life. It’s a rewarding way to live.

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