I asked Chat GPT about some money saving tips versus in 1900, because the American society is regressing and I wondered what helped in the past and it was pretty much straightforward:

America in 1900 – Traditional Resourcefulness

1. Home Production: Families grew much of their own food, canned and preserved produce, and raised small livestock. Homemade clothing, soap, and tools were common; repair and reuse were the norm.

2. Barter and Local Trade: People traded goods and labor within small communities—bread for firewood, sewing for milk, etc.

3. Housing and Energy: Homes were smaller, often multi-generational, and relied on wood-burning stoves and manual labor rather than utilities. No electricity or running water in many areas, leading to inherently low consumption.

4. Transportation: Walking, horses, or bicycles were the main means of transport—no fuel costs but high physical labor.

5. Minimalism by Necessity: Few possessions, strong emphasis on reuse and thrift, and a culture of making do with what one had.

In 1900, saving money was about self-sufficiency, repair, and local barter—a lifestyle born from necessity and limited access to manufactured goods. By 2025, saving and stretching resources rely on digital efficiency, technology, and global access to goods, with strategies focused on managing costs rather than producing everything by hand. While 1900’s thrift was rooted in survival and community interdependence, 2025’s frugality blends innovation, financial literacy, and sustainability in an economy shaped by inflation, digitalization, and convenience.

America in 2025 – Modern Low-Cost Saving Strategies

1. Digital Tools & Technology: Using cash-back and coupon apps (e.g., Ibotta, Rakuten, Fetch Rewards) and store loyalty programs. Price comparison websites and browser extensions (Honey, Capital One Shopping) to find best deals. Subscribing to meal-planning apps, bulk delivery, or discount grocers like Aldi, Dollar Tree, or warehouse clubs.

2. Energy & Housing Efficiency: Lowering bills through smart thermostats, LED lighting, weatherproofing, and shared living spaces. Downsizing or moving to lower-cost areas as housing affordability declines.

3. Transportation Savings: Using electric or hybrid vehicles, public transport, or rideshare apps for fuel efficiency. Carpooling or remote work to cut commuting costs.

4. Food & Household Management: Cooking at home, meal prepping, buying in bulk, and reducing food waste. Urban gardening or community gardens for low-cost produce. Thrifting, buy-nothing groups, and online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp) for secondhand goods.

5. Financial Adaptation: Using budgeting apps (Mint, YNAB), side hustles, gig work, or digital reselling to supplement income. Cutting subscription services and using public resources (libraries, community centers).

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How I Personally Save Money

1. Do NOT buy smart appliances: due to increasing electrical and gas bills! You can buy an ice maker or use a ice tray. I was told years ago how the refrigerator uses too much electricity and I unplugged TVs or electrical devices. DO NOT BUY SOLAR PANELS.
2. Hold on to your car and housing/downsize: interest rates are HIGH and it’s a buyers market, but the cost of living is exceeding everything. Also, be mindful with cars especially with electrical vehicles (EV’s) they have hidden fees and I still think it’s only good for dry climates.. be careful with cars that have any subscriptions -apparently if you don’t pay subscription fees/some of the functions on the car doesn’t work or make it unable to drive/work… and have situational awareness with new/fancy cars -do NOT be a target. Thus, try not to wear/use expensive jewelry, clothes, bags, watches, sun glasses, etc. or be able to defend yourself.
3. Affordable Living: I’ve stayed in a Airbnb multiple times, it’s more affordable than hotels, so it’s still a good option that includes much more amenities than with hotels the biggest caution is privacy. Consider using PO boxes for mail or use local friends, family, businesses for having an address. Other ways to rent: consider sharing a space with older people who are usually more reliable and stable, sharing with professionals or like-minded peers. Other living/rental options besides Airbnb; Vrbo, Facebook Market, AVOID Craigslist for safety issues..
4. Affordable Families/Pets: ADOPT not shop with animals, I’m getting reports of how people are surrendering their pets more than ever. With families and animals/start eating healthy NOW. Someone literally told me at the pet store, companies are putting MORE filler foods in the supplies, i.e. tapioca, slop, or stuff that’s basically isn’t digestible, thus it makes the animals be full without actual nutrients… human food is also decreasing in quality and supply. Consider investing in a vertical garden, farm markets/where you can bargain or have goods to exchange (think about the 1900s), etc. Eating healthier can also hopefully avoid medical/pet visits…
5. Be Local: go to thrift stores, food banks, non-profits/churches, garage sells, etc. I usually avoid big box stores like Walmart to support local communities and business. If you have a food pantry consider taking items and having a common area at the workplace to donate food, clothes… I’ve did this a lot working in emergency and sure other places can do so or consider shopping/donating at the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, antique stores. Avoid corporate stores.

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“I’ve Done All That and Feel Hopeless”

1. Consider Joining the Military: I will always support veterans and law enforcement. Going into the military or working with local agencies/officials offer great benefits (but most of the times low pay), opportunities to travel, or move progress in the career to be in the CIA, FBI, government, politics, etc.
2. Live Off the Land/RV/Another Country: more people are living in RVs, places outside the city, rural areas or other countries, per Chat GPT before moving out of the United States, it’s essential to research 5 key areas:
   • Cost of living and finances: Compare housing, healthcare, food, taxes, and currency exchange rates to ensure long-term affordability.
   • Visa and residency laws: Understand visa types, renewal rules, and pathways to residency or citizenship, as well as legal requirements like background checks or proof of funds.
   • Healthcare access: Learn how the local health system operates, whether foreigners can receive care, and what insurance coverage is required or accepted.
   • Taxes and U.S. obligations: U.S. citizens must still report worldwide income, so it’s vital to study tax treaties, exclusions, and local tax rates to avoid double taxation.
   • Lifestyle and safety: Research culture, language, political stability, job opportunities, and infrastructure to ensure the new environment matches your needs and comfort level.
     Together, these factors help you plan realistically, avoid costly surprises, and transition smoothly into life abroad.
3. Start a Business: I know this is NOT easy, but if it’s the last resort/we have nothing to lose! Per Chat GPT before starting a business online or working from home, it’s important to research 5 key areas:
   • Legal structure and licensing: Decide whether to form an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation, and check local and state requirements for home-based or online businesses, including permits and zoning rules.
   • Finances and taxes: Estimate startup costs, set up a separate business account, and understand self-employment taxes, deductions, and record-keeping for online income.
   • Target market and business model: Identify your ideal customers, research competitors, and choose a sustainable model such as e-commerce, digital services, or content creation.
   • Technology and operations: Ensure you have reliable internet, cybersecurity protection, website hosting, and efficient tools for marketing, payments, and communication. Digital products are becoming more popular than ever.
   • Branding and marketing: Develop a strong online presence (KEEP IT CLEAN AND CLASSY) through social media, email lists, SEO, and consistent branding that reflects your mission and attracts your audience. Carefully planning these areas helps build a legitimate, stable, and scalable home-based business that can grow over time.

4. Plan for the future: Stop focusing ONLY on the now. Think about planning for the next couple of years, thus going back to school, a different career/job markets, and oversees opportunities. Per Chat GPT here are some of the business and work trends that look especially promising / necessary in the near future (2025-2026 and beyond), along with why they’re likely to be profitable:

   • Sustainability and Green Technology: Growth in renewable energy, eco-friendly products, recycling, and zero-waste business models as consumers and governments prioritize climate action.
   • Healthcare and Biotechnology: Expansion of telehealth, wearable health devices, and biotech innovations focused on personalized and preventive care.
   • Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: Increased use of robotics and digital simulations to optimize production and reduce costs.
   • Niche and Personalized Markets: Businesses that focus on customization and specialized products or services are becoming more profitable as consumers seek unique experiences.
   • Remote and Flexible Work Models: Continued rise in virtual teams, freelance platforms, and digital collaboration tools supporting global remote work.
   • Technology Infrastructure and Semiconductors: Growing need for faster networks, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and chip manufacturing to support digital expansion.
   • Digital Education and Upskilling: Online learning platforms and skill-based training programs are thriving as workers adapt to AI and automation shifts.
   • Financial Technology (Fintech): Demand for mobile banking, blockchain, and digital payment systems continues to grow as cashless economies expand.
   • Mental Health and Wellness Services: Increasing focus on emotional well-being, digital therapy, mindfulness products, and lifestyle coaching as part of mainstream health trends.
   • Artificial Intelligence and Automation: High demand for AI-driven tools, automation services, and data analytics that improve efficiency and decision-making across industries.

In Conclusion

Be Surrounded by Positive Productive People! Many people get their jobs and opportunities from networking and dealing with hard times in general, stay around good people. I would NOT give an opportunity to someone who’s constantly going to bar/night clubs, hostile online/in-person, smoking, drinking… Learn to have boundaries and standards with people so you don’t suffer more consequences. Lastly, another issue I come across with people who have many issues tend to simply not listen. People who are hard headed/stubborn/arrogant and the like tend to keep making the same mistakes MAINLY due to not listening. People give me critical or negative feedback, and I just listen. Sometimes I’m right, but when I was younger I was VERY wrong and didn’t realize it until years later…thankfully, I usually listen, made careful decisions, and practice humility. Listen to people who are actually productive and successful to mimic those results.