5 Money Saving Hacks Americans Can Borrow From The Rest Of The World
In America, bigger often means better. We buy in bulk, drive large cars, and upgrade our phones the minute a newer model hits the shelves.
But as much as we love convenience and instant gratification, this constant urge to consume comes with a hefty price tag. And let’s be honest, it’s not always the best for our wallets—or the environment.
But what if the secret to a more balanced financial life wasn’t hidden in the latest budgeting app or side hustle, but in the habits of people living halfway across the globe?
Americans are constantly bombarded with ads pushing that next big sale or subscription service as the key to make life easier—or at least make us happier for a fleeting moment. Meanwhile, people in other countries are practicing frugal habits that stretch their money further without sacrificing quality of life.
Imagine living in a world where your weekly grocery haul isn’t piled high with bulk buys destined to go bad, and where communities work together to share resources.
Sounds like an old-fashioned dream, right? Well, it’s actually how millions of people live every day in other parts of the world—and they’re doing just fine.
So, if you’re tired of feeling like your paycheck disappears as fast as it arrives, it’s time to take a page from the frugal playbooks of other cultures.
Here are five simple but effective money habits Americans could learn from other countries to get their finances in shape without feeling deprived.
1. Daily grocery runs
Freepik.comAmericans love to stock up. You can usually find them filling their carts with enough food to last through a storm. However, in places like Europe and Asia, many people make daily trips to local markets.
It sounds like extra work, but guess what? Less waste, fresher ingredients, and a boatload of savings in the long run. Instead of staring at expired yogurt in the fridge, you’ll be enjoying fresh, quality food while keeping your budget tight.
2. Sharing resources
unsplash.comIn Latin America and Africa, families aren’t just sharing holiday dinners—they’re sharing financial burdens. With multigenerational households and communal saving practices like Peru’s “rondas,” families pool their resources and strengthen their financial safety net.
This mindset promotes not just frugality but community bonding. According to John Browning of Guardian Rock Wealth, multigenerational collaboration can create a resilient family financial foundation that Americans might consider adopting.
3. Don’t toss; fix it up!
Freepik.comThat wobbly chair or broken microwave doesn’t have to meet the trash bin just yet. In many countries, the first instinct is to fix what’s broken instead of splurging on something new. Adopting this habit can save big bucks and reduce waste.
So, next time your toaster goes haywire, grab a toolkit and channel your inner handyman. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.
4. Embrace the Barter System
Freepik.comWhile Americans are busy paying whatever price is slapped on the sticker, people in other countries are cutting costs with the Barter system.
A bartering system promotes the direct trade of goods and services, often bypassing the use of money altogether. By eliminating the need for cash transactions, it helps participants reduce financial burdens.
Aside from reducing financial burdens, this approach also creates a network of mutual support and collaboration among those involved.
5. Work-life balance is important
Freepik.comIn the U.S., we all know it’s all about that hustle. But in places like Europe, they’ve got something better: balance. Achieving work-life harmony means fewer impulse buys to alleviate temporary stressful situations.
In Japan, they even practice Kakeibo, a mindful way of managing money that helps you reflect on why you’re spending in the first place. Less stress equals fewer “retail therapy” sessions—your bank account will thank you!
These global habits show that living frugally doesn’t mean compromising quality of life. Instead, it’s about being thoughtful, intentional, and finding creative ways to save money—something we could all benefit from.
