Never Waste Food: Leftovers are always saved and repurposed. Throwing away food is a rare and serious offense.
Hand-Me-Downs Are Normal: Clothes, toys, and other items are passed down from older siblings or relatives.
Fix It Before You Replace It: Items are repaired and reused as long as possible. New purchases are a last resort.
Bargain Hunting Is a Skill: Shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, and using coupons are essential practices.
Borrowing and Lending: Sharing and borrowing items between friends and neighbors is common and helps everyone get by.
Stretching Meals: Ingredients are stretched to make meals last longer, often with creative recipes to make simple ingredients go further.
Utilities Conservation: Turning off lights, unplugging electronics, and conserving water to keep utility bills low.
Saving for Emergencies: Even with limited income, setting aside money for emergencies is crucial.