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5 frugal lessons from the Depression

Spend more on quality products
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Spend more on quality products

Then: Advertisers of the day knew consumers were price-sensitive, and ads often revealed prices. But advertising campaigns also reminded buyers to avoid falling for the cheap and disposable. Ads for higher-priced goods pointed out that this iron, vacuum or cloth would last for years instead of months.

"Price was a major consideration," McElvaine says. "You didn't buy something and throw it away. You looked for lasting value."

Now: As a society, we've become accustomed to items that we use and throw out. Repairing is as rare as owning a vacuum built to last. But by buying a well-made item, consumers can save money by not replacing it quickly.


 

 

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