Growing up in a different era comes with its own set of life skills and habits. The Baby Boomer generation developed unique ways of doing things that might seem strange or outdated to younger folks. These tried-and-true methods, often called “life hacks” today, were simply everyday solutions for Boomers.
In this blog, I’m sharing 23 Boomer life hacks that often leave Millennials and Gen Z scratching their heads. Some of these tricks might seem old-fashioned, but they’ve stood the test of time for good reason.
Keep a change jar
Boomers often maintain a jar or container for collecting loose change throughout the year. This practice allows them to save money effortlessly and watch their savings grow over time. Many find joy in counting and rolling coins periodically, and then using the accumulated funds for a special treat or donation. The change jar serves as a visual reminder of the value of saving, even in small amounts.
Use a physical dictionary and thesaurus
Despite the convenience of online references, many Boomers prefer using physical dictionaries and thesauruses. They enjoy the process of looking up words and discovering new vocabulary through adjacent entries. Physical books allow for serendipitous learning and a deeper engagement with language. Many Boomers also appreciate the reliability of printed references, which don’t require internet access or battery power.
Maintain a handwritten budget
Some Boomers prefer to track their finances using a handwritten budget in a notebook or ledger. This method allows them to have a tangible record of their income and expenses. The act of physically writing down each transaction helps them stay more aware of their spending habits. Many find that this hands-on approach to budgeting gives them a greater sense of control over their finances and helps them identify areas where they can save money.
Use a dedicated camera
While smartphones have largely replaced point-and-shoot cameras, many Boomers still prefer using a separate camera for important events. They appreciate the superior image quality and the ability to focus solely on photography without distractions. Using a dedicated camera also allows them to be more intentional about capturing memories, rather than casually snapping photos throughout the day.
Keep a physical file cabinet
Boomers often maintain a file cabinet at home for storing important documents and records. This system allows them to keep paperwork organized and easily accessible when needed. The file cabinet serves as a central location for everything from tax returns to medical records, providing peace of mind that important information is secure. They find satisfaction in maintaining a well-organized filing system and being able to quickly locate documents when necessary.
Keeping a phone book
Boomers often keep a physical phone book handy, filled with important numbers and addresses. They find comfort in having a tangible record of contacts, rather than relying solely on digital storage. This practice ensures they have access to important information even if their phone dies or technology fails. It also serves as a backup for those times when they can’t remember a number or need to quickly jot down new contact details.
Using cash for budgeting
Many Boomers prefer using cash for everyday expenses as a budgeting tool. They withdraw a set amount at the start of each week or month and allocate it to different spending categories. This hands-on approach helps them visualize their budget and avoid overspending. It also provides a sense of control over their finances that they may not feel with digital transactions.
Clip coupons from newspapers
Despite the rise of digital coupons, Boomers often still clip paper coupons from newspapers and magazines. They find satisfaction in physically cutting out deals and organizing them for future use. This practice allows them to plan shopping trips around available discounts and feel a sense of accomplishment when they save money. Many Boomers also enjoy the ritual of sitting down with the Sunday paper and searching for bargains.
Write checks for bills
While younger generations might find it archaic, many Boomers still prefer writing checks to pay bills. They appreciate the tangible record of payment and the ability to track expenses in their checkbook register. Writing checks also gives them a sense of control over their finances and allows them to delay the actual transfer of funds until the check is cashed. This method helps them maintain a clear picture of their spending habits and available balance.
Use a wall calendar for planning
Boomers often rely on large wall calendars to keep track of appointments, birthdays, and important dates. They find it easier to visualize their schedule when it’s displayed prominently in their home. This analog method allows them to see their entire month at a glance and plan accordingly. Many Boomers also enjoy the ritual of flipping to a new month and filling in important events, creating a sense of anticipation for upcoming activities.
Maintain a Rolodex
Despite the convenience of digital contact lists, some Boomers still keep a Rolodex on their desks. They appreciate the tactile experience of flipping through cards to find contact information. This method allows them to add notes and personal details to each contact, creating a more comprehensive record than a simple phone entry. The Rolodex also serves as a backup system in case of technology failures or lost phones.
Use a paper map for navigation
Many Boomers prefer using paper maps for navigation, especially on road trips. They enjoy the process of planning routes and marking stops along the way. Paper maps give them a broader view of their journey and allow for easy detours or scenic route planning. This method also ensures they have a backup if their GPS fails or they lose cell signal in remote areas.
Keep a recipe box
Boomers often maintain a physical recipe box filled with handwritten cards and clippings from magazines. They value the personal touch of handwritten recipes passed down through generations. This collection serves as a tangible connection to family history, and culinary traditions. Many Boomers find joy in flipping through their recipe box, recalling memories associated with each dish, and adding new favorites to their collection.
Use a landline phone
Despite the prevalence of cell phones, many Boomers still keep a landline at home. They appreciate the reliability and clarity of landline calls, especially during emergencies or power outages. Landlines also provide a sense of permanence and stability that cell phones may lack. For many Boomers, having a home phone number is an important part of their identity and connection to their community. The act of answering a ringing landline phone often evokes a sense of nostalgia and importance that they don’t associate with cell phone calls.
Use a day planner
Boomers frequently rely on paper day planners to organize their schedules and tasks. They appreciate the ability to see their entire day or week at a glance without relying on technology. Writing down appointments and to-do lists helps them commit information to memory more effectively. The act of physically crossing off completed tasks provides a sense of accomplishment and progress throughout the day.
Maintain a physical address book
Many Boomers keep a separate address book in addition to their phone book. This allows them to record more detailed information about their contacts, including birthdays, anniversaries, and personal notes. The address book often becomes a cherished item, filled with memories and connections spanning decades. Boomers appreciate the ability to flip through pages and reminisce about friends and family members, both near and far.
Use a shoe box for receipt storage
Boomers often use a simple shoe box to store receipts and important documents throughout the year. This low-tech filing system allows them to keep track of expenses and warranties without relying on digital storage. The shoe box method makes it easy to gather all necessary paperwork when tax season rolls around. Many Boomers find satisfaction in sorting through their yearly expenses and organizing them for record-keeping purposes.
Rely on TV Guide for programming
Despite the availability of on-screen guides, some Boomers still prefer using a physical TV Guide to plan their viewing. They enjoy the ritual of flipping through pages and circling shows they want to watch. The TV Guide provides a comprehensive view of weekly programming across multiple channels, allowing for better planning. They also appreciate the articles and features included in the magazine, which offer entertainment news and behind-the-scenes information.
Use a dedicated alarm clock
While younger generations often use their phones as alarms, many Boomers prefer a separate alarm clock on their nightstand. They find comfort in the reliability of a device dedicated solely to waking them up. A physical alarm clock allows them to keep their phone out of the bedroom, promoting better sleep habits. The act of physically setting the alarm each night also helps establish a bedtime routine and reinforces their sleep schedule.
Use a pocket calculator
Despite the prevalence of smartphone calculators, many Boomers still rely on a separate pocket calculator for quick math. They appreciate the tactile feedback of physical buttons and the reliability of a device dedicated to calculations. A pocket calculator is often kept handy in a purse or desk drawer for easy access when balancing checkbooks or figuring out tips. This tool reflects the Boomer generation’s preference for specialized devices that serve a single purpose efficiently.
Clip newspaper articles
Many Boomers still enjoy clipping interesting articles from newspapers and magazines. They find value in preserving information they find important or intriguing for future reference. This practice allows them to create personal archives of topics they care about, from recipes to current events. Clipping articles also provides a way to share information with friends and family who might not have access to the same publications.
Use a phone book stand
Some Boomers keep their phone books on a dedicated stand near their landline phone. This setup allows for easy access to contact information without the need to search through drawers or shelves. The phone book stand often becomes a central hub for communication in the home, with notepads and pens kept nearby for jotting down messages. This arrangement reflects the importance Boomers place on staying connected with their social network.
Organize photos in albums
While younger generations store photos digitally, Boomers often prefer organizing printed photos in physical albums. They enjoy the tactile experience of flipping through pages and reliving memories. Photo albums serve as a visual history of their lives, easily shared with family and friends during gatherings. Many Boomers find the process of arranging photos and adding captions therapeutic and a way to preserve their legacy for future generations.
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