 10 things boomers are still payingfor that younger people get for free |
Source |
American Shipper |
Post Date |
07/21/2025 |
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Boomers came of age in a unique time.
A time when convenience meant paying for something.
When subscriptions were mailed to your doorstep and owningsomething physical felt like a privilege.
But the world? changed. And fast.
What used to come with a price tag now often comes forfree?specially if you?e got a smartphone and a little patience.
These days, younger folks breeze through daily life usingfree tools, apps, and platforms that many boomers either don? trust, don?know about, or still prefer not to mess with.
If you?estill pulling out your wallet for these things, you?e not alone.
But it might be time for an upgrade.
Here are 10 things boomers are still paying for?hatyounger people get for free.
1. GPS andprinted maps
Back in the day, we kept a fold-out map in the glove boxand d it every few years?r we bought dedicated GPS devices with nameslike TomTom or Garmin.
Google Maps. Apple Maps. Waze. All free.
Younger folks rarely pay a dime for directions?nd theirapps even tell them if there? traffic, construction, or a speed trap up ahead.
Boomers still using paper maps? Respect. But you?e doing alot more work than you need to.
2. Cable TV
Boomers often still shell out $100+ a month for cablepackages?omplete with dozens of channels they never watch.
Meanwhile, younger folks stream everything.
Between YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, and free trials ofsubscription services, they?e watching shows, documentaries, even liveevents?or nothing.
And ifthey do pay, it? usually $10 a month for one service thatthey share with three other people.
3. Basicbanking services
Many boomers still pay monthly fees for checking accounts,overdraft ?rotection,?or wire transfers.
Younger people?
They use online banks or fintech apps that don? gemaintenance fees and let them move money in seconds?ften with no minimums orhidden costs.
To them,paying to use your own money sounds like getting taxed forwalking into your kitchen.
4. Faxing
Yes, this one? still out there.
Plenty of boomers still pay to fax documents?ither byowning a dedicated machine or heading to a shipping store.
Younger people?
They use free apps that scan documents with their phone?camera and s them as PDFs?o paper, no beeping noises, no toner cartridges.
5. Landlinephones
Some boomers are still paying $20?40 a month for alandline they barely use?ust in case.
Meanwhile, younger people haven? had a landline numbersince they moved out at 18.
And with Wi-Fi calling, free video calls, and messagingapps like WhatsApp or Signal, they?e not paying for phone time at all.
If the landline still makes you feel secure, that?fine?ut know it? more nostalgia than necessity.
6. Software(that now has a free version)
Back in the day, we paid hundreds for Microsoft Office,antivirus software, even photo editing programs.
Today, younger folks use free versions of everything:
Google Docs instead of Word
Canva instead of Photoshop
Avast or Malwarebytes instead of paid antivirus
7. Music
Boomers remember buying CDs, tapes, even vinyl.
And many still pay monthly for music services like SpotifyPremium.
Younger folks?
They use the free version?ith ads. Or YouTube. Or curatedplaylists on free apps.
It? not assleek, sure. But it gets the job done?nd the idea of paying tohear your favorite song now sounds a bit foreign to them.
8. Navigationand roadside assistance subscriptions
Some boomers still pay for AAA?r similar memberships?ormaps, trip planning, and basic roadside help.
But younger folks?
Their phone finds the nearest mechanic, estimates Ubercosts, and tells them where the cheapest gas is?o annual fee required.
And if their car breaks down, they tap a few buttons and atow truck? on the way, courtesy of an app.
9. Magazinesand newspapers
Boomers grew up on physical media.
And many still pay for hard copies of newspapers, Reader?Digest, or National Geographic.
Younger folks?
They read articles online. Often for free, or by findingnative sources with the same info.
To them, paying for news?specially if it? printed anddelayed by a day?eels like paying for last week? weather report.
10. Greetingcards
Boomers love a good Hallmark card?nd they?e willing topay $5?10 for one, plus postage.
Younger folks?
They?l s a thoughtful message over text, a customizedmeme, or a voice note with a funny filter.
It might seem lazy?ut to them, it? personal, immediate,and doesn? involve standing awkwardly in a drugstore aisle.
Final thought
Boomers aren? wrong for paying for things.
It? just what they?e used to.
They grew upin a world where convenience cost something?nd ownershipmeant physical stuff.
But today, a lot of what once came with a price is nowjust?there. Free. Digital. Instant.
If you?e still reaching for your wallet out of habit, takea second look.
Because chances are, there? an app, a workaround, or afree version already waiting for you.
And let? be honest?ho doesn? want to save a few buckswithout sacrificing a thing?
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