10 things boomers are still paying for that younger people get for free

Boomers came of age in a unique time.

A time when convenience meant paying for something.

When subscriptions were mailed to your doorstep and owning something physical felt like a privilege.

But the world’s changed. And fast.

What used to come with a price tag now often comes for free—especially if you’ve got a smartphone and a little patience.

These days, younger folks breeze through daily life using free tools, apps, and platforms that many boomers either don’t trust, don’t know about, or still prefer not to mess with.

If you’re still pulling out your wallet for these things, you’re not alone.
But it might be time for an upgrade.

Here are 10 things boomers are still paying for—that younger people get for free.

1. GPS and printed maps

Back in the day, we kept a fold-out map in the glove box and updated it every few years—or we bought dedicated GPS devices with names like TomTom or Garmin.

But these days?

Google Maps. Apple Maps. Waze. All free.

Younger folks rarely pay a dime for directions—and their apps even tell them if there’s traffic, construction, or a speed trap up ahead.

Boomers still using paper maps? Respect. But you’re doing a lot more work than you need to.

2. Cable TV

Boomers often still shell out $100+ a month for cable packages—complete with dozens of channels they never watch.

Meanwhile, younger folks stream everything.

Between YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, and free trials of subscription services, they’re watching shows, documentaries, even live events—for nothing.

And if they do pay, it’s usually $10 a month for one service that they share with three other people.

3. Basic banking services

Many boomers still pay monthly fees for checking accounts, overdraft “protection,” or wire transfers.

Younger people?

They use online banks or fintech apps that don’t charge maintenance fees and let them move money in seconds—often with no minimums or hidden costs.

To them, paying to use your own money sounds like getting taxed for walking into your kitchen.

4. Faxing

Yes, this one’s still out there.

Plenty of boomers still pay to fax documents—either by owning a dedicated machine or heading to a shipping store.

Younger people?

They use free apps that scan documents with their phone’s camera and send them as PDFs—no paper, no beeping noises, no toner cartridges.

5. Landline phones

Some boomers are still paying $20–$40 a month for a landline they barely use—just in case.

Meanwhile, younger people haven’t had a landline number since they moved out at 18.

And with Wi-Fi calling, free video calls, and messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal, they’re not paying for phone time at all.

If the landline still makes you feel secure, that’s fine—but know it’s 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

I once helped a friend cancel his annual antivirus subscription—he’d been paying for it since 2009.
We installed a free alternative in five minutes and he looked like I’d just taught him how to cheat death.

7. Music

Boomers remember buying CDs, tapes, even vinyl.

And many still pay monthly for music services like Spotify Premium.

Younger folks?

They use the free version—with ads. Or YouTube. Or curated playlists on free apps.

It’s not as sleek, sure. But it gets the job done—and the idea of paying to hear your favorite song now sounds a bit foreign to them.

8. Navigation and roadside assistance subscriptions

Some boomers still pay for AAA—or similar memberships—for maps, trip planning, and basic roadside help.

But younger folks?

They Google everything.

Their phone finds the nearest mechanic, estimates Uber costs, and tells them where the cheapest gas is—no annual fee required.

And if their car breaks down, they tap a few buttons and a tow truck’s on the way, courtesy of an app.

9. Magazines and newspapers

Boomers grew up on physical media.

And many still pay for hard copies of newspapers, Reader’s Digest, or National Geographic.

Younger folks?

They read articles online. Often for free, or by finding alternative sources with the same info.

To them, paying for news—especially if it’s printed and delayed by a day—feels like paying for last week’s weather report.

10. Greeting cards

Boomers love a good Hallmark card—and they’re willing to pay $5–$10 for one, plus postage.

Younger folks?

They’ll send a thoughtful message over text, a customized meme, or a voice note with a funny filter.

It might seem lazy—but to them, it’s personal, immediate, and doesn’t involve standing awkwardly in a drugstore aisle.

When I realized I was still paying for something I didn’t need

A few years back, I noticed a $12 charge on my credit card every month.

It was for a DVD rental subscription—one of those mail-in services.
I’d completely forgotten about it.

The last DVD I received? A Clint Eastwood movie I never even opened.

Meanwhile, my granddaughter was watching the same movie for free on a streaming service I already had.

That was my wake-up call.

I canceled the subscription that afternoon—and treated myself to a proper coffee with the savings.

Sometimes we keep paying for things out of habit.

But the world’s changed. And if you’re willing to change with it, you might find you’re spending less, wasting less, and feeling a little freer in the process.