14 Things That Used To Be a Good Deal — But Are Now a Total Rip-Off
Do you ever reminisce about things that used to be dirt cheap, and get sad because they’ve turned into things you can’t afford to waste money on? We remember the days of driving around aimlessly just to go for a cruise, but gas prices have put a damper on that. Family vacations used to be a summertime staple, but now they take years to save up for.
So much has gotten spoiled by price hikes, and these 14 things cut the deepest.
1. Streaming Services
Telling DirecTV to shove it as you signed up for Netflix and Hulu was so empowering. Then those streaming services caught on and messed it all up. No more shared accounts to save some money, the monthly prices have gone up, and suddenly DirecTV’s pricing is in your lap all over again.
2. Fast-Food Meals
McDonald’s dares to still refer to their “cheap” eats as the “dollar menu.” It’s the same sneaky stuff dollar stores pull. It’s smoke and mirrors, guys. Nothing costs a buck anymore at the likes of Mickey D’s or any other fast-food joint.
3. Movie Theater Snacks
Take two kids and yourself to the movie theater. Buy everyone a popcorn and drink. Almost faint at the $75 total (based on a true story). And to think, when I was a kid my mom used to smuggle gas station snacks and drinks into the movies. Time for a bigger purse!
4. Basic Hotel Rooms
Have you ever booked a hotel room, opted for the seemingly frugal choice, and had to click the “back” button once you saw your total to make sure you didn’t accidentally select the luxury suite instead? The disappointment when you realize you weren’t mistaken after all and prices have gone up that much is so real.
5. Concert Tickets
Seeing your favorite artist used to be a hobby. You’d get tickets every time they came to town to show your support, buying a new shirt each time to commemorate the occasion. It’s all but a dream these days, and if you can save up the hundreds it takes to get a ticket, you probably won’t have the extra $60 for that cotton-polyester swag.
6. Airfare
So, looks like we’re driving.
7. Uber and Lyft
What started as an affordable taxi alternative has morphed into … well, expensive taxis.
8. New Cars
Do “economy” models even exist anymore? Can someone get the car dealership folks a Merriam-Webster copy ASAP? Affordable new cars simply are not real.
9. Gas Station Snacks
You used to be able to hit the gas station before a baseball game or the movie theater to score some cheap snacks. Not anymore. Now you can expect to shell out at least $20 if you’re grabbing a couple of snacks and drinks. Bags of chips that used to be 99 cents now cost double or more for the same size bag (with more air in it).
10. Disney Vacations
One Disney trip for a family of 4 amounts to about half a year’s worth of mortgage payments. That’s a little intense if you ask us, especially when we’re talking about standing in lines all day, whether it’s for rides or overpriced snacks and drinks.
11. Fair Food
Why are corn dogs $9 now and why is that not illegal?
12. Gym Membership
Monthly fees. Annual fees. Maintenance fees. What’s next? A fee for sweating in the facility?
13. Furniture
You know times are tough when you can’t even head to IKEA for discount furniture. Facebook Marketplace is your best bet if you’re looking for something affordable now.
14. Household Appliances
Washing machines, dryers, and ovens used to be built to last, and they were a reasonable price, too. These days they cost thousands of dollars, and you’re lucky to get five years out of them.