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

One of the biggest shifts between generations isn’t just about technology—it’s about access.

Boomers grew up in a world where most services, tools, and entertainment were behind a paywall, often literally. If you wanted it, you bought it outright or subscribed long-term.

Younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, have mastered the art of getting the same value—or close to it—without opening their wallets. Sometimes it’s because tech has replaced the middleman.

Other times it’s because the culture of “ownership” has shifted to one of “access when needed.”

Here are 10 things many boomers still pay for that younger people are getting for free (or next to nothing).

1. Cable TV packages

Plenty of boomers still pay for bundled cable—hundreds of channels they don’t watch—because that’s how television worked for decades. The bill can easily hit $100–$200 a month.

Younger people? They’re streaming selectively or skipping live TV entirely. Free platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and YouTube provide more than enough entertainment without the bloated cost. Many only pay for one or two premium subscriptions at a time, rotating them monthly.

2. Long-distance and international calling

Boomers remember when calling a cousin in another state meant watching the clock and budgeting minutes. International calls could cost a small fortune. Some still have legacy phone plans with pricey add-ons.

Gen Z will FaceTime you from the other side of the world over free Wi-Fi. WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, and Messenger calls have eliminated distance charges entirely.

3. GPS devices

Stand-alone GPS units were once a must-have for road trips. Many boomers still keep them updated (and pay for map updates).

Younger people get the same function for free via Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps on their phones—complete with live traffic and crowd-sourced hazard reports.

4. Printed newspapers and magazines

For decades, a daily paper and a couple of glossy magazines were household staples. Many boomers still maintain these subscriptions for the tactile experience and habit.

Younger people get their news and niche content online—through free news apps, curated newsletters, podcasts, and social media feeds. Even premium outlets often allow a few free articles a month before paywalls kick in.

5. Bank account and ATM fees

Boomers are more likely to stick with traditional banks that charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft penalties, or ATM surcharges.

Younger generations gravitate toward online-only banks, credit unions, and app-based fintech services with no minimum balances, free ATMs, and cashback perks. They’ve grown up expecting that basic banking should cost nothing.

6. Music

Boomers built record collections, bought cassettes, then CDs, and many now pay for satellite radio or multiple streaming subscriptions.

Younger people can stream endless music for free with ad-supported versions of Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora—or access huge libraries through TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms without paying a dime.

7. Maps and travel guides

Buying a Rand McNally atlas, AAA trip guide, or printed travel book used to be essential for trips. Some boomers still prefer them.

Younger travelers get everything for free—interactive maps, walking routes, restaurant reviews, and up-to-the-minute travel info—on their phone. User-generated reviews replace the guidebook, and Google Earth lets them explore before they arrive.

8. Photo printing

For boomers, photos meant film, developing fees, and physical albums. Even in the digital age, many still print regularly and pay for studio portraits.

Younger people store, edit, and share photos instantly through free cloud storage (Google Photos’ basic tier, for example), messaging apps, and social media. Physical prints are reserved for special occasions, often via cheap online services with free promos.

9. Personal software licenses

Boomers are more likely to buy standalone software like Microsoft Office outright and pay for expensive annual upgrades.

Younger people use free, cloud-based alternatives like Google Workspace, Canva, or LibreOffice for everyday needs. Collaboration tools that once required costly corporate licenses are now free or freemium.

10. Encyclopedias and reference materials

Many boomer households once owned an entire bookshelf of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and atlases—updated every few years at a cost.

Younger people have Wikipedia, free online dictionaries, language tools, and open-access educational resources. Information is a few keystrokes away, constantly updated, and searchable.

The bigger shift

This isn’t about which generation is “smarter” with money—it’s about the sheer difference in the economic and technological landscape.

Boomers came of age in a time when almost everything valuable had a gatekeeper. If you wanted news, music, or guidance, you paid for it because the infrastructure to get it for free didn’t exist.

Younger generations grew up with an entirely different default setting: the internet as a massive, collaborative, mostly free tool. They expect instant access and will hunt for workarounds before paying.

A personal note

A few years back, I visited my parents and noticed my dad was still paying $15 a month for a GPS subscription that updated the maps on his 10-year-old device. I showed him how Google Maps could do the same thing on his phone for free, with live traffic updates.

His first reaction was resistance—he liked the physical device, it felt dependable. But after one road trip where his GPS took him on a detour through a closed road (and my phone rerouted us instantly), he unplugged it for good.

That moment summed up the generational difference: comfort versus efficiency. Boomers often stick with what’s familiar even when better, free options are right there. Younger people expect to swap out tools the moment something cheaper and faster appears.

Bottom line: In the end, the real skill isn’t just finding free alternatives—it’s knowing when to adopt them. The most financially savvy people, no matter their age, mix the best of both worlds: boomer reliability with younger-gen resourcefulness.