Things we buy that used to be free

An 'unbundling' of services we could once take for granted (like access to our money or a gas-station fill-up) and newer markets for products like water and TV are costing customers.

By Liz Weston

 of 8
 of 8

RELATED ARTICLES

VIDEO ON MSN MONEY

User Picture
Write a comment...
16Comments
spotmefive
Mar 30, 2012 7:51PM
avatar

I remember when trash service was $3.00/month.  The trash guy came through the side gate and got the can,  dumped it,  then returned it to it's place.
Most gas stations gave great service.  I remember telling the attendant the tail lights were out.  He examined the fuses,  found the culprit,  installed a new fuse and charged me $1.00,  the price of the fuse.  Same thing for wipers.  Try that today and see how fast you are charged the 'minimum diagnostic fee'  of $95.00.


Ranger Dan Anytown (Rangerdan)
Mar 30, 2012 7:30PM
avatar
I still can't believe I have to pay 75 cents to put air in my tires, geez!  A pack of gum was a nickle when I was a kid, in the grocery checkout the other day I saw that the same exact brand I bought as a kid is now two dollars and fifteen cents. 
LDonawa
Mar 30, 2012 7:08PM
avatar

I hate paying for cable!  I just want basic tv.

JR319
Mar 30, 2012 9:52PM
avatar
Another thing I remember was stores and gas stations that gave "blue chip" or "S&H Green" stamps. I would have so much fun pasting them in the little booklets and then going to the redemption stores and turing them in for a special item. I know you had to pay the sales tax, but it was sort of like getting something for free.
Catrine36
Mar 30, 2012 9:32PM
avatar
When I needed quarters in to pump air into my car's tires I knew we were going down hill.
J L
Mar 30, 2012 8:16PM
avatar
water out of the tap isnt free actually, you pay a water bill for it.  and regardless of what people say, it does taste different to me than bottled water.    but it doesnt surprise me that we have to pay for everything nowadays.  its all about the almighty dollar
bearhunter355
Mar 30, 2012 6:13PM
avatar

Even something that is free really isn't if it has a string attached.

 

Knuckle up
Mar 30, 2012 6:53PM
avatar
the great ol' USA isnt free! there is a cost for everything ,even to live here when the people of this country go to war, the ultimate price for free is giving your life and thats our governments version it cost us citizens but if you defect or come illegal or visa visit, school visa thats what FREE is no tax and able to open a business as a visitor is crazy how many of you reading this has a mexican  or a chinese restaurant in your town or city on every block the average american citizen cant just open up a business like foreign people do so citizens of the US we are not free until we reach the upper room and even then u will have a death tax crazy american freedoms
mnxrlt4u
Mar 30, 2012 5:35PM
avatar
You forget the ubiquitous coffee pot with free coffee and refills, btw or the cracker barrel in the country stores.
JINXTER937
Mar 30, 2012 9:52PM
avatar

ALL TV SHOULD BE FREE BECAUSE THE ADD MEN CAN SHOW THERE WEARS ALSO THIS COMPUTER ACCESS  AND ANY OTHER MEDIA WHERE ADVETISMENTS EXIST.

YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY THAT OLD ENCYCLOPEDIA SET FROM THE DOOR TO DOOR SALESMAN ANYMORE.

IF IT CONTAINS ADDS IT MAKES A PROFET FOR TED TURNER AND THE THE BOYS

WAKE UP AMERICA  AND REALIZE YOUR ADDICTIONS.

 

Betty K
Mar 30, 2012 10:04PM
avatar

Greed, it's all due to greed. Folks cannot learn to live within their means - they have to have all the gadgets which are obsele the moment you pay your hard-earned money for it.  Greed starts at the very top and works its way down.

marlane arnold (marlane)
Mar 30, 2012 6:15PM
avatar

We used to get free light bulbs in Michigan. You just turned in your burned out bulbs when you paid the light bill (in person, of course) and they gave out free exchanges.

linda likens
Mar 31, 2012 2:48AM
avatar

This is Linda Likens and I can remember when auto diagnostics was free, they gave that to you to earn your business, They charged me $270 to replace my car battery the other day, fotr a $100 battery.  Included both diagnostic and labor fees... a little salty for me! I said "honestly" and just shook my head and wrote the check. This was from a most trusted mechanic...perhaps time has come to shop around.  I told my brother Steve and he couldn't believe it.  He said Bradley would have changed it for free!

 Thank you, Linda Likens

Scott Netherton
Aug 3, 2012 10:45AM
avatar
Thiings that are not free if you work if you don't then you get free stuff. THE only thing thats FREE is AIR because they have not figured out how to TAX you on it.
Rose Geurian (widows)
Mar 30, 2012 8:52PM
avatar
When were things free?I don't remember and I'm older .
bfrey
Mar 30, 2012 8:47PM
avatar
it has never truly been free.  Service costs money.  It is MUCH better to pay for the services you use
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

DATA PROVIDERS

Copyright © 2013 Microsoft. All rights reserved.

Quotes are real-time for NASDAQ, NYSE and AMEX. See delay times for other exchanges.

Fundamental company data and historical chart data provided by Thomson Reuters (click for restrictions). Real-time quotes provided by BATS Exchange. Real-time index quotes and delayed quotes supplied by Interactive Data Real-Time Services. Fund summary, fund performance and dividend data provided by Morningstar Inc. Analyst recommendations provided by Zacks Investment Research. StockScouter data provided by Verus Analytics. IPO data provided by Hoover's Inc. Index membership data provided by SIX Financial Information.

Japanese stock price data provided by Nomura Research Institute Ltd.; quotes delayed 20 minutes. Canadian fund data provided by CANNEX Financial Exchanges Ltd.

Need some advice? Got some advice? Ask an agentNeed some advice?Got some advice?Ask an agent

MORE PERSONAL FINANCE SECTIONS & TOOLS

Most Popular
  • Shared
  • Commented
  • Viewed

MORE LIFE COACH