If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone from the boomer generation, you’ve probably heard them talk about how different things were “back in the day.” And honestly, they’ve got a point. Some things that were once the norm for them have somehow turned into luxuries today. The stuff they could do, like buying a house in their 20s or filling up their gas tank without a second thought, feels almost out of reach for many of us now.
Now, this isn’t about bashing one generation or feeling sorry for another. Every era has its pros and cons. But it’s eye-opening to see how the world has changed and how many of the boomer generation’s standard practices have evolved into luxuries. So, let’s take a look at 14 things that were totally normal for boomers but now seem like extravagant perks.
1. Owning a Home at a Young Age
Back in the ’60s and ’70s, buying a home in your 20s or early 30s wasn’t just possible, it was expected. Houses were affordable, and wages could actually support a mortgage. Plus, you didn’t need two incomes to make it happen. For many boomers, homeownership was a predictable part of adulthood.
Today? Not so much. With home prices skyrocketing and wages not keeping pace, owning a home, especially at a young age, feels like a far-off dream. In cities, it’s even harder, and many young people are stuck renting long into their 30s or beyond, with homeownership becoming more of a luxury than a milestone.
2. Affordable College Education
For boomers, college was an investment, but not a crippling one. Many could pay for their tuition by working part-time over the summer or during the school year. The cost of higher education was manageable, and student loans, if needed, didn’t haunt them for decades.
Fast forward to today, and the cost of college has become astronomical. Student debt is the norm, and many graduates find themselves paying off loans well into their 40s. What used to be a fairly affordable step toward success is now a financial burden that weighs heavily on young people for years.
3. Pension Plans
Some boomers had the luxury of secure pension plans, something most people today can only dream about. Companies used to offer pensions that provided a guaranteed income after retirement. You didn’t need to think about managing retirement savings, it was taken care of.
These days, pensions are nearly extinct. Instead, we have 401(k)s, where individuals are responsible for saving and investing for retirement. It’s a much more stressful and uncertain future for today’s workforce, with pensions feeling like a relic of the past.
4. Vacations Without a Second Thought
For boomers, taking a yearly family vacation was just part of life. It could have been a road trip or a beach getaway, vacations didn’t break the bank. Gas was cheap, hotels were affordable, and taking time off wasn’t a luxury, it was expected within your company.
Now, vacations require serious planning and saving. The cost of travel, hotels, and even gas has gone up so much that for many families, taking a vacation feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. You might even need a vacation just to recover from the financial hit.
5. Full-Service Gas Stations
Remember the days when you didn’t have to get out of your car to fill up? Full-service gas stations were everywhere, and attendants would pump your gas, check your oil, and clean your windshield without you lifting a finger. It wasn’t fancy, it was just the way things were.
These days, full-service stations are a rare find, and if you do come across one, it usually comes with a higher price tag. Most of us now pump our own gas and handle basic car maintenance ourselves. Getting someone else to do it feels like an indulgence from a bygone era.
6. Air Travel Without the Hassle
Flying in the ’60s and ’70s was an experience. Passengers enjoyed spacious seats, real meals (served with actual cutlery), and a sense of adventure. There were no extra fees for every little thing, and security was a breeze compared to today’s airport ordeal.
Now, air travel feels more like a test of endurance. Tiny seats, extra fees for bags, food, and even picking a seat… everything comes with a cost. And don’t even get us started on the stress of navigating TSA. What used to be a somewhat glamorous way to travel is now somewhat of a chore.
7. Owning One Car Per Family
In many boomer households, one car was enough. Families managed with a single vehicle, using it for everything from grocery runs to family road trips. Gas was cheap, and cars were relatively affordable, so getting by with just one was totally normal.
Today, many families need at least two cars to get by, thanks to longer commutes and the demands of modern life. Car ownership has become much more expensive, with rising costs for insurance, maintenance, and gas. Having even one reliable car can feel like a treat for some.
8. Having a Stay-at-Home Parent
In the boomer era, it wasn’t uncommon for one parent, usually the mother, to stay home and manage the household while the other worked. A single income was often enough to support a family, cover the mortgage, and provide for a comfortable life.
Nowadays, that’s a rare situation. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and in most cases, both parents need to work just to make ends meet. Having a stay-at-home parent has become more of a luxury than a choice, with families juggling work and childcare just to get by.
9. Free Time Without Technology
Boomers lived in a world without the constant pull of technology. There were no smartphones or social media demanding their attention, and when they left work for the day, they were truly “off.” Weekends were for family time, hobbies, or just relaxing.
Today, it’s a different story. We’re always connected, always reachable, and it can feel impossible to unplug. Emails, texts, and notifications follow us everywhere, making free time without technology feel like a rarity that’s hard to come by.
10. Drive-In Theaters
For boomers, going to the drive-in theater was a cheap and fun way to spend the evening. Families would load up the car with blankets and snacks, park in front of the big screen, and enjoy a double feature under the stars. It was simple and affordable entertainment.
Drive-in theaters have become a scarce novelty. Most people head to expensive multiplexes or stream movies at home, and finding a drive-in feels like a special treat. What was once a regular weekend activity is now a nostalgic luxury.
11. Frequent Home-Cooked Meals
Boomers grew up in a time when eating out was a treat, not a regular habit. Home-cooked meals were part of their daily routine, and families would gather around the table every night. Cooking at home was just how things were done.
Today, the convenience of fast food and takeout has made home-cooked meals seem like a delicacy only reserved for those with the time and energy to cook. With busy schedules and long work hours, many people rely on takeout or meal delivery, and sitting down for a home-cooked meal feels like a special occasion.
12. Neighborhood Schools
Boomers often walked to their local school, which was just around the corner. Schools were part of the community, and there wasn’t much need to drive across town for a better education. Public schools were well-funded, and commuting wasn’t an issue.
Today, many parents drive long distances or pay a premium for private schools to give their kids the best education possible. The convenience of walking to a high-quality neighborhood school is less common, making it feel like you struck neighborhood gold in today’s world.
13. Local Milk Delivery
Back in the day, the milkman was a familiar figure, delivering fresh, local milk in glass bottles right to your doorstep. It was convenient, sustainable, and part of daily life. There was no need to run to the grocery store for milk every week.
These days, local milk delivery has become a luxury service offered by specialty companies. Most people rely on supermarkets for their dairy needs, and the convenience of having fresh milk delivered to your door is something you have to pay an extra fee for.
14. Affordable Healthcare
Boomers grew up with more affordable healthcare plans, often provided by their employers. Doctor visits and prescriptions were reasonably priced, and the financial burden of healthcare was minimal. It wasn’t something they had to think too much about.
Now, healthcare costs are through the roof. Insurance premiums are higher than ever, and even with coverage, out-of-pocket costs can be crushing. Many people now avoid going to the doctor altogether because of the financial strain. What was once a simple, affordable necessity has become a major financial concern for individuals and families alike.
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“Back in my day…” is a saying that often inspires eye rolls from younger generations. But the truth is that times were significantly different for the Baby Boomers (or Gen X). Born between 1946 and 1964, they grew up in a world far removed from today’s technological marvels and instant gratification.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
