Things that used to be free

[2moretrees]

I was with a friend this weekend and we went to get some bones from the butcher (cost us $1.79) for our dogs and we started talking about things that used to be free. I remember as a little girl my mom would send me down to the store to pick up dog bones and the butcher always gave them away for free. I would also stop by the bakery for the crust and heels of bread which was free so we could go to the local pond and feed the ducks and geese.

What things do you remember being free at one time that now you have to pay for?

[midnight]

How about TV? If you think about it, it was completely free 10 years ago. Sure, there weren't as many choices, but I'm not sure that was a bad thing. Now you have to pay $40 a month or more.

[asrai]

My tv is free. I only get 1 1/2 channles (one comes in good another comes in half the time or less).

[terry1156]

How about full service at the gas station. Check your oil, clean the windows, check the tires. I can't believe that gas stations charge for air these days.

I bet the gas station that offers full service at self serve prices could make a pretty penny these days off of sales. Nobody is checking oil, so you could sell a ton of that. Not to mention steering fluid, washing fluid, new wipers and the like. The labor would more than pay for itself I bet.

[dealsaver]

Atm withdrawls. Well at least they were fee free.

[contrary1]

I remember most things being free when I was in school. We were to take a box of crayons to grade school, but the rest of the items were at school, for all the kids to use when assignments called for them. Now, my kids have published lists available at the local office supply stores. Huge lists. Binders, folders, all sorts of writing utensils, calculators, art supplies..........name it, it's on the list.

Field trips were usually free to I believe. There weren't many, maybe 2 a year, but I don't recall there being fees to go. Now, my kids are asked to bring money frequently. My special ed kiddo has an outing offered for his class 2X a month. The last note asked for $20.00 for lunch at a local restaurant. My good luck, he hates these days & chooses to stay home!!! He gets to go out often so it isn't a special treat for him, he would rather do his own thing.

Interesting topic here............I think I'll call my mom & see what she remembers getting free that we have to pay for now. I know she will mention our local bakery..........the bakers dozen deal. Buy 12 of anything & they would give you one free.

[Bluezy]

In the States, the syringe to give your baby his medicine used to be free. CVS and Walgreens now charge you for them. Now I use Costco pharmacy, one of the last places I've found that does not charge you for the syringe,

[boo31]

I work in one of these pharmacies and we do not charge for the syringe for the very young children,but parents do have to ask.

You never know what will happen if you ask for something--
you might get it for free

[dwallyfam]

It used to be that the Dr. would fill out paperwork for free now they charge you $35 for just a simple note that says you can't work for 3 weeks.

[Ima saver]

You have to pay for field trips? I always had free tv until I moved up here in the boondocks.

[Lostsoul33]

My daughter is always bringing notes home from the school for money. One was for an art day. Another was for a science day. There is also snack day (chocolate milk and donuts) Field trips are another expense. They go to the market or the old age homes.
Air for the tires is no longer free. My car needs air in the tire but hubby didn't want to pay 25 cents. LOL I think he's finally catching onto my frugal ways.
Parking used to be free in a lot of places and now it's quite expensive depending where you live.

[baselle]

Originally Posted by dealsaver

Atm withdrawls. Well at least they were fee free.

You mean they're not free if you use your bank? Or for point of sale purchases? My grocery store has morphed into my ATM if I need a bit of extra cash.

[Bluezy]

Originally Posted by boo31

I work in one of these pharmacies and we do not charge for the syringe for the very young children,but parents do have to ask.

You never know what will happen if you ask for something--
you might get it for free

I did ask. Syringes are $1.00 at both the Walgreens and CVS pharmacies, Main Street, Dunedin FL. These were also the pharmacies that wanted an astronomical amount for my son's antibiotic, that I got for a much reasonable price at Costco.

I now see that this incident should be reported. Thank you for this inside information. I will act accordingly.

[Lemony]

We used to be able to drop off coins at our bank for free. Now they charge us a "teller fee" of $1.25. Now I have to wait until I have tons of $$ to make the deposit worthwhile.

I also used to get used needle disposal boxes for free from the pharmacy, but they charge a fee for them now. I can't afford that, so I just throw the needles in an old coke bottle and toss 'em that way. It's not safe, but I have to assume there aren't people wandering around the dump who might stick themselves.

[Ima saver]

Well I live in a small town and parking is free everywhere. I did not know that you have to pay for air, because we have a compressor. Glasses of water used to be free but now some places charge you for the cup.

[elcheapo]

a lot of furniture stores use to have free delivery when you purchased their furniture.

[The Budget Man]

Some things are now free that we didn't have before.

Our council has built a series of free BBQ's in the parks. This free service has allowed families to enjoy the outdoors more. We often go up to the top of the range and have a BBQ overlooking the valley.

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

www.PersonalityBudgeting.com
Free budgeting help and the lowest cost program around that really works.

[LuxLiving]

Free water fountains on the streets. No more - must buy water at the convenience stores or bring your own from a grocery or one you've refilled.

[Gruntina]

a park near my home charges cars coming in to park. now they charge people walking in through the gates and extra fee if you bring a pet.

[LuxLiving]

oh yea our local lake now charges for day swimming.