Our spending habits change with every generation. What was once considered essential is now outdated, with many things that older generations happily spend money on being ignored by millennials. Technology, convenience, and just changing tastes mean younger folk have moved on from certain products and services.
Here are some things the baby boomer generation still purchases regularly but millennials have little or no interest in.
Cable TV
There was a time when having cable TV meant access to all the best shows and channels. Boomers still hold onto their cable subscriptions, but younger adults have embraced streaming services that allow them to watch what they want when they want.
These platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, provide endless entertainment without the hassle of contracts or expensive bills for cable.
Paper Checks
It used to be a normal part of paying bills and shopping, but times have changed. Older people still use paper checks to pay rent, utilities, and even make purchases, but millennials rely on mobile payment apps and direct transfers.
Landline Phones
A home phone is a sign of reliability for the baby boom generation. It’s a household staple that they’ve had for decades. But millennials see no reason to pay for a home phone when they already carry a smartphone everywhere. Cell phones offer unlimited talk, text, and internet, making landlines unnecessary.
Fine China Sets
The ownership of a beautiful set of fine China used to be a sign of status and tradition. Many older folk still keep collections for holidays and special occasions, but not the younger generations. They see little point in delicate dishware that needs to be hand-washed and rarely gets used.
Instead, they opt for everyday plates that are dishwasher-safe and easy to replace.
Collectible Figurines
Millennials have no interest in clutter, so the idea of displaying small porcelain figurines on shelves is unthinkable. It used to be a popular way to decorate a home for the post-war generation, who still cherish their collections. Minimalist lifestyles and smaller living spaces mean younger generations prefer functional décor over dust-collecting figurines.
Department Store Credit Cards
Back in the day, signing up for a store credit card was a good deal, especially when it came with discounts and exclusive offers. Older people still use them at places like department stores, but young adults avoid them due to high interest rates and unnecessary debt.
They prefer cashback credit cards or buy-now-pay-later services that work across multiple retailers rather than being locked into a single store’s rewards program.
Print Newspapers
The simple joy of reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee is a fast-disappearing ritual that some baby boomers still enjoy. But millennials don’t bother with physical newspapers when they can get news instantly on their phones. Digital news is faster, largely free, and constantly updated.
Even traditional newspapers have shifted to online subscriptions, leaving print editions with a shrinking readership.
Diamond Engagement Rings
For past generations, a diamond engagement ring was the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. Today’s young couples, however, are challenging this tradition by choosing alternatives like moissanite, colored gemstones, or even skipping rings altogether.
High prices, ethical concerns, and changing priorities have led them to spend their money on experiences, travel, or financial security instead of expensive pieces of jewelry.
Fabric Softener
Adding fabric softeners to laundry used to be a standard step in washing clothes, but millennials don’t see the need. They avoid them due to concerns about chemicals and residue on clothes. With modern detergents and eco-friendly dryer balls offering the same softness without the extra expense or artificial fragrances, fabric softener is becoming a thing of the past.
Encyclopedias
A full set of encyclopedias used to be a sign of knowledge and sophistication. Boomers still hold onto these bulky books, but millennials have no reason to buy them. Online search engines and digital research tools provide instant access to up-to-date information, so there’s simply no need for dust-collecting sets of books on their shelves anymore.
Expensive Golf Club Memberships
The game of golf was once a major social activity and status symbol, and many older adults still spend thousands on memberships. Their children, however, see golf as time-consuming and expensive.
Busy schedules and a focus on affordability mean they prefer activities that are more flexible and social, like hiking or group fitness classes.
Timeshares
This used to be appealing to boomers, but millennials aren’t interested in owning a vacation property that you only use a few weeks a year. High maintenance fees, inflexible schedules, and cheaper alternatives make timeshares seem like a bad investment. Younger travelers prefer to have the freedom to explore different locations rather than being tied to the same resort every year.
Home Fax Machines
There was a time when fax machines were an essential part of any home office. A few still use them for sending documents, especially for things like medical forms or legal paperwork. Millennials, however, see faxing as outdated.
With email, e-signatures, and cloud storage making document transfers instant and secure, there’s no reason to own a clunky fax machine anymore.
Bar Soap
A simple bar of soap has been a household staple for generations. Boomers still prefer it, but their kids have switched to body washes and liquid soaps. The convenience of pump bottles and the variety of scents and formulas available make liquid soap more appealing. Many also see bar soap as less hygienic, especially when sharing a bathroom with others.
Formal Dinnerware Sets
Older generations love to have a full dinnerware set with matching plates, bowls, and serving dishes for special occasions. But the young don’t see the point. With smaller living spaces and more casual dining habits, they prefer mix-and-match dishes or simple sets they can use daily. Fancy China takes up valuable storage space, too.
Expensive Cable News Subscriptions
Although their parents are still willing to pay for 24-hour cable news networks, millennials get their news elsewhere. Social media, podcasts, and free news apps provide instant updates without the need for costly subscriptions. They also prefer unbiased and diverse news sources instead of relying on a single cable network.