Coming from the Boomer generation, my dad always had a very no-nonsense approach when it came to money. He was pretty good at making sure we didn’t buy unnecessary things. There were a lot of things he’d refuse to spend money on, and honestly, now I can see where he was coming from. Here’s a look at 10 things my Boomer dad chose never to buy & why he did so.
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Expensive Kitchen Gadgets
My dad stuck to the basics: a good knife, a frying pan & a simple blender. I never saw air fryers, fancy mixers, or high-tech coffee machines in our kitchen. “You don’t need all that stuff to make a good meal,” he’d say. And he was right—the steak & potatoes made in his good old frying pan tasted the best.
Brand Name Clothing
My dad was okay with wearing simple clothing that performed well. For him, clothes were all about function, not fashion. He’d never spend more than a few bucks on a shirt or pair of jeans if it weren’t on sale. I’ve seen him putting on hand-me-down clothes & any durable garments without worrying about the brand name.
Fast Food
According to my dad, fast food was a total waste of money, so instead of buying a burger, he’d cook it from scratch (even if it took a little longer). That was just part of the family routine. Whenever we went out to eat, it was a special treat, like a birthday dinner or a family anniversary.
The Latest Tech
My dad refused to switch from his old flip phone even when smartphones started taking over. He never understood why people felt the need to purchase new devices with each new release.
Home Renovations (Unless Absolutely Necessary)
While he did fix things when they broke, my dad never did “remodeling for fun.” I’ve heard him say, “The house is fine as long as everything works.” No fancy wallpaper, no high-end countertops—just what was needed to keep the place running.
Expensive Cars
Flashy cars were never a priority for my dad. He’d drive the same beat-up car for years if it still ran. Whenever a new model came out, he’d shake his head & say, “I don’t need to impress anyone with a car.” His car was simple, reliable, and, most importantly, affordable.
Gym Memberships
My dad never went to the gym but was fit & healthy as a horse. He loved taking walks in the evening, doing push-ups at home, & using the weights he had in the basement. Why spend money on something you can do for free or with what you already have? I see his point.
Streaming Services
My dad rejected the idea of signing up for streaming services when they first started popping up. He was puzzled by the idea of people spending so much money every month for services they used only once in a while. He only watched television shows on cable or VHS.
Expensive Coffee
My dad thought a good cup of coffee meant brewing it at home instead of buying fancy lattes from coffee shops. Starbucks? Not for him.
Personal Trainers or Fitness Classes? No Chance
My dad believed in self-reliance when it came to fitness activities. He never saw the need to pay someone to tell him how to work out. His advice was simple: “Lift weights, run & take care of yourself.” (And that’s exactly what he did.)
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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