People Are Sharing Prices From The 20th Century To Show Just How Out Of Hand Prices Are Now (30 Pics)

Over the last few years, between the energy market going nuts, COVID-19, and inflation, people have become significantly more aware of just how much the cost of living is spiraling out of control. It’s a pretty common refrain, that many younger people can’t afford housing, but this has started to expand to cars and even groceries.So we’ve gathered some examples of what things used to cost in the US, from “cost of living” lists, to old menus and ads. From the cost of tuition at Harvard in the 1850s to McDonald’s items, back when they just cost a few cents. We also got in touch with Daniella Flores fromiliketodabble.comto learn more about managing money.This post may includeaffiliate links.

So we’ve gathered some examples of what things used to cost in the US, from “cost of living” lists, to old menus and ads. From the cost of tuition at Harvard in the 1850s to McDonald’s items, back when they just cost a few cents. We also got in touch with Daniella Flores fromiliketodabble.comto learn more about managing money.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

1916 Sears Catalog Home

My Grandmama Just Passed Away And We Found The Hospital Bill Of When She Had My Aunt In 1957. Insurance Paid $100 So They Ended Up Paying $2.95 For Having A Baby

Mcdonald’s Menu From 1959

Bored Pandagot in touch with Daniella Flores, the Founder & CEO ofiliketodabble.com, a site and blog dedicated to helping people manage their money. First and foremost, we were curious to hear what she thought is the biggest misconception most people have about managing money.“That you have to use a strict budget and restrict your life, you can manage your money and still live your life too. Instead of cutting on the things you love, review your spending and look for the purchases that you don’t remember or notice that you spent that money on something that didn’t matter much to you - that is what you should cut. Spend money on the things that matter to you and cut what doesn’t.”

“That you have to use a strict budget and restrict your life, you can manage your money and still live your life too. Instead of cutting on the things you love, review your spending and look for the purchases that you don’t remember or notice that you spent that money on something that didn’t matter much to you - that is what you should cut. Spend money on the things that matter to you and cut what doesn’t.”

Cost Of Living In 1938

Vintage Travel Ad - Hotel Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico - 1965

Housing Ad From 1955

In general, many people get uncomfortable around the idea of managing their money and making a detailed plan for the future, so we were curious to hear her take on what pushes people away. “Money is emotional with beliefs that get ingrained in us from childhood. It is difficult to face that head-on, review your spending, and actually create a plan to manage your money. That’s why it’s great to work with a financial coach who can talk you through that process in a non-judgmental way.”

Kmart in 1977

McDonald’s Extra Value Menu 1993

Hospital Bill From When My Grandpa Blew Up A Stump With Homemade Tnt And Lost His Eye

“Your beliefs about money might lead you to think you’re “bad with money”, but that isn’t true. The game is rigged but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t educate yourself about financial wellness. Learn how to navigate the financial system in a way that works best for you, and who knows - maybe you can help change it one day.”

A Woolworth’s Menu From The 1960s When They Served Food

The Westerner Motor Hotel

The Taco Bell Five! (1968)

Daniella left us some suggestions of where to start if someone was dealing with a lot offinancial insecurityor was just looking at abeginner’s guide to investing. You can also find more on the iliketodabbleXandInstagram page. Because looking at these prices might seem sad, but it’s always better to think about the future.

The Original Burger King Whopper In 1963

1947 Hospital Bill Found Out My Parents’ Attic. Not Sure Who It’s For

The Bill For A Semester At Harvard, 1869: $170.42

Danish Modern Furniture Ad 1962

“Vacation Specials” - Steve Aloi Ford Ad [c.1970]

Sears Men’s Fashion 1960’s

Despite all the doom and gloom, economic indicators show thatwages are growingalongside the economy. While our current prices are, obviously, higher, due to inflation, some people seem to be working from the misguided position that prices would go down or that there would be deflation, ignoring the fact that this would actually be an indicator of inflation.

Cost Of Living 1989