18 Things From the 90s That Have Disappeared or Become Luxuries

The 90s were a decade of many changes, innovations, and trends. Some of the things that were ordinary back then are now considered rare and luxurious in today’s world. Here are 18 examples of how times have changed.

Furniture Made Out of Real Wood

In the 90s, you could buy furniture made out of real wood, such as oak, pine, or mahogany, without breaking the bank. Nowadays, most furniture is made out of cheap materials like particle board, plastic, or metal. Real wood furniture is hard to find and very expensive.  

Natural Old Growth Forests

The 90s were the last decade when natural old growth forests were still abundant and accessible. These forests are home to diverse and endangered species of plants and animals, and provide many ecological benefits. However, due to deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, many of these forests have been destroyed or degraded. Now, visiting a natural old growth forest is a rare and privileged experience.  

Owning the Software You Purchased

Back in the 90s, when you bought a software program, you owned it for life. You could install it on your computer, use it offline, and keep it as long as you wanted. Nowadays, most software is sold as a subscription service, which means you have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to access it online. If you stop paying, you lose access to the software and your data.  

Paying No More Than 30% of Your Income in Rent

In the 90s, paying no more than 30% of your income in rent was considered normal and affordable. This rule of thumb allowed people to save money for other expenses or goals. However, due to the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and housing shortage, many people today pay more than half of their income in rent. This leaves them with little or no savings and makes them vulnerable to financial shocks.  

Not Being Expected to Be Reachable 24/7

Before the advent of smartphones and social media, people in the 90s had more privacy and freedom from work or social obligations. They could go offline for hours or days without being bothered by calls, texts, or emails. They could also enjoy their leisure time without feeling guilty or distracted. Nowadays, people are expected to be reachable 24/7 by their employers, clients, friends, and family. This can cause stress, anxiety, and burnout.  

Concert Ticket Prices

Going to a concert in the 90s was a fun and affordable way to enjoy live music. You could buy a ticket for as low as $10 or $20 and see your favorite band or artist perform. Nowadays, concert ticket prices have skyrocketed due to high demand, scalping, and fees. You can expect to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a single ticket to a popular show.  

Single-Income Families Buying a Home

In the 90s, it was possible for a single-income family to buy a home with a reasonable mortgage and interest rate. This allowed one parent to stay at home with the kids or pursue other interests while the other parent worked full-time. Nowadays, buying a home is out of reach for many single-income families due to high prices, low inventory, and strict lending standards. Most families need two incomes to afford a home or rent.  

Good-Quality Fabric in Clothing

In the 90s, clothing was made out of good-quality fabric that lasted for years. You could buy clothes made out of cotton, wool, silk, or leather that felt comfortable and looked stylish. Nowadays, clothing is made out of cheap and synthetic fabric that wears out quickly. You can find clothes made out of polyester, nylon, acrylic, or spandex that feel scratchy and look tacky.  

Being Able to Afford Going Out Every Friday After Work

In the 90s, going out every Friday after work was a common and enjoyable way to unwind and socialize with your coworkers or friends. You could go to a bar, restaurant, movie theater, or club without spending too much money. Nowadays, going out every Friday after work is a luxury that many people can’t afford due to high costs of food, drinks, entertainment, and transportation.  

Tamagotchis

Tamagotchis were egg-shaped computer toys that offered kids a fun way to “parent” a digital pet. The toy required feeding, poo-cleaning, and playing with the pet to keep it alive and happy. There have been 70 million Tamagotchis sold to date, but they are now considered rare and collectible items that can fetch high prices on online platforms.  

CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs were discs that stored digital data such as music, games, or software. They were first invented in 1984, but they had their heyday in the 90s and early 2000s. You could buy CD-ROMs for a reasonable price and enjoy them on your computer or CD player. Nowadays, CD-ROMs are obsolete and replaced by online streaming, downloading, or cloud services.  

Purple Cars

Purple was a big color trend in the 90s, especially for vehicles. You could see purple cars, trucks, vans, or motorcycles on the road, giving them a distinctive and stylish look. Nowadays, purple cars are rare and considered a luxury. According to a study by iSeeCars.com, purple is the most expensive car color in the US, with an average price of $22,510.  

Buddha Head Fountains and Cherub Statues

In the 90s, many people decorated their homes with buddha head fountains and cherub statues. These items were supposed to bring peace, harmony, and luck to the owners. They were also considered fashionable and trendy. Nowadays, buddha head fountains and cherub statues are seen as tacky and outdated. They are also hard to find and expensive to buy.  

Tetris

Tetris was one of the most popular and addictive video games of the 90s. It was a simple but challenging game that involved stacking falling blocks of different shapes and colors to create horizontal lines. You could play Tetris on your computer, console, or handheld device for hours and never get bored. Nowadays, Tetris is considered a classic and nostalgic game that is still loved by many fans.  

Dial-Up Internet

In the 90s, dial-up internet was the only way to access the World Wide Web. It was a slow and noisy process that involved connecting your phone line to your modem and waiting for a series of beeps and screeches. You could then browse websites, send emails, or chat online at a snail’s pace. Nowadays, dial-up internet is considered a luxury that only a few people still use or have access to. Most people have switched to broadband, wireless, or mobile internet that is faster and more reliable.  

VHS Tapes

In the 90s, VHS tapes were the main medium for watching movies at home. You could buy or rent VHS tapes from video stores and enjoy them on your TV with a VCR. You could also record TV shows or home videos on blank VHS tapes and watch them later. Nowadays, VHS tapes are considered a luxury that only collectors or enthusiasts still own or use. Most people have moved on to DVDs, Blu-rays, or online streaming services that offer better quality and convenience.  

Cassette Tapes

In the 90s, cassette tapes were the main medium for listening to music on the go. You could buy or make cassette tapes with your favorite songs and play them on your walkman, boombox, or car stereo. You could also rewind or fast-forward them with a pencil or your finger. Nowadays, cassette tapes are considered a luxury that only hipsters or retro fans still buy or use. Most people have switched to CDs, MP3s, or online streaming services that offer more variety and functionality.  

Disposable Cameras

In the 90s, disposable cameras were a cheap and easy way to capture memories. You could buy disposable cameras from drugstores or supermarkets and take pictures of your friends, family, or events. You could then develop the film at a photo lab and get prints of your photos. Nowadays, disposable cameras are considered a luxury that only nostalgic or artistic people still buy or use. Most people have digital cameras or smartphones that can take better quality photos and store them online.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

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