Cost for the following things we didn't have in 1985

[DawnM]

Just for fun.....

I was thinking of how in the 80s and prior to the 80s, most of us didn't have the following expenses:

Cable/Satellite TV (or netflix, etc...)
Cell phones
Internet

Right now we pay about $185 with Directv raising their rates.

Directv- $85/mo
Sprint- 3 phones, 700 min.- $42
DH's cell for work- $20 (work pays the rest)
Internet- $40

 

[JB2K]

Just for fun.....

I was thinking of how in the 80s and prior to the 80s, most of us didn't have the following expenses:

Cable/Satellite TV (or netflix, etc...)
Cell phones
Internet

Speak for yourself - many people had Cable TV in the 70s and 80s (that was the birth of well-known cable brands such as TBS, HBO, Showtime, and MTV). If memory serves me correctly, in 1982 you could get a nice assortment of CATV channels (about 35 or so) for under 30 bucks. Premium channels were about $10 extra (each). Also, back in those days, "The Disney Channel" was considered a pay channel, much like HBO and the others.

Some of the first non-business cell phone consumers started popping-up in 1988-1989, as the then-big telcos were the first to offer service under names like "Southwestern Bell Mobile", "Ameritech Cellular", "GTE Mobilnet", and "Bell Atlantic Mobile" (all of which have been rolled-into today's AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless). Service on these providers was quite expensive, by today's standards ($30 got you only 20 minutes per month -- roaming was extra).

The first commerical Internet Service Providers didn't surface in homes until about 1991/1992 (anyone remember GEnie or the old CompuServe?). Dial-up service was billed by the minute, which again, was outrageously expensive by today's standards.

Back to your OP -- I pay about $160 for a 200-channel package, high-speed internet, and a landline with unlimited service (again, back in the 80s, that landline would have cost me about $60-70 because of all the long distance calls).

So, while the spirit of your post makes it all sound expensive, had our technology not moved forward, we could be paying even more for what was then inferior service.

 

[Nayan]

My first computer cost just over $3k. My internet provider cost $40/month for 10 hours a month, weekends were free . My first cell phone was with Primeco (now Verizon) and was $50/month for not too many minutes. We had cable in the early 80's and it was around $40/month for a very few channels.

Today, I pay about $180 for a ton of channels with an HD DVR, lightning-fast internet and home phone service with all the frills and unlimited talk anywhere in the US. If you look at my above totals ($130/month) compared to today's, it's really not gone up as much as people think.

 

[Jenn4615]

funny you posted this... I was shredding checks from when the bank used to send them back to you..(thank GOD they don't anymore!) Anyway, I found one from 1998 and my cable bill was only 38.40. and I HAD HBO! Today I have Directv, and everything you could possibly get... Don't ask..its a husband thing... and for just that its like 200 a month... CRAZY!

 

[stefplus3]

We have comcast and pay $175/month for cable (no "good" channels), home phone and internet. No dvr either....

 

[Marionnette]

In 1985, video tapes were fairly new technology. In fact, there were two leading formats - VHS and Betamax. Plus there were lasar discs. They cost well over $100 (in 1985 dollars) for one movie!

 

[DawnM]

Well, you are correct. However, I didn't pay for any of them at that time.....I was actually in college in 1985.....so perhaps I should have picked a different era.

Also, even thought the cost per month may be more, the truth is, most of us make a lot more than we made in the 80s.

My first cell phone was in 1996 or 1997.

I didn't even grow up with a TV as I grew up overseas and there was no broadcast TV out where we lived!

I got my first cable payment in 1995 or so, I just didn't see the need before then but when I got married I paid for basic cable for $15/mo.

Internet I didn't get until 1995 either.

Dawn

Speak for yourself - many people had Cable TV in the 70s and 80s (that was the birth of well-known cable brands such as TBS, HBO, Showtime, and MTV). If memory serves me correctly, in 1982 you could get a nice assortment of CATV channels (about 35 or so) for under 30 bucks. Premium channels were about $10 extra (each). Also, back in those days, "The Disney Channel" was considered a pay channel, much like HBO and the others.

Some of the first non-business cell phone consumers started popping-up in 1988-1989, as the then-big telcos were the first to offer service under names like "Southwestern Bell Mobile", "Ameritech Cellular", "GTE Mobilnet", and "Bell Atlantic Mobile" (all of which have been rolled-into today's AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless). Service on these providers was quite expensive, by today's standards ($30 got you only 20 minutes per month -- roaming was extra).

The first commerical Internet Service Providers didn't surface in homes until about 1991/1992 (anyone remember GEnie or the old CompuServe?). Dial-up service was billed by the minute, which again, was outrageously expensive by today's standards.

Back to your OP -- I pay about $160 for a 200-channel package, high-speed internet, and a landline with unlimited service (again, back in the 80s, that landline would have cost me about $60-70 because of all the long distance calls).

So, while the spirit of your post makes it all sound expensive, had our technology not moved forward, we could be paying even more for what was then inferior service.

 

[DawnM]

And how much for cell phone service?

Dawn

We have comcast and pay $175/month for cable (no "good" channels), home phone and internet. No dvr either....

 

[bettymae1121]

Well, my AT&T bill is $200 a month for their second highest cable tv tier, home phone, and DSL internet. HOWEVER my company reimburses me $45 a month for the internet portion as I work from home full time.

My cell phone, I have a jail broken iPhone and I use T-Moble pre-paid for it, I spend about $10 a month on average for my cell.

So factoring in my reimbursement, I spend $160 on tv, home phone, cell, and internet. Not too shaby. I may downgrade the tv package though, we don't watch the movie channels that come with it enough to justify the cost.

 

[FINFAN]

what gets me is the expectations level to have these items which add to the budget. For example, no one in my home has an Iphone/Ipad but that is how my sons coach is updating their sports schedule, thru links to it...needless to say, I emailed him explaining that I would need the old fashioned email update if something were to change, and to tell they kids at praactice if he knows at that time about a change. My DS left the house this morning feeling like a total loser that he isn't in the loop, but that's the way it goes.

 

[DawnM]

HA! An *old fashioned* email!

Dawn

what gets me is the expectations level to have these items which add to the budget. For example, no one in my home has an Iphone/Ipad but that is how my sons coach is updating their sports schedule, thru links to it...needless to say, I emailed him explaining that I would need the old fashioned email update if something were to change, and to tell they kids at praactice if he knows at that time about a change. My DS left the house this morning feeling like a total loser that he isn't in the loop, but that's the way it goes.

 

[mjkacmom]

what gets me is the expectations level to have these items which add to the budget. For example, no one in my home has an Iphone/Ipad but that is how my sons coach is updating their sports schedule, thru links to it...needless to say, I emailed him explaining that I would need the old fashioned email update if something were to change, and to tell they kids at praactice if he knows at that time about a change. My DS left the house this morning feeling like a total loser that he isn't in the loop, but that's the way it goes.

Just have him text you - most of the parents I know don't have a iphone, and wouldn't be getting these messages. I find texting works better than email - we got an email than ds's soccer tournament was cancelled at 6:22 am (an hour away). However, we didn't read that email until later on in the morning. Unfortunately, he was out the door at 6:30 am. DH would've gotten the text in time.

I pay $350 a month for cable (no premium channels, but 5 DVR's), phone, internet, and cellphones (5 on the plan, lowest minutes, unlimited texting, 2 regular data plans).

 

[FINFAN]

Just have him text you - most of the parents I know don't have a iphone, and wouldn't be getting these messages. I find texting works better than email - we got an email than ds's soccer tournament was cancelled at 6:22 am (an hour away). However, we didn't read that email until later on in the morning. Unfortunately, he was out the door at 6:30 am. DH would've gotten the text in time.

I pay $350 a month for cable (no premium channels, but 5 DVR's), phone, internet, and cellphones (5 on the plan, lowest minutes, unlimited texting, 2 regular data plans).

well I would, but I dropped texting from my phone to save the $5 a month..but DS and DD have it so that is a good idea. I will ask if he will do both becasue I check my email at work more automatically than my phone too.

 

[FINFAN]

HA! An *old fashioned* email!

Dawn

I know right? Can you imagine if I asked him call those who may need it?


I cannot mentally keep up with technology...so I guess the fact that my budget doesn't allow me to is meant to be, lol.
I am assuming I am not the only one, but DS said not to be surprised...that even if the kid doesn't have an Iphone someone in their family does.

 

[JB2K]

In 1985, video tapes were fairly new technology. In fact, there were two leading formats - VHS and Betamax. Plus there were lasar discs. They cost well over $100 (in 1985 dollars) for one movie!

Actually, back in the 80's, certain VHS movies (which were intended to support the fledging rental market) carried a hefty price tag if you purchased them for home use. Most VHS movies, however, cost roughly $25.

And people say Blu-ray is expensive!

 

[Arielle22]

I remember purchasing Dirty Dancing when it came out on VHS for $100! I even had to order it.

We pay

$150 for 5 lines with Verizon
$25 for Vonage
$150 for cable (no HBO etc) and Internet.

We also have 2 Tivos which are around $25 per month. I love the Tivos!

As for the texting and emails I recently had a conversation with my 17 yr old DD. I asked her if her friend "A" was coming over.

Her "I don't know she isn't answering her phone"
Me " Did you leave a message"
Her: "No one listens to messages anymore"
Me "Did you send her a text"
Her: "Yeah but she didn't answer. I sent her a message on Facebook too but she didn't answer that either"
Me: "So you have all this technology but still can't get ahold of anyone better than I could at your age?"
Her: Frowns and ignores me
Me: Walks away laughing

 

[leight]

$190 combined digital cable/internet/phone- this includes 1 DVR, HDTV, and HBO/Cinemax. Make that $240 because I forgot to add the sports package DH adds on for 10 months of the year for NHL & MLB. But I am loathe to give up the package because the phone also includes Canada and DH's birth families are all there.

Cell phone is $76 month for 3 lines sharing 700 mins. We do not have text or internet.

I remember my dad yelling at me to get off the phone when I was a kid because we paid by the minute then and two towns over was considered long distance! Dh's father had a egg timer for when he used his phone.

I remember my mom petitioning for cable in our area- we had underground utilities so extra costs had to be absorbed by the residents. We got it in 1984- and it was just basic at around $25 a month including the extra costs- no HBO but we were still thrilled. I also remember having to write out step by step directions for my parents to use the VCR I bought them when I was 16. And boy was it huge!

Our first computer was the Atari 800 and I think it was around $2k. They gave it to my brother (who was horrible in school and only played games on it) I remember having to beg to use it for school papers since it was in his room-so my mom gave me an electric typewriter. I swore that big items like that would never be given to my kids -just family gifts.

I had a beeper first in 1990 and got my first cell phone in 1995- and it was huge and weighed a ton. I know car phones had been available alot longer. I know that it was only for emergencies- but as I was working on a crisis team for autistic adults who tended to get violent, I wanted the availability of it just in case.

Technology sure has changed- there was just an announcement that they were going to have free wireless at the bus stop for public transportation!

 

[neatokimmo]

We had cable in the 80's but my parents paid for it. We had HBO and was labeled the house that was going to burst into flames.

My first PC in 93/94 was a little under 2K. AOL was by the minute and I paid $100ish a month. Remember when you used to set it to auto download your email and you read them offline?

My first cell was in 1990 I think. An 18 pound hunk of metal in a bag that was attached to my cigarette lighter. $60 and I was able to make more call for free or cheap on the weekends. I used it to call my parents when I went off to college.

I remember regular cable being under $20 a month in college.

I now pay $20 for my cable modem, $50 for my cell phone because I have a data plan, $10 for netflix and zero for my antenna.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

We pay $160 for AT&T, that is 2 iphones and home internet.
Direct TV is another $90. We have 4 DVR boxes, 2 of them are HD. No movie channels.

That puts us at the $250 mark.

 

[mtblujeans]

We live out in the country and use rabbit ears for tv. If we get 6 channels when the weather is clear, we are doing real good!

We pay $150.00/month for a 4-member family cell phone plan.

We pay our DSL annually, which makes it cheaper, at $400.00 per year.

I remember when we lived in town in the '80s and the basic cable fee went up to $15.00 a month and DH was outraged and canceled it.