There was a time when certain things were within reach for most people — a nice house, regular holidays, or the occasional splurge on something fancy.
Thanks to inflation, rising costs, and changing economic landscapes, these things now seem like they’re only for the super rich. Sadly, these things aren’t nearly as attainable for most of the working or even middle class today as they were even 20 or 30 years ago.
1. A house in a good neighbourhood
Once upon a time, buying a home in a safe, well-connected area was achievable with a decent job and some savings. Now, it feels like you need to win the lottery or have a trust fund to snag a property in those desirable spots. Even renting a place in a decent neighbourhood is becoming a struggle for most, with prices steadily climbing in areas that used to be more affordable.
2. Eating out regularly
Source: Unsplash Dining out used to be a treat that wasn’t reserved for special occasions. A casual dinner with friends or family could be done without much thought about cost. Now, even basic meals out can break the bank. With the rising cost of ingredients, staff wages, and restaurant overheads, even grabbing a quick bite at a casual eatery can feel like an indulgence.
3. A reliable car
Owning a car was once seen as a necessity, something almost anyone could afford. Today, however, even the cost of car payments, maintenance, insurance, and fuel feels out of reach for many. Only the wealthy seem to have the luxury of driving newer, nicer cars. With the increasing costs of electric vehicles and the need for regular maintenance, keeping a car has become a major financial burden.
4. Regular holidays
Taking a holiday used to be something many people could do every year. Now, the cost of flights, accommodation, and activities has made even a short trip a stretch for most. Only the wealthy seem to jet off without much worry. The prices of hotels, resorts, and even basic flights have increased so much that planning a holiday has become more of a luxury than a right.
5. Private healthcare
There was a time when private healthcare was a perk for those with a bit of extra cash, but now it’s become a luxury that many can’t even consider. While the NHS still provides essential care, the rising costs of private health insurance and medical procedures have made it more of a dream than a reality for most. For many people, seeing a private doctor or opting for private treatment is simply out of reach, especially as premiums have shot up. Even if you don’t need the NHS right now, private healthcare is becoming a costly service that only those with significant financial resources can afford.
6. Higher education without debt
University used to be something you could get through without the weight of massive student loans hanging over your head. Thanks to the increase in tuition fees (now capped at £9,535 a year for UK students) and the added cost of living, it’s becoming harder for students to get through university without taking on a hefty amount of debt. Not to mention, the cost of textbooks and supplies adds to the financial burden. These days, unless you’ve got a rich relative or significant savings, securing a degree without racking up debt is becoming nearly impossible. It’s a far cry from when a student loan was a manageable amount, and many now face the reality of years of financial strain after graduation.
7. Personal trainers
Source: Unsplash Fitness was once something you could manage with a basic gym membership and some self-motivation. But now, personal trainers — once a luxury for a few — have become a status symbol, with the wealthy hiring them for everything from fitness to nutrition advice. For those who want the full experience, private gyms, trainers, and wellness programs have become a way of life for many with high disposable income.
8. Professional home cleaning services
Source: Unsplash Having someone clean your home used to be seen as a luxury for the wealthy. Now, it seems like the only way to juggle work, family, and social commitments without being completely overwhelmed is to hire a cleaner. With the increasing cost of living, paying for a professional to handle everyday chores is out of reach for most people, leaving them to manage it all on their own.
9. Luxury brands and designer clothing
Designer clothes and accessories used to be rare but attainable for people with a little disposable income. Now, brands that were once considered aspirational are priced so high that they’re out of reach for most, with only the wealthy able to regularly afford them. Whether it’s handbags, shoes, or even basics, luxury brands have become symbols of status rather than attainable fashion.
10. Regular home renovations
Renovating your home every few years to update it or increase its value was something many homeowners could do. Now, the costs of materials and labour have made home improvement projects a rarity for anyone but the wealthy. The price of labour and quality materials means that unless you’ve got the budget, renovating your home is something you can only dream of.
11. High-end beauty treatments
Getting facials, laser treatments, and other beauty procedures used to be an occasional treat. But with skyrocketing prices, these high-end treatments are now almost exclusively for the rich, leaving most of us to stick to high street chemist products. Whether it’s skincare routines, hair treatments, or professional makeup artists, the costs have placed beauty procedures firmly in the luxury category.
12. A comfortable retirement fund
Retirement used to feel more achievable with consistent contributions to a pension or savings account. But with housing prices skyrocketing, inflation, and ever-rising living costs, many people are left questioning if they’ll ever be able to retire comfortably — or at all. While pensions still exist, they no longer seem like a sure thing for those starting later in their careers or for anyone in jobs without strong pension plans. It feels like the goalposts have moved, and for many, the dream of a comfortable retirement is now something only the wealthy can afford, thanks to a combination of poor savings rates and the high cost of living in the UK.
13. Professional childcare
Not long ago, it was more affordable for a working family to send their child to daycare or hire a babysitter for the occasional night out. But now, with the cost of childcare steadily climbing (having an under-two at nursery runs an average of £300 a week, per The Guardian), it’s becoming a financial burden for many families. And because the average cost of full-time childcare has risen significantly, the government help doesn’t stretch nearly as far as it used to. For families with young children, the only way to afford quality childcare is often by stretching their budgets, working multiple jobs, or relying on grandparents. No wonder the birth rate in the UK is taking a nosedive.
14. Access to legal or financial advice
Legal and financial advice used to be something that wasn’t just reserved for the wealthy. Now, hiring professionals for guidance has become another luxury, with fees that can make even the most basic consultations unaffordable for most people. Whether you’re seeking financial planning or legal protection, these services are becoming increasingly out of reach.
