One of the most common sayings is “The greatest things in life are free.” but what if I was about to tell you some of the greatest things in life actually aren’t free. Of course, some things like hugs, advice, happiness, love, and family are free, but what about life’s greatest necessities? Unfortunately, these are a few great things that will never come free:

Food

As much as I wish this necessity were free, unfortunately it isn’t. Not only is food the greatest thing on the planet (wish I was exaggerating), but also you need it to survive and it definitely doesn’t come cheap.

Water

Although you may be able to get water for free at restaurants, you definitely can’t at home. You either an option of buying bottled water, which can most definitely get expensive or just drink water and then pay a water bill every month.

Clothing

Can’t walk around naked all day every day now can we? Yes, designer and expensive clothing is definitely not necessary, but some type of clothing is.

Shelter

How is one expected to survive without somewhere to bathe, sleep, eat, and just live? Home ownership definitely comes at a hefty price, especially where I live in NYC. If you can’t afford to own a home, your second resort is to rent, which will save you some extra bucks, but you’re still putting money out there.

Education

Lastly, we have education. Although education after the age of sixteen is legally an option, in today’s day in age it is extremely rare for someone to not finish high school and almost as rare for someone to not move on to college. Fortunately, we do have public schools, but when that college level is reached it’s not longer free. Although it’s much cheaper than private schools, many people still can’t afford it resulting in them ending their education after high school.