Why Do We Keep Paying Ridiculous Fees for Simple Things?

The hidden cost of being tired, busy, and just wanting things to work

Note: This post was originally written in May 2025.

“Three hundred forty-three dollars,” the locksmith says, not even blinking. He's got the kind of Eastern European accent that makes you feel like you're in a John Wick sequel, except instead of assassins and gold coins, it's just you, a busted mailbox, and a rapidly draining checking account.

I stare at him, then at the mailbox, then back at him. I would like to know if the key comes with a complimentary condo. Instead, I nod, because what the hell else am I going to do? The management company doesn't keep spare keys “for security reasons,” which, in 2025, apparently means “so we can charge you a kidney for basic access to your own mail.”

I pay. Of course, I pay.

The Pattern Emerges

This isn’t my first rodeo with absurdly expensive, low-stakes emergencies. Last week, a different locksmith—als…