Why aren't the things in life free?

One of the quote i go by is "Nothing in life is free" which maybe vague but to me it explains that in life there is always a price you have to pay for anything and everything, whether by monetary value or other means (metaphorically speaking), but it also could explain how everything in life is all about the money and even though it seems free, its not and theres always something behind it, there's always a catch so to say. But since its vague and out there, what do you think it means? And why aren't they free? Your own opinions and insight please.