According to figures, the average digital cable customer pays $75 a month. If that isn’t enough to make you cringe, analysts report an annual increase of 5%. It’s only a matter of time before a three-digital cable bill is the average.
Which Direction Are You Headed?
It’s unfortunately quite easy to lose sight of entertainment expenses. To further the problem, television packages commonly represent areas where changes are particularly unwanted. As you’ll learn at Thriftability, living on less doesn’t have to come at a high “price.”
Take the opportunity to take a serious look at your viewing habits. We’re not really concerned about the price you pay for television (look at that anyways!), but whether you’re getting your money’s worth. Do your television-watching habits justify the price tag?
Maybe the change that’s needed is simple. Your cable or satellite provider might have some alternative packages for less. Speaking of providers, perhaps you can see what others are offering in your area. Forget subscriptions or monthly fees… companies like Satellite Direct bring you unlimited access to over 3,500 channels.
Paying Only for Internet
If you don’t care for your cable or satellite bill – simply get rid of it. It’s not as far-fetched anymore, thanks to the world of streaming video.
Services like Hulu and Netflix can be streamed directly to your television. With a gaming system or a device such as the Roku, you can get free and/or low-priced subscriptions to make up for (brace yourselves), what could be a life without a television package. Hulu offers free 2 week trial, and a referral program where you can earn your monthly streaming video just by sharing a link with your family & friends. If services like Hulu and Netflix aren’t enough, there’s more:
- Many channels will post full episodes online. Take the History Channel, for instance, when you can stay up-to-date with American Pickers and other favorites with full episodes.
- Sports lovers have some recourse (easily the most difficult genre for leaving cable/satellite). From ESPN3 to TNT Overtime, there are a few options. However, buying your favorite sports packages is an option (i.e. MLB.TV on your Roku) that could be part of the equation. You’ll save a great deal of money, with only in-market games to worry about.
Mix and Match for Your Budget
Depending on how you watch television, and how often you do it, there are plenty of ways to organize such a situation. Even just a small savings each month can make a change worthwhile.
Consider integrating at least a portion of your viewing in streaming video. There are a wealth of free and low-cost sources that can give you a taste of savings. Who knows; in a month or two you could be cancelling your service.
Speaking of cancelling your service, you might want to integrate that into the mix. There are some well-documented stories of customers saving money with negotiating. Your best friend may be the customer retention specialist, who could give you some less-expensive reasons to stick with the company. Keep it all in mind as you approach this potentially pricey subject.
Brian Neese is a staff writer at Everything eMedia. Are you interested in writing “First Person” articles, news briefs or guest posts for Everything eMedia? Contact contributors -at- everythingemedia -dot- com.
How do you save on cable? Do you use satellite, streaming video, or forego TV entirely? Share your thoughts below!
