With features such as video on demand and internet connectivity, the average American household’s cable bill now exceeds $100 per month. This expense can seriously hamper people’s budgets, particularly seniors who have entered retirement.
Fortunately, you do not have to incur such high television costs if you know how to avoid them. Here is how you can save on your monthly cable bill.
Research Your Options
First of all, it’s important to note that you do not have to stick with the cable package that you currently have. Do some comparison shopping between different cable providers in your area and see what packages they offer as well as their pricing. This will allow you to truly see which cable company has the best internet and cable deals. You may also find that some cable providers, such as Comcast, offer a cable and internet senior discount.
Take note that you may be subject to an early cancellation fee if you decide to switch packages. This shouldn’t dissuade you from making a change however, as this extra expense will be offset when you start paying lower monthly fees. Make a detailed list of all the providers in your area as well as the packages they offer so that you can make an informed decision.
Consider Selecting a Smaller Cable Package
Think about how many cable channels you actually use. If you find that you do not make use of many of the channels on offer, then it may be worthwhile to switch to a cheaper package that offers fewer channels. After all, there’s no point in paying for channels that you never watch.
Write down the names of all of the channels that you regularly watch and then compare them with all of the channels that are currently on offer with your chosen package. If you only watch a small portion of channels on offer, then perhaps its time for a downgrade.
Find a Product Bundle
Oftentimes, cable providers offer internet connections and home telephone services in addition to television packages. If you are someone who makes use of these services, then it may be worthwhile to inquire as to whether your provider has any cheap cable and internet offers that come in a bundle package. Subscribing to multiple services in a bundle is significantly cheaper than subscribing to each one individually. Remember to check out offers from other cable providers so that you can know where to find the best cable and internet bundles out there.
Eliminate Your Modem and DVR Charges
If you take a moment to carefully inspect your cable bill, you may find that you are being charged between $5 and $20 per month for your DVR. With online streaming services and video on demand, there are very few reasons left to record a show that you miss on DVR. It is, therefore, worthwhile to see if you can eliminate this cost.
If you have an internet package, then another recurring charge that you may be faced with is a fee for your wireless router or modem. This fee can easily be avoided by purchasing your own wireless router or modem so that you no longer have to rent one out.
By purchasing your own DVR, modem or wireless router, you can avoid paying an excessive monthly charge while still being able to use your own equipment if the day comes that you decide to switch cable providers.
Cut Down On The Number Of Cable Boxes You Own
Oftentimes, when initially signing up for cable, your provider may offer you multiple cable boxes for free or at a discounted price. Such promotions usually run for a limited time, and once they are over, the cost of said cable boxes could skyrocket. In fact, you may find yourself paying anywhere between $3 and $12 per month for every additional cable box you own.
If you find yourself typically only watching cable on one TV set, then it would be a good idea to cut down to only one cable box.
Negotiate a Better Deal
While prices may appear to be set in stone, this is sometimes not the case. By contacting a customer service representative and expressing your dissatisfaction with your current cable bill or services on offer, you might be able to score a sneaky discount. There may even be a promotional package on offer that you’re not aware of.
Go Cold Turkey
While there are plenty of ways to reduce your cable bill, the most effective way to limit your expenses would be to cancel your cable plan in its entirety. While this may seem like a daunting challenge, there are a number of alternative entertainment platforms that you can make use of in place of cable television.
For example, satellite and digital television services are also widely offered and could prove to be sufficient alternatives. There are also numerous streaming services that allow you to watch all your favorite shows at a fraction of the cost! These often include video-on-demand services, where you only pay for the programming that you want to watch.
Reduce Your Cable Bill Today!
By using the above tips, you can enjoy cheap TV, phone and internet service packages. Remember that you can begin your hunt for the best deals with a simple online search. Try using keywords such as Cable and Internet Providers Near Me and begin saving on your cable bill today!
