How to Cut Your Cable TV Bill
Watching television, browsing the Internet, and communicating with friends and family over the phone are all core activities in everyone's lives. The money you spend on these cable services, however, can make your household budget hurt, so it's a good idea to minimize what you're paying for to have an effective financial plan.
1. Monitor Your Billing History Closely
The first days are always the best for new subscribers. Along with your high-speed internet access and/or HD channels, you will most likely enjoy the low costs that are offered with any new subscription. This will not last.
As months go by and you notice charges piling up on your bill, nip it in the bud and contact your provider's customer service representative immediately. Explain that you wish to keep the rate you started with, and ask them what they intend to do about your rising costs.
2. Combine Your Services
TV, Internet and phone service providers have caught up to what's happening in the market, especially what consumers want. Most providers now offer a 3-in-1 package, so talk to your provider to learn more about offerings and how you can save money by bundling your services. Internet and TV bundles often offer the best of both worlds: fast Internet and all your favorite channels on one neat bill.
3. Reduce or Cut Unnecessary Services
I always wonder why cable TV providers always lump so many channels in my package instead of giving me the strict minimum number of channels – meaning those that I really need and love watching. If you are like me and don't understand why you should have 350 channels rather than the five or 10 you constantly watch, talk to your TV company and have them downgrade your plan so you can save some cash.
4. Go Mobile
It is possible to save money on your TV, Internet and phone bill by going strictly mobile. Smartphones and tablets with data plan already allow you to access the web, watch TV shows and movies, and carry on phone conversations.
5. Switch Plans and/or Providers
Do not hesitate to switch plans and/or providers if you feel that your current plan is too pricey. Talk to your provider and ask what plans are available along with the terms and conditions pertaining to each plan.
6. Cut the Cord and Stream Your TV
Another tip to lower your monthly cable bill is to eliminate, or severely cut back on, your cable subscription entirely. These quality streaming sites and standalone services house a huge variety of television shows and movies for an affordable price for you to watch whenever you feel like it.
Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video offer a large selection of popular television shows and movies that aren't available on cable for a significantly lower price. For instance, Amazon Prime Instant Video is included for Amazon Prime members, though if you don't have a subscription, you can purchase the service for a low monthly fee.
