Earlier this year, I wrote about how we don't pay for TV service (such as cable, AT&T UVerse, or satellite)...we just use our bunny ears for free reception.
However, I can understand that cutting cable is not for everyone (we really miss ESPN and the Big 10 Network during college football season) But, that doesn't mean you need to overpay for your TV service.
- Compare Prices by Company - even if your community does not allow cable company competition, there are still various alternatives to cable, like AT&T UVerse, Verizon Fios, or several satellite companies (like Direct TV or Dish Network).
- Analyze your Bill - do you really need all the services and channels that you're paying for? Is it possible you can cut the premium channels and rent movies, join Netflix, or even get movies from the library for free? For example, if we had cable, we would likely only watch ESPN...is one channel worth cable (it would depend on the game we're missing for my husbands answer 🙂 )?
- Ask your Provider for Discounts - unless you've signed a contract with your TV provider, you're free to change companies at any time. If you hear an ad for a discount for new customers, call your company and ask for the discount. Mention that you're thinking about switching to another company, and they may be willing to give you the discount. You never know unless you ask, right? Considering it would cost the company many times more to recruit a new customer than to keep your business, they might negotiate with you.
How do you save money on your TV spending?
Jennifer
We also got rid of cable TV... about 5 years ago. We find that we're much more productive than we were when we were couch potatoes.
My husband sometimes watches ESPN online. We get it free because we have our Internet through AT&T. If you have Internet with one of their sponsors, then you get free access. Otherwise it's paid.
I've been using Hulu to watch all sorts of shows. I find that it takes a few days to see what was on today, but I don't really know what was on today! So I just go to Hulu and see what catches my attention. It's VERY user-friendly!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Frugal Friday: Cash (Without the Clunker) for a Vehicle =-.
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Thanks, Jennifer! We do have our internet through AT&T, so I'll have to check it out to see if we get ESPN. My husband (and me) would be so excited if we do!
Keri
I called my cable company to cancel - its about $60/mo. I thought our contract was up, but apparently we have a 2-yr one. Anyway, the receptionist was wonderful and told me there was a $160 early termination fee but she could give us a bill credit for 2 months! I don't recommend threatening to cancel if you're not willing to do it, but talking with a live person was definitely worthwhile!
.-= Keri´s last blog ..Albertson's Deals: 9/16-9/22 =-.
Carrie
I have bunny ears too plus I have an Apple TV and buy the cable shows I want to watch and can rent movies from iTunes.
Sophia
I thought people were able to pay for just one channel. But I'm not sure of that at all since I barely watch TV and our family has chosen not to live with cable so that we will have more family time and time focus and do other things.