NEW YORK - January 20, 2021 - (Newswire.com)
With TV shows returning from hiatus and new shows debuting in January, this might be a good time to reevaluate whether you really need cable. Cord cutting, or getting rid of your traditional cable service in favor of streaming services—like Netflix, Hulu, etc.—has become an ever-popular phenomenon with the rising costs of cable.
According to Leichtman Research Group, the average cable bill was almost $110 per month, as of September 2020.
Whatever you decide, cutting costs on your viewing habits can help you pay off credit card debt by putting what you save toward debt repayment. Here are ways to save on cable and streaming services.
Take an a la carte approach
Have hundreds of channels but feel like there's nothing to watch? (Is anyone actually watching QVC3?) Been there. If you know the shows you like and the streaming services they're offered on, you may be able to get rid of cable altogether.
Maybe you can't live without Bridgerton but have had enough of The Handmaid's Tale. In that case, stick with Netflix and get rid of Hulu (or temporarily pause your subscription).
Even if you're fully loaded with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+, you could pay as little as $45.95/month, which is less than half the cost of the average cable bill. But remember, you'll still need to pay for internet—unless you're able to steal your neighbor's WiFi.
You can watch live TV without cable
If you're hanging onto your cable subscription because you mostly watch live events, sports, or news programs, you may be able to cut the cord after all. Services like Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV offer access to dozens of channels that provide entertainment, live sporting events, news, and more.
These services allow you to avoid installation fees, get rid of clunky equipment, and eliminate hidden fees that cable providers tend to charge, like DVR fees, HD fees, rental box fees, and cancellation fees.
Both Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV start at $64.99/month, much less than the average cable bill.
Contact your cable provider or switch providers
If you're in a codependent relationship with your cable remote, there are still ways to save. You can contact your cable provider to see if there are ways to lower the cost of your bill. It may be as simple as downgrading your plan. But you can also inquire about existing promotions.
If you can't get your current provider to budge and they're not monopolizing your area, consider switching to another provider. Cable companies often have introductory offers, but this can sometimes require a contract, so make sure to read the fine print.
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Original Source: The Case for Cord Cutting: Ways to Save on Cable and Streaming in 2021
