Do your eyes widen with shock every time you read your cable bill? If so, you aren’t alone.
Cable TV is quite expensive. Americans are paying $100 per month for this service. When people are struggling with money, they feel their only option is to cut the cord and consider alternatives such as comparing cable vs satellite.
But that’s not so simple when the cable is your source for news and entertainment. There are other options you have other than cord-cutting or choosing between cable or satellite.
Here are five tips for scoring the cheapest TV channels.
1. Compare Cable Providers
Look around at other cable TV providers in your area. Do they offer a similar deal or bundle to what you presently have at a cheaper rate? Can you get an even better bundle at a cheaper rate?
If so, you may be better off with a different service provider. You may have cord-cutting prices (a.k.a. cancellation fees), but ultimately you’ll save money with a better deal at a better price.
2. Get Rid of Your DVR
This sounds a little painful, right? A DVR is convenient. It’s nice to be able to record shows you can watch later if you have to miss them.
But is the DVR necessary? Could you watch it on-demand later? Does the channel have a free online service that you could watch the show on with ads?
These are important things to think about. You could save over $100 per year by letting the DVR go.
3. Downsize Your Channels
You probably have a good idea of which channels you are using and which ones you aren’t. If you know there are several channels you are giving no attention to, then there’s no reason to continue paying for them. Talk to your provider about having cut.
Also, think about if you need HBO, Showtime, Epix, etc. There may have been some great shows at one point, but have you really watched all that much since they stopped airing? Just consider that and weigh whether keeping those channels is worth it.
4. Negotiate With Your Provider
You may think that this seems like a pointless endeavor since cable companies want your money. That’s true, but losing you as a customer means a complete loss of money, and they definitely don’t want that.
If you come prepared with competitors’ prices that you tell them you think are more reasonable, they may be more willing to consider lowering the price of your bill. But be sure you be cordial and polite. They’re more willing to help if you treat them with respect.
5. Install a TV Antenna
A digital TV antenna, like the ones at nulifetv.com, picks up terrestrial signals that have “free to air” tv broadcasts. This will allow you to get certain channels at a much lower price. This means fewer channels to have to pay for, which means less money out of your pocket.
Get the Cheapest TV Channels
If you’re sick of an over-the-top cable bill, you can get the cheapest TV channels following these tips. You’ll still get your favorite shows without paying outrageous prices.
Visit the Finance section for more money-saving tips.