8 proven ways cheap people lower their monthly internet, cable, and streaming bills
The average American will pay $32,400 for internet access throughout a lifetime. This number, calculated by researchers at Reviews.org, doesn’t even include today’s big dogs. I’m talking about your cable, streaming, cellphone and other subscriptions.
When it comes to tech, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your money. Why not use free software that’s just as good as the paid versions? Tap or click for free alternatives to Word, Excel, Photoshop and more.
I also like to check every so often for lost or hidden money floating around that’s mine. One of my national radio show listeners found $25,000 this way. Maybe you’ll be lucky, too! Tap or click for the secret places to check for unclaimed funds.
And then there are all those monthly internet charges. If you’re paying full price for everything or you haven’t scanned your needs in a while, it’s time.
1. What do you really need?
When it comes to your home internet, speed definitely matters. If you browse the web and play Candy Crush on your phone, you’re a lightweight. You can get away with less bandwidth than someone’s who likes watching 4K movies every night.
Take a look at your monthly recurring charge. Make sure you are getting the speed and bandwidth you’re promised. I hear from people all the time who aren’t. Tap or click for my pro tips for doing a more scientific speed test you can report to your ISP.
When you first signed up for your cable TV, you probably got a great price. The providers like to throw in a bunch of free channels on a package deal. Unless you’re paying attention, the free channels become pay channels after a few months or a year. Make sure that the channels you are paying for are ones that you watch.
It may be high time to ditch cable entirely and get a nice antenna to get local channels and more programming for free. You need to get the right antenna, or else you’ll be totally frustrated. Tap or click here to see the difference between an indoor and outdoor antenna.
2. Look for hidden fees
Next, scan your bills for any overage fees or extras. If you’re going over your internet data cap, you may save money by stepping up to the next tier of service.
Be sure to compare your most recent bill with one from a year or two ago. Have prices gone up on anything? Are you paying to rent equipment each month? Are there any fees you’re not sure of? If so, call your provider and find out why.
Why it’s time to rethink cutting the cord (and 3 smart ways to save)
There are countless streaming solutions that can make movie night a breeze. If you’re a little late to the party, take the plunge and cut the cord once and for all. Tap or click here for our guide to quitting cable for good.
7 steps you can take now to lower your internet bill
Your social media feeds are no doubt clogged with hoaxes and misinformation that spread all too easily. Tap or click here for rumors going around Facebook, so you don’t get tricked into sharing them.
On the other hand, your bank account is feeling the strain from all those streaming services you’ve signed up for. Tap or click here for the money-saving advice the streaming services don’t want you to know.
7 steps to lower your internet bill
COVID-19 has drastically slashed most Americans’ budgets, and we’re all starting to feel the squeeze. More than 700,000 jobs were lost in March alone, and some analysts believe we’ll hit a national unemployment rate of 20% by June.