There’s no denying that access to television and the internet are necessary these days, what with people working from home more and more and the proliferation of amazing streaming shows (You haven’t watched “Ozark”? What kind of monster are you?!) But multiple services, coupled with rates that creep sneakily higher, can really add up over time, costing you unnecessary cash. The secret is knowing how to save on cable and internet service.
The price is NOT right
For example, a basic internet package costs an average of $60 per month, but those with faster speeds can run much higher, around $100 per month. Plus, more than 25 percent of people pay $51 to $75 per month for cable or satellite television, with nearly 10 percent shelling out more than $150 monthly. That’s some serious coin to drop!
Those numbers are cringe-worthy on their own, and on top of rent, groceries, utilities and other expenses, your wallet can be emptied out pretty quickly. However, don’t give up hope just yet. Here are a few ideas on how to save on cable and internet:
- Drop cable altogether
- Get a basic package
- Shop around regularly
- Buy your own cable modem
- Cut back on equipment
- Prepay
- Use local WiFi
- Bundle services
- Read the fine print
Drop cable altogether
You can still enjoy all the TV shows (and there are so very many of them) thanks to streaming sites like Hulu, Amazon Prime TV, Sling and Netflix for a much lower price than cable per month. A couple of things to note:
- Using these outlets to feed your television addiction would mean only paying for internet service
- Some of them, like YouTube TV, offer live television access, whereas others only feature movies and original programming. So, do your research and identify one or two that offer the best and most affordable combination of everything you’re looking for.
Best of all, these online services can stream right to your TV, so you can enjoy all of your must-watch programs on an actual TV instead of a tiny computer screen or phone, as it was in the olden days.
Get a basic package
One of the best ways to save on cable and the internet is simply by downsizing. If you can’t bring yourself to drop cable altogether, think about getting a bare-bones package instead of the deluxe version you probably have now. You’ll have access to network channels for a much smaller price than you’re paying, which is a good option if you find yourself watching the same three channels every day. Because, if you’re not watching any of the other stations, why pay for them? Make sure to:
- Talk to your cable company about some of the basic packages available to you
- Find out how long that rate applies. These companies often will offer deals at a certain price point for a set amount of time, only to let it skyrocket when they think you’re not checking the bill six or 12 months down the road.
The same thing goes for your internet speed. If you use Netflix on a regular basis or telecommute, it makes sense for you to pay for a more premium package. However, if you only use the computer to check email and do some light Web surfing, the lightning-fast connection speed probably isn’t necessary. In fact, most people’s devices can’t even achieve the bandwidth they’re paying for!
Bonus: Cable and internet companies don’t want to lose customers, so if you call to downgrade your current package, they may offer you added benefits to keep you on as a customer.
Shop around regularly
Instead of continuing to use the same providers each year without question, set some time aside to shop around and save on cable and the internet. There are probably better deals out there, you just have to expend a little energy to find them.
Of course, if you find another cable and internet company that offers services for much less per month, you have leverage for negotiating a lower rate with your current provider. Cable providers, in particular, are desperate to keep customers from defecting to the streaming world.
Buy your own cable modem
Did you know you’re probably being charged each month for leasing your cable company’s modem? It’s actually much cheaper to just buy a modem instead of being charged to lease one. The cost of the modem will pay for itself after only about three months, on average.
Cut back on equipment
Do you really need a cable box/DVR in the living room, bedroom and guest room of a small apartment? Probably not. Each of these pieces of equipment likely nets you additional charges every month, so scale back and enjoy the savings.
Prepay
Another sneaky way to save on cable and the internet is by prepaying bills whenever you can. Many companies will offer reduced rates for people who can pay upfront because a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush and all that. Check with providers individually to find out what they’re willing to offer.
Use local WiFi
If you’re really strapped financially, many local businesses offer free WiFi services. Of course, you may have to ask for the password, but relying on nearby locations with complimentary high-speed internet could end up saving you lots of money per month on your bill.
However, be careful about how much you’re spending on java at the local coffee shop. You don’t need to wind up paying more for caffeinated beverages than you would have on internet access. If you don’t want to risk it, patronize the local library, instead!
You also need to be careful about what you are doing on public WiFi. Security generally isn’t as strong, so be aware if dealing with financial or personal business.
Bundle services
Wherever possible, bundle services for significant discounts to save on cable and the internet. Most companies want all of your business, not just a piece of it. Get the best rates by:
- Telling them what you’re in the market for (cable, internet, landline, security system, etc.) and find out what their best offer is
- Then, calculate how much each of those would cost you individually if cherry-picked from different providers, and go with the most economical option(s) available.
Read the fine print
Sure, they promise a flat rate, but it’s not unusual to find suspicious little line item charges upon close examination of the monthly bill. Don’t be afraid to call them out when they’re nickel and diming you to death. A well-played cancellation threat could be just what you need to secure even lower rates and save on cable and the internet.
Save smart
Once you figure out how to save on cable and internet, there’s simply no good reason to throw away more money than necessary every month. For once, consumers have the upper hand, so use it to get the best services for the lowest price possible!
