Sick and tired of your cable bills? Looking for ways to cope up with them?
Well, congratulations, you have come to the right place then.
Who thought cable TV would be a curse more than a blessing, especially with everything costing an arm and a leg because of the pandemic. Of course, one would not mind watching an episode of their favorite show after a tough day at work. However, when it is time to pay the bill at the end of every month, you start to have second thoughts.
According to Statista, 50% of American adults pay over $100 per month for cable television. This amounts to at least $1,200 a year, which is a steep price to pay.
That is why we have conducted hours of research to come up with some tricks and tips to overcome it.
Table of Contents
7 Tips to Save Money on Cable TV in 2022
Stick to these tips for saving next month’s cable bill.
Tip 1: Bundling Different Services
Does your cable company offer high-speed internet along with phone services? You really need to get a provider that gives you this option. Many companies, such as Optimum cable, allow you to bundle different services into one package so that you do not have to pay for every service, individually. This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to cut down on your cable TV bill, especially if you have subscribed to more than one service at home or office.
Furthermore, cable companies sometimes offer great deals on bundles with greater discounts that can be more cost-effective than paying for standalone services. You can snag big savings and get multiple services so better watch out for these deals.
Tip 2: Getting Rid of the DVR
Although, DVR can come in extremely handy if you are not able to watch an important documentary or show on-aired at a specific time on TV. Nevertheless, if you can afford to let go of it, you do not really need one.
So ask yourself these questions:
- How much do you pay every month for your DVR?
- Is it worth the money?
And there, you have got your next solution.
Majority of notable TV networks give you the option of watching previously aired episodes, such as ABC, NBC, and CBS, after their live streaming. Make sure to keep an eye on the timings. Or you can simply check their websites or app to catch up on the missed episodes. Now, if this is even saving 15 dollars a month, it allows you to put back $180 into your pockets annually.
Tip 3: Negotiating with the Provider
We know this would be the last thing you would want to do. Negotiating is never a fun thing, but hey, just a few minutes of talking can go a long, long way.
It is always wise to prepare your talk, come up with some valid and reasonable points before calling up the provider. You also must scope out the competition to see if there is some other package you can get for a better price range.
Do not forget that the cable TV would never lose a customer, so buckle up, and go for it. After all, even if the prices are not lowered, it will not kill to try.
Just a pro-tip, you cannot still find the courage or time to do the negotiations, you can always hire someone to do that on your behalf. Don’t worry, this will not charge you a lot of money.
Tip 4: Downsizing the Cable Package/Deal
Do you have an idea of how many channels you watch on average? If you have been into cable TV for quite some time, you must already know about your favorites and the ones you would not mind being cut off.
For instance, you might have a premium channel like HBO added to your package, but you have stopped using it because the new series has stopped airing. When that happens, make sure to get it off your package.
Does it make a difference?
YES! It can save heaps of money and you do not want to miss that.
Tip 5: Auditing the Monthly Bill
Another boring and tiring trick is auditing your monthly bill, but it will do wonders for you.
Cable bills rise frequently, but the reason is never clear. If you make sure to check your bill each month, you will know exactly what fees were added.
Cable bills should not change if you are under contract. Once you are out of contract, your numbers may start to rise. Keep a record of the equipment, signed-up promotions, and other hidden costs. If you are aware and confident about what you are paying for from the beginning, it would be convenient for you to have discussions with the provider in case of unintended consequences and issues.
Tip 6: Switching Providers
Try negotiating with a new cable provider if your previous attempts have not resulted in any progress. Alternatively, if another company is offering a deal you cannot pass up, it could be time to move on.
In either case, switching cable providers can save you a lot of money on your cable bill. You can expect cable companies to compete to offer you the best deal since they want your business. It is common to bounce between different cable companies in order to get the best price.
After a company’s offer ends and your bill inevitably increases, check to see whether their competitors offer similar promotional deals. Once you have identified the service provider offering you the lowest monthly cost, lock in a contract.
You may not be able to do this if your area does not have multiple cable providers, but it is worth a try if there are.
Tip 7: Cutting the Cord
This option apparently might seem like a hard pill to swallow but do consider it. Let’s see why.
If you think rationally, there is not much on TV these days. You certainly have better options, such as streaming services. A lot of people come to this realization quite late that they do not even watch TV much and stream all their shows and movies on Netflix and Hulu. Consider a streaming service or two that offer the shows or sports that you watch. Cord-cutting is like you are making extra cash. See if that works for you.
Wrapping Up
Saving money on your cable bill depends on what you are looking for and the situation you are in. The best way would be simply to get rid of TV altogether. However, if you cannot switch to streaming services, the above-mentioned tips will certainly help you. If you have queries or would like to add to the tip list, please leave a comment below.