In its infancy, streaming platforms promised loads of content for significantly less than cable. Over the past couple of years savings have evaporated. Although it’s more difficult to achieve savings when streaming, it’s certainly not impossible. Here are ten relatively easy ways to watch your favorite shows, and even live sports, for less.
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Get an Antenna
An over-the-air antenna is one of the best tools for cord-cutters. There’s no need to pay a lot of money to a live TV streaming service to get your locals.
If you’re able, you can purchase an antenna for around $50. Installation is often possible in under ten minutes. Then you can enjoy your local channels.
You May Need to Ditch Live TV
All of the premium live TV streaming services had price hikes in 2023. In fact, DIRECTV STREAM had two increases.
Unless you truly need live TV, you don’t need one of these services. You can easily slash your bill by forgoing a live service and opting for an on-demand service.
Sure, you may not be able to watch the latest show on ABC the day it airs, but if you can wait 24 hours, you can get it on Hulu for significantly less.
Discover a Free Streaming Service
Free streaming services are exploding in popularity. That’s for a good reason – they charge nothing other than including ads.
Apps like Tubi, Roku, and FreeVee are all expanding and include classic TV shows and movies plus original content.
Cancel Services
Streaming platforms still allow the ability to subscribe without signing a contract. There’s no need to stay with a service if you’ve not used it in the past month or two. For example, cancel Netflix if you haven’t used it in several months.
That instantly frees up cash you can apply to another service, or you can just choose to save it. Once the given platform has content you want to watch, sign up again, binge-watch it, and cancel.
Bundle Wisely
Bundles are growing in popularity in streaming, which reminds us of cable. Bundles aren’t all bad but choose them wisely.
For example, if you’re a Verizon customer, you can bundle numerous services together. Just make sure the included apps are ones you actually watch.
Avoid Contracts
Contracts make us think of cable or satellite. The lack of them has been a selling point of streaming services since they began.
Indications are we may see them hit the streaming space in some context. Avoid them at all costs.
Adjust Your Mindset
Cable thrives with a set-it-and-forget-it type of mentality. That mindset can quickly erode your savings with streaming.
Limit your subscriptions, and when you’re not using a service, cancel it. They have little loyalty to you, so don’t show them loyalty.
Use the Library
Your public library is one of the best tools to use after you cut the cord on cable. Many libraries offer tons of free content, from TV shows to movies you can get.
If you don’t need the latest content but just want something fun to watch, your library is an effective tool.
Avoid Live Sports, if Possible
Live sports are what most people want to watch. It shows that many live TV streaming services charge a pretty penny for access.
If you only want football, for example, sign up for an affordable service, such as Sling TV, for the season. Once the season is done, you can cancel.
You can also opt for more affordable options, such as ESPN+ or the Bleacher Report Sports Add-on via Max.
Take Advantage of Deals
Most streaming apps regularly offer deals to lure customers. The annual Hulu Black Friday sale is one such example, and other deals run throughout the year.
If you want to try a service and it has a deal, take advantage. Just make sure to cancel once you’re done with it.
How to Watch Local TV Without Cable
Do you want your local networks but don’t want to overspend for an expensive live service? You have options.
How to Watch Local TV Without Cable
15 Best Alternatives to Cable
You don’t necessarily need live TV to replace cable. Many streaming services offer quality content and good features to slash your bill.
13 Best Free Streaming Services
If you’re looking to cut back on your TV budget, these 13 top services will help you trim it way back, even all the way to zero, if you use them exclusively.
13 Best Free Streaming Services
How to Cut the Cord on Cable or Satellite
Record numbers of Americans are cutting the cord on cable and satellite. This guide shows the best way to end your contract and replace it with a top streaming service.
How to Cut the Cord on Cable or Satellite
10 Low-Cost Alternatives to Netflix
Netflix is raising its prices again. If the hike is pricing you out, there are other choices. Here are 12 more affordable alternatives to Netflix to get popular TV shows.
10 Low-Cost Alternatives to Netflix
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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