Home entertainment costs are a big portion of the monthly budget for many families. People are often reluctant to “cut the cord” on cable or satellite television because, all in all, it’s a relatively affordable form of entertainment. Here are some ideas on how to lower your monthly television bill.

Shop around and compare

Call your current cable or satellite company and see if you can get a better price on your services. Don’t be shy to let them know you’re shopping around. This may make them more inclined to offer you a deal. Be prepared for a long telephone conversation.

Consider cancelling unnecessary services

Do you really need premium movie channels?  Or premium sports packages that allow you to watch all the games?  If your budget is tight, these premium channels are luxuries that you can probably do without for awhile.  At least until you have more room in your budget .

Explore alternatives to cable

Do you have to see your favorite shows or movies right away?  List your favorite TV channels and the shows you watch regularly.  Then do a little online research to find out whether those shows appear on the channel’s streaming sites (such as NBC.com, CBS.com, etc.) or on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon or YouTube.  You may be able to watch what you want for less money than you’re paying today.

Consider a digital antenna to bring in your local (free!) TV options more clearly.  A great website for more information about choosing the right antenna and finding a good location for it is www.antennaweb.org, which is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters.

One drawback to most of the above options is that you need wireless Internet. Though this may add a new expense to your budget, it is generally cheaper than most extended cable or satellite packages. Don’t let that be a hindrance in your motivation to cut the cord – just compare the costs. It may not take long to see the savings.

Or turn off the TV altogether

Another idea is to turn off the TV.  Go for a walk, sit on the deck, visit your neighbors, do a jigsaw puzzle, play cards or just get out of the house. All free and good for you, with bonus benefits of improving your health and freeing up time.

Find more ideas about lowering your home entertainment bills here.

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