The cost of having cable TV seems to be increasing, especially with the appearance of streaming services in the last couple of years. Some cable TV consumers have switched to streaming platforms like Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. The result is that cable TV service providers have been making frantic efforts to make up for their loss of subscribers.
Yet, the benefits that cable TV holds for its consumers far outweigh what any single streaming service can currently offer. So instead of jumping ship as a result of increasing cost, first go through Spectrum’s cable television packages and prices to see if you can save money on their services and offerings, which are typically not as costly as those of their competitors.
After checking them, if you still cannot save up as much money as you want, consider the tips that follow, which will help you save money on your cable TV bills. To maximize your ability to execute the information that will follow, you will need to do a few things. These include:
- Know The Details Of Your Contract: Look into your contract documents and know what exactly you pay and how much you pay for each service. Take note of the charges you accumulate monthly or over a period.
- Track Your Family’s TV Habits: Know precisely what your family watches. If you have to make a decision to cut off some channels, this will give you an idea of what has to remain.
- Know Your Gear: Know the equipment you use in getting your TV connection, where they are in your home, how up-to-date they are, and where you got them.
- Research Other Providers: Look up other providers in your area. What services do they offer, and what’s their price? Do they have a better offering than your current provider? Can you save money switching to them or not?
You will need the information gathered here when executing many of the tips that now follow.
Tip Number 1: Cut Down On Extra And Premium Channels.
It is unwise to be paying for a channel you rarely watch. If you’re not a sports fan and you have ESPN, for example, that’s a channel you should be thinking of cutting off, especially if you hardly get the time to watch it. Only keep the television channels you and your family watch regularly.
Tip Number 2: Try Bundling
You may be spending more by getting your cable TV service separate from your internet service or phone. Bundle them up. You will spend less overall when you do.
Tip Number 3: Be Sure You Are Not Paying For Service You Don’t Use
This happens from time to time. People find that they are being charged for a service or equipment they do not have or for something not in their contract. This is one fundamental reason you should look into the details of your bills continually. It’s not that the cable TV company purposely wants to dupe you out of your money, mistakes happen! Don’t be the victim!
Tip Number 4: Get Rid Of Redundant Cable Boxes.
Follow a simple rule: If it’s not being used often and you are paying for it, it’s likely costing you and should go. This applies to cable boxes in the guest room, basement, or any other place rarely used. The once in a while you use them does not justify the monthly fee you pay for them.
Tip Number 5: Favor Buying Over Renting
When you weigh how much it will cost to rent over buying, renting always seems cheaper. But that’s in the short term. Over time you spend more renting your gear than if you buy it once. You might have to invest a reasonable amount for it now, but the monthly savings will be worth it.
Tip Number 6: Don’t Bundle Too Much.
It’s straightforward! If you’re not using the service, you’re not using it. So why pay for it at all? When you go to get a bundle, only subscribe to the services you use. Don’t let a discount make you get what you will not use. Besides, discounts don’t last forever.
Tip Number 7: Get To The Negotiation Table
No company wants to lose a loyal customer. If you use a couple of their services, all the more reason they will want to keep you. That includes your provider. This gives you some form of leverage. Go and negotiate with your provider. Keep track of the offers, facts, and figures you gathered while doing your research. Show them the differences in their offerings and those of other providers in your area.
Something good is likely to come out of this meeting if you play your cards well. One tip to note: The best time to go in for such negotiation is towards the end of your contract. This way, early termination fees will not stand against you, and there’ll be more pressure on the representative to keep you. You may have to go in for such meetings more than once before you get what you want, so don’t be dissuaded after one failed attempt.
Tip Number 8: Switch Providers
If you’ve done everything above and still cannot save any money on your cable TV bills with your current provider, the last step may be to switch providers altogether. If you did your research well, you might have found a company that offers the services you need but at a reduced overall and monthly cost to you. If that is the case, you are free to move over to them.
Draining out money every month isn’t something anyone should sign up for, especially in light of recent events. But cutting the cord and only going with video streaming might not always be the answer you need. One or more of the tips above might do the trick for you and help you save on your monthly cable TV bills. Many people have found them useful.