Want To Save $75-$100 Each Month? Here’s How!

In the beginning, there was cable TV. One package, maybe 24 channels, take it or leave it. Next, technology brought about a 500-channel universe that included a lot of programming you weren’t interested in but paid for anyway. Then came streaming services, football packages and the infinite possibilities of Internet connectivity and the World Wide Web. Now all of this is costing you $250 a month and you’re thinking, as David Byrne sang, “How did I get here?” It’s intimidating, but in most households it’s also an easy opportunity to save $75-$100 a month while improving your entertainment options. It only seems complicated because the providers want it to seem complicated, because that creates what the marketers call “lock in,” which is never a good thing for consumers.

Here’s the thing: you’re not locked in. You’re standing at the precipice of a cable-free world that is faster, better and cheaper than what you have. More than 55% of American households have already abandoned cable TV. They’re enjoying monetary savings, faster Internet service, expanded programming options, more storage for recorded programs, higher quality video and a reduction of clutter around their TVs.

Here’s how you can join them.

Programming Provider $70

If you want news, sports, live local channels and all the basic cable networks you’ve come to love, you’re going to need a programming provider. This is the part of cutting the cable that involves the most shopping around. While you’re choosing, remember: if you opt for a service you don’t like, you can opt-out anytime you want. Most of the services offer a free trial period so you can shop around without any cost or obligation. When I was cutting the cable, I signed up for two services at the same time to see which I liked better. It didn’t cost me a nickel.

• Channel lineup–The major services generally carry the familiar networks of basic cable, but they can be quirky and vary depending on your location. Make sure the service you choose has the programming you want.
• DVR capacity–How many hours of video can you record? I’m partial to services that allow infinite recording, but you may not be collecting every episode of 31 different TV series the way I am.
• Number of simultaneous users–Because you’re shifting from cable to wireless within your home, you can easily add TVs and devices to your network. While you can activate as many devices as you want, the services limit how many devices you can watch at the same time without paying extra. Three streams at a time is generally the base, which includes watching by phone or computer from places other than your home.

All of the services have automated registration and installation, but if you run into problems, you know what to do: YouTube. Search the problem you’re having, and someone will have an easy answer.

The biggest services are Netflix, HBO, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. There are new services almost every month. Some have specialties–horror movies, children’s programming, French soap operas–and others offer hybrid packages where you get some programs for free but pay for others. Or maybe you have to endure commercials unless you pay, in which case you don’t. If you were paying $250 a month for your cable and programming packages, by cutting the cable you’ve saved almost $100, and you have faster Internet service, more video storage, more devices from which you can watch and some impressive new programming options. You have, in other words, the budget to add a couple of services if you like. But there’s something else, too. According to a recent Pew survey, 60% of Americans says they can’t afford to put money away for the future. Here’s your opportunity.

You think this savings won’t add-up? Well, we’ve done some rough math. If you were to put the $75 a month you’re saving into an annuity paying, say 4%, in 10 years you’d have roughly $11,000. That is where GBU can help.