Tech companies don’t seem to share when you can save money using their products or services. For example, if you’re traveling or have a second home, you’re not using your home internet service. Tap or click for a money-saving trick your ISP doesn’t want you to know.
Another smart way to save is to share pricey music, file storage and shopping subscriptions with a friend or family member. Tap or click for accounts you can share even if you don’t live together.
If you’re not spending as much time indoors watching TV, you should think about canceling some of those streaming services. Here are five things to know before you cancel them.
1. You’re probably spending more than you realize
When a streaming service only costs a few bucks a month, you don’t think twice about signing up. But add them up, and before you know it, you’re shelling out way more than you ever intended.
You’re probably not even using every streaming service regularly. My rule of thumb: If there’s a show I’m watching, I keep the service. Otherwise, I will cancel. Once there’s something new I want to watch, I’ll sign up again.
Keep a close eye on your streaming budget and how much you spend each month. I bet you’ll be surprised.
While you’re at it, note when each charge goes through. Here’s why.
2. Time it right
It’s annoying when you plan to cancel a service and get hit with another charge before you can do it. Let’s put the list of renewal dates you made to work. Add those dates to your calendar and check it before you cancel. Plan accordingly, so you’re paying for one fewer month.
Some platforms, like Netflix, tell you how long you have access to your account when you request to close it, but some don’t. You don’t need their help since you figured it out yourself.
Pro tip: Companies don’t want you to cancel, so they can make it tricky. That’s especially true on your smartphone. Take care of it from a computer to make it easier.
Limited-time offer: Claim your free Windows or Mac Guide at my site now.
3. Bundling or paying upfront can save you some cash
Let’s put your current streaming subscription inventory to use one more time. Look at what services you have — and use consistently — and determine whether you could save some money by bundling them together.
Say you subscribe to Disney+ for the kids and Hulu to watch a handful of your favorite shows. You can pay for each individually or subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle with ads for $12.99 a month. That’s cheaper than paying for each service separately.
Paying for a year of service upfront can also cut costs. Only do this for services you’re sure you’ll keep active all year long. Disney+ recently increased prices, but paying for the annual subscription can save you a few bucks. A monthly subscription to Disney+ without ads is $10.99, but a yearly plan is $109.99. That almost equals two months free.
Pro tip: Don’t forget about streaming services you have access to for free. With an Amazon Prime account, you can watch movies and TV shows on Prime Video. Tap or click here for more Amazon Prime perks you’ll use over and over.
4. See if there’s a discount for staying
If you’re on the fence about canceling a streaming service, go through the process. You might be surprised that they will offer you a discounted rate or even a free month to stay.
Keep a note of the date and set a reminder. If you haven’t watched anything at the end of the month, it’s time to say goodbye. A discount doesn’t mean much if you aren’t even using the offer.
Pro tip: There are other ways to get streaming freebies. Check with your phone provider or credit card company to see what you can get at no cost.
Free? We like that! Here are 15 reliable sites to watch movies without paying a dime.
5. You need a backup plan
One terrific way to save money on entertainment is by returning to the magic of broadcast television. Attach a simple antenna to your TV to stream free, live content in HD from popular networks.
How do you choose an antenna?
- Amplified antennas: Large and powerful, these are usually meant to be used inside houses with a medium-strength signal. Here’s an affordable one I like.
- Large outdoor antennas: These are ideal for areas with a weak signal. They can be amplified or unamplified. This antenna works great and won’t break the bank.
Don’t sweat it if you’re unsure which networks your antenna can access. Zap2It is a solid online directory to find local TV listings by provider or time zone.
Recording your shows to watch when you want is even better. To do that, you need an over-the-air DVR. Tap or click here for some of the best options out there.
Keep your tech-know going the easy way
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST PICK: Job seeker scam, $30 smart TV, best cable freebies
After you join TikTok Pulse, making money online is as easy as dancing the two-step. Of course, there’s a catch. Looking for a new job? Watch out for this scary new scam. Plus, I’ll share a hack you can use to get a smart TV for $30. Also, your cable subscription comes with some sweet freebies. Here are some perks you might be missing.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
