How to Reduce Your Television Bill

There was an interesting article titled “Cut Your Cost of Watching Television” in the Orlando Sentinel written by Gregory Karp about ways to reduce your Television bill. A few of the suggestions are somewhat obvious but there may be a few ideas in the article that you have not thought about and could consider. Here is a summary:

GO ONLINE:

You can pay a la carte for your favorite shows or watch them for free online. Apple’s iTunes would be a could start (about $2 an episode) Also try going to the TV network Web sites to watch some shows for free on your computer. Check out all these shows you can watch for free on ABC!

TIER DROP:

If you don’t have a digital or high-definition TV why pay for a service you don’t need. Break down your bill and make sure the television services you are paying for are really necessary.

HAGGLE:

It can’t hurt to try right? Or or at least bluff! Call your service provider and say you want to cancel because it cost to much. Many times they will give you better offers to retain you as a customer or may at least offer you a temporary deal.

BUY BUNDLES:

Television and phone service providers offer discounts when you subscribe to several services at once (TV, Internet and phone etc).

EXAMINE PREMIUM CHANNELS:

You can pay a la carte for movies. You could also do that by renting DVDs at a store or by mail service, such as Netflix and Blockbuster Total Access, which charge a monthly fee.

SUBSCRIBE SEASONALLY:

Premium channels can be added and dropped easily. If you get HBO just for The Sopranos, subscribe to HBO while the show is running, then cancel it. Or subscribe to a premium channel just during the summer months when you might watch them more.

USE THE PREMIUM SECRET:

A lesser known tactic for reduced cost television is to subscribe to the most basic tier they offer. It usually gives you all the broadcast network channels and a few others. Even less known is a federal law (doesn’t apply to satellite TV) that gives consumers the right to purchase the cheapest cable package and add premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz. It also allows lowest-tier subscribers to order pay-per-view movies (a set-top box to receive premium channels or pay-per-view may be required).

TRY SATELLITE:

This may or may not save you money depending on the package you order and you’ll still need to install a satellite dish and buy a converter box for each television.

CUT THE CORD:

Cancel your subscription TV and go with what you can get free, which now includes digital and HDTV programming. And don’t forget your local library, which is a great source of free video entertainment.