<p>We haven’t had cable in our budget for over 15 years. In fact, when we moved to our home 16 years ago, the cable company left the previous owners’ package connected. I called day after day for a few weeks, begging them to turn it off. They thought I was a few cards short of a full deck.</p>
<p>After all, the customer service rep argued with me, we weren’t paying the bill, nor were the former residents. Why wouldn’t I want free cable? The answer was complicated. For starters, I didn’t trust myself with so many channels during the day. I knew I’d end up wasting time. But I also didn’t want a service I wasn’t paying for. It felt too much like stealing for me.</p>
<p>For a few years, we survived on the basic channels our antennae pulled in. And then sometime in 2008 or 2009, we signed up for our first streaming service: Netflix. The service seemed revolutionary and the price affordable compared to even basic cable packages.</p>
<p>In the decade since our first Netflix subscription, we’ve picked up and dropped a few other streaming services, too. There are so many platforms available: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling, YouTube TV, and soon to be launched Disney+ just to name a few. Each has its own draw. The varying levels of service and price points cause even the most savvy consumers to feel overwhelmed by the options. Many of us who cut the cable to save money find ourselves just as much as before.</p>
<p>If you find yourself scratching your head over which service to choose and at what level, pause and take a deep breath. Let’s try to solve this debate together.</p>
<p>You don’t need them all</p>
<p>I know this may not be the most popular opinion, but TV is not a basic human need. Yes, it’s important to know what’s going on in the world. And of course, it’s fun to be entertained. But, if your income can’t match your expenses, cable and streaming services should be the first on your list to cut out. Even if you are financially stable, you may want to consider eliminating these costs to achieve other more meaningful money goals.</p>
<p>No one needs every streaming platform. Always keep in mind that entertainment is a luxury, not a necessity.</p>
<p>using the channels you have?</p>
<p>If you’re currently subscribed to one or more streaming services, do a quick intake of how often you’ve actually used them in the last month. If you haven’t used a particular platform at all, it’s definitely time to dump it, or at least consider reducing your current plan to one that’s more basic.</p>
<p>Probably the most underused channel is Amazon Prime Video which comes as a part of an Amazon Prime Membership. Your yearly subscription gives you access to better shipping rates, photo storage, music, video and reading services. If you’re not currently using a service that comes as a part of the package you already pay for, look for entertainment there first before adding additional expenses.</p>
<p>Check out free trials</p>
<p>If you’ve never subscribed to a particular streaming platform, but want to try before you buy, many offer a free trial or one at a reduced rate. Keep in mind that you’ll need to enter your credit card information. If you don’t cancel the subscription before the end of the trial period, you will be charged.</p>
<p>Some services also feature Black Friday deals on their subscriptions. We picked up Hulu last year for 99 cents per month for a year. The price eventually goes up, but you can benefit from the deal for a short period of time and decide whether or not it’s worth more of an investment.</p>
<p>Unsubscribe for a season</p>
<p>For some, it may be wise to unsubscribe altogether. Maybe you binge a little too much. Or perhaps you’re spreading yourself too thin over multiple platforms. Consider canceling one or more services for a set period of time.</p>
<p>You might also consider subscribing only for a season, like when a sporting event is available for streaming or an original series unique to a platform is available. Subscribe for only a month and then cancel after watching that special show. You can always reactivate your account at a later date.</p>
<p>The average American subscribes to 3.4 different video streaming platforms. They pay an average of $8.53 per month for each. While these subscriptions can add up, the total paid for this number still comes in at about one third of the cost of cable per month. Online streaming provides an affordable entertainment alternative for many.</p>
<p>However, it’s always wise to carefully monitor any monthly charge. Consider how much you really use a platform and whether it’s worth the price you’re paying. It’s also a good idea to choose between streaming services to find the best fit for your tastes and your budget.</p>
<p>We all need the occasional reality check that entertainment isn’t a necessity. When you pause to evaluate your current spending and make strides toward saving money, you can make a greater impact on paying off debt and saving for the future. And that’s brings more joy than any binge-worthy show can.</p>
