What To Do About Mounting Cable Fees
It seems like every year cable fees go up. It’s not all their fault, networks are demanding more money per subscriber. This trend is surely to continue. It is common to see monthly cable fees of $90 per month which is over $1,000 per year.
So what is a consumer to do about the rising cost of TV cable fees? There are a few things you can to do ease the pain. Here are 5 ways you can lower your monthly cable television bill.
1. Watch TV Via An Antenna
If  your cable television bill is out of control, perhaps it’s best to get rid of cable altogether. Over the air broadcasts will have you covered with the basic networks like CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and a few others. You’ll get to watch some of your local sports teams, the news and a few of the most popular television shows like the Big Bang Theory, Dancing with the Stars, Glee, Modern Family and X Factor to name a few.
2. Order Netflix or Hulu+
There’s nothing better than watching television shows on demand. With Netflix you have instant access to hundreds of movies you can stream for just 10 bucks a month. Many devices can help you get Netflix onto your television such as a computer, blu ray player or a video game system like the Playstation.
3. Switch To Dish
I’m not saying dish is better than cable, but when you are a new subscriber you get a pretty sweet deal for the first year. Typically, you will pay $29.99 for 1 year. If this shaves off $40 off your typical bill, it will yield you savings of nearly $500 for the year. You can repeat this a few years later and try a different service provider next time.
4. Ask For A Discount On Cable Fees
The cable company does not want you to leave them. They spend millions of dollars in advertising to obtain customers, so the last thing they want is one to leave them and go to a competitor. The cable company has a department devoted to retaining existing customers. To get your discount, simply call them and tell them you want to cancel your subscription. Let them know that the reason you want to leave is because a competitor is offering a much lower price. Typically, making this phone call will get you a discount for as little as one month and up to one year.
5. Get An Apple TV / Roku / Boxee
Did you know that many of the TV shows you watch are streamed online for free? By purchasing a Roku or Boxee you’ll have access to these episodes. With an Apple TV you’ll be able to buy tv episodes and watch movies for just a few bucks each.
