How To Save On Your Cable Bill

 How To Save On Your Cable Bill

Cable can be a tricky thing. With all of the different upgrades and options available, it is easy to find yourself soon paying nearly $200 a month for cable services. Cable companies know how to entice you with the convenience of premium channels, on demand movies, high definition options and more that can quickly bust your budget. Don’t fall into this expensive trap. Instead, take a look at the list below for tips on how you can save on your cable plan!

With a little careful planning, you too can save big bucks on your monthly bill while still getting the services you want. Take a look below at how easy it is to save on your cable plan, starting with your next bill.

How to Save on Your Cable Plan:

1. Call and ask about loyalty discounts.
If you have been with your cable company for several years and paid your bill on time each month, call them and ask about loyalty discounts. New customers get all sorts of perks and special rates, so there is nothing wrong with calling and asking for a little appreciation too. A customer service rep should be able to help you get this request honored. I do this EVERY 6 months. (That’s about the rule of thumb when promotions end and cycle around). I call AT&T to ask about new rates for being a loyal customer. I wrote a post about my experience and how much I saved– you can read that here!
2. Shop around. Price match.
Every few months, scope out the deals other cable companies are offering. If it makes sense to switch, go for it! If the thought makes you nervous, call your own cable provider and let them know about the deal as well as the fact that you are thinking about switching. They may very well price match for you.

3. Find alternate sources for movies.
Avoid the high price of premium channels and on demand movie rentals. Try alternate sources such as Amazon Instant Video. With Amazon Instant Video you can buy single episodes and movies for as low as free. Other prices range from .99 and up. Netflix and Hulu are also great to get caught up on shows and movies for a very nominal fee.
4. Ditch the high definition.
Getting channels in high definition can cost you as much as $20.00 extra per month. Do you really need this service? You get a clearer picture, but in all reality it does not differ that much from your regular channels. Instead, watch your shows in regular definition and save the $20.00 a month. You could always use your savings to buy a bigger television! Honestly I don’t see a big difference since I dropped mine!

5. Take advantage of freebies.
Many cable companies offer a few free movie rentals a month or free preview weekends of premium channels. Find out when these are and take advantage of them. The free movies usually come in coupon code form, so be sure the company has a valid email for you. The free trial weekends just show up in your programming, so take advantage and set your DVR to record some of the featured movies.

Getting more cable bang for your buck has never been easier. Just follow these tried and true tips and see how easy it is to get your bill lower, enjoy company freebies, and not bust your budget or temper each month when the bill arrives.

Which one will you try first?