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This week we’re talking about how to cut your utility bills, from water to cable to heating and cooling costs. Today we’re going to look at some of the line items in your budget that feel necessary, and perhaps are, but that you might be able to cut drastically: internet, phone, and cable.
Check out yesterday’s tips:
How to Cut Your Utility Bills | Part Two: Internet, Phone, and Cable
You may feel like you can’t live without internet, your phone, or cable to access your favorite shows, but hear me out as we examine options in each of these categories.
Internet
Your first option is to cut internet altogether. In today’s world I know this feels impossible with everyone working remotely and even some schools being virtual. If you don’t need it for work and school then try for a week to not use the internet at home and only use free WiFi when you are out. If you can do it and not have convulsions, then cut it.
Use your phone. If your phone plan has unlimited data (and you don’t decide to get rid of it), you can use your phone for internet needs. Add tethering or hotspot to your plan and use the data straight from your phone on your computer!
If you need internet, then the first step is to check and compare rates from all companies. Then call companies with competitor rates in hand and see if they will match or beat the rate.
You should also make sure you are on the lowest speed possible. We all grew up with dial-up, so believe me, the lowest speed is thousands of times faster than what you used to have. Many homes won’t even notice a difference in speed; the company just up-sells you without really giving you a different product.
Phone
The first step here is to drop your home phone. I’d say over 50% of people I know don’t have a home phone anymore. You don’t need one to get internet either (and don’t let a phone company tell you that you do).
As for saving on cell phones, check out the great deals you can get with month-to-month, pay as you go type phones. Many stores offer B1G1 deals on reloading cards, plus you are only paying for what you use.
With traditional plans, at least add family members on your plan with you. It costs $75 on average to have your own plan or $30 to add a line, so get 3-4 family members together and split the plan evenly.
Switch providers for the lowest rates and promotional offers. Remember you can always port your current number. If you don’t want to switch, then call your current provider and see if they will match or lower your rates to keep you from leaving.
Cable
This is easy. Get rid of cable. Seriously—this isn’t needed and should have been gone ages ago if money is tight. My husband and I have never had it. Grab a Roku and watch a ton of things online (even your favorite shows).
If you can’t give it up, at least make sure you aren’t paying for any equipment rentals. Many times you can find used receivers on Amazon or a local buy/sell group.
If you do decide to get rid of it, then you can subscribe to a couple streaming services for much less than the price of cable. See our comparison on streaming video providers to decide what’s best for you. There are also tons of free Roku streaming channels!
Have you cut the cord? Let us know how you save money on internet, phone, and cable!
