Space Coast Parent - January 2018

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5 steps to cutting your
cable television costs
BRETT MOLINA
There’s perhaps no bill
capable of generating
peak frustration more
than the one for cable
television.
Cable TV companies
report average spending
per subscriber of about
$85 a month, while the
average among satellite
TV providers tops $100 a
month, Leichtman
Research Group says.
Five things you can do:
Assess what you watch:
Get rid of extras, downsize plans
Review your current plan and what channels you get. Cutting
premium channels and sports packages is an easy way to rack up
savings. There’s a good chance you can drop down to a smaller,
less expensive package and still get most of the channels you
need.
Examine those extra fees
Some fees and taxes are required, but some could be cut back.
Do you have one or several set-top boxes for watching TV
throughout the house? Those rental fees for boxes can add up.
If you package your cable with Internet, consider buying a
compatible modem instead of paying the monthly rental fee.
When buying, make sure to confirm with your operator that it
works for your provider and is certified for the speeds you want.
Skip the two-year contracts
Yes, the pricing can be very attractive. However, you’re
better off staying with a month-to-month commitment, Swann
says. “You are bound to that company,” he said. “You have no
leverage during that two-year period.”
Swann said consumers will usually pay as much or more
compared to a plan without contracts. Also, most cable
companies will require you pay an early termination fee.
Call your cable company and negotiate
Contact a customer service representative at your cable
provider. Check out the latest deals that they are offering to new
subscribers and compare them to what you’re currently paying.
“Knocking down the price is as simple as taking the time to
call and ask — politely,” personal finance writer Andrea Woroch
says.
If there’s a competitor, threaten to cancel your service and
switch. Woroch suggests asking for a supervisor or manager if
necessary.
Consider a leap to streaming services
Sling TV, DirecTV Now, PlayStation Vue, Hulu and YouTube
all offer skinny bundles with a solid core channel lineup. The
cheapest option among the group is Sling TV’s Orange plan for
$20 a month and features channels including ESPN, CNN, Disney
and Food Network.
Contributing: Eli Blumenthal
18 | Space Coast Parent JANUARY 2018