⏸️ Cheapskate pro tip: You can pause your internet and/or cable package if you’re going to be out of town for a while. So much better than paying full price. Get steps for your provider here. Bonus: You don’t need to turn in your cable boxes.
Streaming costs are higher than ever - Take steps to save now
I think we’re all wondering the same thing. Am I really saving any money since I ditched cable for streaming? And about those commercials … they’ve come to streaming, too.
Just this week, Disney+ and Hulu said that come October, prices will increase. Ad-free Disney+ is going from $11 to $14 — ad-free Hulu from $14 to $18. You could pay less to watch some ads, but … they’re annoying.
These increases are the second time Disney+ and Hulu raised prices within a year, and they’re not the only ones getting greedy. Keep reading to catch up on all the changes and what you can do to save money.
Well, that escalated quickly
Disney and Warner Bros. (which owns Discovery) say their original prices were too low on purpose to drive subscribers. Now that they got what they wanted, we’re getting the ol’ switcheroo.
It’s not just hikes on subscription costs. Ad-free used to be the default, and now you pay more for that. Then come the password-sharing crackdowns. Bad news for family members who share plans … and that ex that still has your Netflix password.
Price hike roundup
Things aren’t pretty out there, people.
Don’t forget these price hikes are going down at the same time as the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. If the Hollywood machine isn’t turning, it’s only a matter of time before the supply of new shows runs dry. Are we shelling out more cash to watch reruns of “Seinfeld”?
Streamline your streaming spending
I know you don’t want to ditch your favorite streaming options altogether, but there are many ways to save.
Money-saving secret your cable and internet provider doesn't want you to know
When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.
What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.
📺 Like cable … but different: Comcast’s new Xfinity StreamSaver bundle gets you Netflix, Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium for $15 a month. Before you get too excited, it’s the basic versions of Netflix and Peacock — in other words, lots of ads. But if you’re already on the basic plans, it’s a $10 monthly savings.
How many minutes of ads are shown per hour of traditional TV? Is it … A.) 8 minutes, B.) 10 minutes, C.) 12 minutes or D.) 14 minutes?
10 Roku app tricks to get the most out of your streaming services
When it comes to streaming services, you’re spoiled for choice: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV, and Disney+ are just some of the more popular ones.
Do you mostly watch network TV shows? Are you a big sports fan? If you answered yes to those questions, you might want to consider switching back to cable. It could even end up costing you less in the long run. Tap or click here for our report.
How to get a hotel room cheaper than the best price online
Here’s my spending philosophy: If you can get something cheaper, it’s worth a little effort. Of course, I like tools that do the hard work for me. Tap or click for an online shopping helper to find discounts that work.
💸 Cable confessions: The FCC is cracking down on cable and satellite companies. Say goodbye to hidden fees in your bill — now, they must tell you the total cost upfront. Goodbye forever, “broadcast subscription” and “regional sports assessments” fine print. Check your cable bill for any refunds.
Money tip: 5 bills you should never put on autopay
It’s not always possible to buy something you need (or want) outright. If the price is high, you can pay in installments, which may or may not involve a down payment. This payment plan is typical for large purchases like houses and cars.
Free stuff you get with your cable subscription
Here at Komando HQ, we’ve written a lot of guides about cutting the cord. Here’s a five-step plan you can follow to ditch cable and start streaming. But sticking to cable has its upsides.
In fact, some cable packages include free streaming subscriptions, which means you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming to research all the cable TV perks out there.
These Veterans Day scams prove criminals have no shame
It’s not always easy to tell when you’re on the phone with a scammer. The usual warning signs you get from emails, such as spelling errors, are not there. But we’re here to help. Tap or click here for five surefire phrases that you’re talking to a scammer on the phone.
Free or low-cost internet? Here’s who qualifies and how to get it
Depending on where you live, you might not have many internet access options. That can leave you with a more expensive package than you budgeted for or insufficient speeds. However, things are slowly changing as some cable companies are offering free internet services.
When it might be time to switch back to cable
Cable or streaming? Both offer a variety of movies and TV shows, but you’ll always find pros and cons for each type of service. Regardless of how you watch TV, you don’t want to pay for something you’re not using.
As summer approaches and your travel plans take shape, you may want to consider pausing your service while you’re away. Why not just cancel and reactivate when you return? Well, that’s more inconvenient and could end up costing you more. Tap or click here for our report.
Cable companies offering free internet service - See if you qualify
Access to the internet is, for many, a basic necessity. The pandemic has proven a need for stable, high-speed connections so that people can work from home. But it also serves as a vital tool for those looking for employment.
5 smart digital life hacks you won’t find on TikTok
Not long before my mother passed away, she needed medical tests in another state. She asked me to carry her COVID-19 vaccination card and said, “Be sure to put the card in a safe place where we can find it quickly.” There’s a much better way to have proof of that fragile card.
8 proven ways cheap people lower their monthly internet, cable and streaming bills
The average American will pay $32,400 for internet access throughout a lifetime. This number, calculated by researchers at Reviews.org, doesn’t even include today’s big dogs. I’m talking about your cable, streaming, cellphone and other subscriptions.
Say goodbye to AT&T TV - Here's what's replacing it
Between the internet, cable, network television, satellite and streaming services, there is no shortage of ways to watch movies, television shows, special events and live content. Additionally, the pandemic has resulted in more at-home content than ever before.
Money-saving tip: Find out if you're paying too much for internet service
When you signed up for home internet service, you had to choose from several options. Each plan promises certain download and upload speeds, but how do you know which one is right for you?
Those speeds are a big factor in how much you’ll shell out for the internet each month. Faster capabilities mean higher costs and you’ll pay less for slower speeds. But speed is just one factor when it comes to your internet bill. There are others you might not know about. Tap or click here to change this one setting for faster internet speeds.
Free alternatives to Netflix to stream TV shows and movies
Well, 182 million people can’t be wrong. That’s how many people subscribe to streaming video service Netflix each month.
If you are one of them, you’re using a streaming media player, smart TV, phone, or computer to watch a lot of good content. Stuff like “Stranger Things” and “Ozark” are super popular. Tap or click here for ways to make binge-watching Netflix even easier.
9 streaming service pro tips to save money
The whole streaming scene is confusing. DirecTV Now changed its name to AT&T TV Now and can’t seem to settle on plans and pricing. Tap or click here to parse the options. Disney+, Apple TV and HBO Max joined the party — and each one wants your money.