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.

Streaming provider price increases

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.

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Streaming prices are out of control - See what services are charging

We’ve come a long way from the days of visiting Blockbuster Video on a Friday night to find a few movies to pass the weekend. These days, you don’t have to get off the couch to rent the latest Hollywood smash hit.

Now, you just fire up the smart TV and connect to your favorite streaming service to have fantastic content at your fingertips. Giants like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Paramount+ have emerged as dominant players, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows and original content.

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No one is sweating the writers' strike more than Netflix

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Why spotlight Netflix and not Hulu, Apple or Paramount? Get the reason in this 60-second podcast. 

Need a new show? These are the most popular

Ah, the summer lull. Your shows are done, actors are striking and it’s too hot to spend much time outside. I’ve got your back. Below are the most popular streaming shows for the week of July 10.

I’ve only seen two of these top shows. Go through the list and try to guess which ones they are.

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Grab the popcorn: Best movies streaming in June

If we’re going to pay through the nose for streaming services, we better get the most out of them. Here’s a look at classics and new releases coming to the big platforms this month.

Netflix: “Groundhog Day,” “Terminator 2,” Dunkirk,” “Spider-Man” 1 through 3, “The Breakfast Club,” “Jarhead.”

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Streaming services from most to least expensive

Wouldn’t it be great if all your favorite shows and movies were on the same platform? Sadly, all the good stuff is scattered across different apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and HBO Max. If you’re juggling multiple subscriptions, these streaming services can burn a massive hole in your wallet.

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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.

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Do you prefer YouTube or Netflix? It might come down to how old you are

It’s no secret that different age groups stream different content. But where’s the line in the sand that determines whether someone gravitates toward Netflix or YouTube?

According to new survey data presented by Publisher’s Clearing House, the magic number is 45.

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This simple trick can save you hundreds of dollars a year on streaming

When cord-cutting was all the rage, the driving force was to save money. Why pay hundreds of dollars monthly for cable when you can get great shows and movies through streaming services?

The problem is the savings didn’t last long. Streaming services like DirecTV Stream, Netflix and Hulu always increase prices. Tap or click here for details on some recent price hikes.

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Best sites to watch movies for free

Streaming websites are more popular than ever — but free streaming services are even better. It’s easy to overspend on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and other paid apps. That’s why so many of us head to our browsers and type “free movie websites” or “watch online movie sites.”

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Why it’s a really bad idea to keep sharing your streaming passwords

Netflix might be the king of streaming, but a company doesn’t stay on top by giving its service away for free. To deter cord-cutters from sharing account login details, Netflix is testing an extra $2 charge for those caught doing it.

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This free tool makes tracking your favorite streaming shows a breeze

From Disney+ to Netflix to HBO Max and everything in between, there is tons of streaming content to watch these days. Tap or click here for our streaming comparison: These services give you the most bang for your buck.

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Easy trick to keep track of all your favorite shows and movies

There are lots of television channels and streaming options in the U.S. This makes it tough to keep track of what is showing and where. For example, DirectTV customers can access more than 330 channels that broadcast over 80,000 shows and movies.

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Use a Roku? Check out this new Live TV section

Finding something to watch on television or your favorite streaming service can be a bit of a chore. You often spend more time browsing than watching with thousands of shows to choose from. If that sounds like you, these handy sites can help you find the streaming shows you’re looking for.

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5 things you didn't know your smart TV could do

More and more people are cutting the cord in exchange for streaming services. You can watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video and more via a smart TV or streaming box.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to streaming devices and smart TVs. As displays get larger and streaming sticks get smaller, how do you know which is best for you? Luckily we put together a list to help you choose. Tap or click here for the best streaming device and smart TV options.

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YouTube TV temporarily loses popular channels - And it could mean a credit on your account

Now you see it, now you don’t. Losing access to your favorite channels isn’t just annoying, it’s seemingly happening more often than ever. That’s because on one side you have carriers and on the other, networks and other content providers — each wanting what it considers a “fair deal.”

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10 Roku tips and tricks you wish you knew before now

Streaming services have gained popularity as some major movies and TV shows premiere on these services. People are cutting the cord in favor of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and more.

If you have a newer smart TV, you can download and install most major streaming services right out of the box. Older TVs and those without smart technology can still bring you the latest content via streaming players. All you need is an HDMI port. Tap or click here to check out the differences between Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Chromecast.

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If you use a Roku, get ready for more ads

There is no doubt that streaming services have exploded over the last few years. More people have flocked to Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ than ever before to get their viewing fix. For the most part, basic access to these services is relatively affordable. Yes, your smart TV is spying on you – Here’s how to stop it.

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Yet another streaming service just bumped up its prices

Just as certain as death and taxes, so too are price increases for certain services. Several mobile service providers hiked prices over the last few months, and streaming services are following suit. Netflix increased its standard offering earlier this year to $13.99, and Spotify did the same in April.

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Why it’s time to rethink cutting the cord (and 3 smart ways to save)

There are countless streaming solutions that can make movie night a breeze. If you’re a little late to the party, take the plunge and cut the cord once and for all. Tap or click here for our guide to quitting cable for good.

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