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FeedFinancial Freedom: 5 Alternatives to Cable TV
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Just about two years ago, I decided we could have cable. We have never had cable in our house, we have used Netflix and other services but just never took the plunge and ordered cable. I did it. I ordered it AND I regret it UNBELIEVABLY. Just yesterday, I paid my cable bill and nearly cried. I broke the news to my husband that we would be cancelling cable as of today. Quite honestly, I can find a better use for $75 a month.
Besides, the shows that I do watch actually come on the 'regular' channels anyway. I've been spending a little extra time researching cable alternatives and decided to write this just in case anyone else was thinking about cutting the cord too.
{5 Alternatives to Cable}
1. Netflix: Perhaps the more popular alternative, Netflix offers streaming movies and TV shows for only $8 per month. You can watch it on your portable devices or in our case, we watch it on the Wii. If you would like to have access to the newest movies, you can pay a small fee and subscribe to the DVD service as well.
2. HuluPlus: Similar to Netflix in that you can watch it on your iPad, laptop or gaming console like your Wii and it is only $7.99 per month. I found HuluPlus was geared more towards TV shows and most of them I personally do not watch. We're 90% kids TV in our house so I really have no idea what is happening outside of my Power Rangers Samurai bubble. If you are into TV show though, then HuluPlus just might be your thing.
3. Apple TV: Apple TV runs $99 for the equipment and then, you pay to 'rent' or watch the movies and shows of your choice. You will have access to thousands of movies and TV shows from iTunes which is awesome, the bummer is the renting part. Personally, I like just paying a flat fee for things so I don't have to calculate how much I've spent on movies and shows and hope it doesn't break my budget. In saying that, people swear by Apple TV so you might want to check it out. You can also stream your Netflix account through Apple TV which is another cool feature.
4. DVD Kiosks: This is where Redbox and Blockbuster Kiosks come in. If you are someone who does not watch TV every single day then these are great options for you. Personally, if I did not have kiddos or a husband, I would be in this boat. I'm not a huge TV watcher but I do love movies on the weekends.
Of course, I'm also the type of person who buys the movies I love and watches them over and over again until I have them memorized then I move on to the next one so maybe this wouldn't be for me. Anyway, the point is, you spend only $1 per night, per rental and that's not bad as long as you aren't at the machine every single night.
5. Apps & Websites: Most major networks will post their most recent TV shows online. This is great for TV show addicts. Many of these networks have also developed apps which showcase these recent TV shows so you can watch them from your iPad or other device. It's handy and it is free for the most part. Great for those of you who only like to watch maybe one or two shows a week.
I titled this post 5 Alternatives to Cable so I'm just going to randomly put in another option called Amazon Instant Video. I have watched many movies this way because I can watch them right on my laptop and I don't have to be subscribed to anything. This is AWESOME for traveling. If you get stuck in a hotel room, you can rent a move through Amazon and watch it on your laptop for a normal rental price rather than paying $12 for a hotel movie.
What am I going to do? I am going to take us down to the most basic cable possible and I'm going to upgrade our Netflix account. That is what works best for my family at this time. I should be able to cut at least $60 from our cable bill which will make me happy.
My next goal will be to trim the cell phone bill...stay tuned for that one...
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Good info if you are into movies. I don't watch movies much. I, too am tired of a $65 cable bill for Basic Expanded Cable. However, I do watch a lot of TV and while some of the shows can be watched on the computer, it is not a great solution ..not comfortable. I like to relax and watch and while most of my shows are on the networks, I also have favorites on about 6 other channels.. What a shame to have to pay for the whole junk lineup just to get a few. I am looking for an alternative, but just yet not found it. P S...if I had money for an I phone, I pad, tablet, Wii...I wouldn't care how much my cable bill is. LOL
Keep up the good work, looking forward to more along this line.
I have Virgin Mobile cell and I pay $80 per year and my phone was $29. WE lived for years without having to talk 24/7 on a cell and I do it now. Looking for a cheap land line and Internet service now.
We connect our t.v to our lap top and watch online through our t.v. also through our playstation we do hulu plus and get it in h.d. we save $90 per month doing this.
I'm not sure if I could find the link to stream this episode, but you can find ways to stream and watch this episode and other live episodes at this site : http://livestreamshare.com. They have different ways of watching live tv and ways to download full tv episodes as well. just a heads up.