Are you still paying $120 a month for cable TV? You are being robbed.
The average American cable bill has skyrocketed to over $1,500 a year, packed with hidden fees, rented router charges, and dozens of channels you never even watch. Cable companies rely on your laziness to keep charging you year after year.
But with the rise of smart TVs and streaming, keeping your expensive cable box is a financial mistake you can no longer afford. Here are 3 ways to cut the cord and still watch your favorite shows in stunning HD:
1. Cancel the Package (Keep the Internet) The biggest fear people have is losing their internet connection if they cancel cable. But you don’t have to!
- The Fix: Call your cable provider and tell them you want to cancel the TV package, but keep the internet. They will likely panic and offer you a “retention deal” for a cheaper rate. If they don’t, just cancel the TV part. Buy your own modem and router outright (instead of renting theirs for $15/month), and you’ll save another $180 a year instantly.
2. Rotate Your Streaming Services You don’t need Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Disney+ all at the same time. That defeats the purpose of saving money.
- The Smart Move: Subscribe to ONE streaming service per month. Binge the shows you want on Netflix this month, then cancel it and switch to Max next month. You get all the entertainment for a fraction of the cost.
3. Get Free Local HD Channels with an Antenna This is the ultimate cord-cutting secret that cable companies pray you never discover. You know all those local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox that show the news and NFL games? They are broadcast over the air for FREE.
You don’t need a giant, ugly metal antenna on your roof anymore. Modern digital antennas are paper-thin, stick to the wall behind your TV, and pull in crystal-clear 1080p HD signals from up to 200 miles away. No monthly fee. Ever. (If you want to see which slim antennas actually get a clear signal without pixelating, check out our review of the best HD digital TV antennas!)
The Bottom Line Stop feeding the cable monopoly. Cut the cord, stream smart, and grab a digital antenna. You’ll get better TV for free, and keep $1,500 in your pocket.