5 Ways to Watch Your Favorite Shows While Skimping On Your Cable Bill

It started off as an easy $60 “promotional package” that somehow turned into $175 a month. Just like you, I too was suckered into paying an excessive amount for internet and cable, yet constantly struggling to find something good to watch.

Then one day, a kind soul showed me a way to limit my bills while by ditching a cluster of channels that I don’t care to watch and focus on the shows I actually want to see. Since I hate being a hoarder of great useful information, I decided to share this step-by-step guide with GirlTyler readers.

There are a few upfront fees; however, the one-time amount will be the equivalent to three months of your regular cable bill.

Here is how to get your cable and internet bill to roughly $70 a month.

The Recipe

An antenna
Updated modem and high speed internet
Streaming device
Friend or family member with benefits
An open mind

1. An antenna

Using an antenna allows you to get the basic channels for free at your leisure. Antenna prices can run as low as $20 and varies by preference. You’re paying a high amount for cable while many of your favorite shows air on local channels.

Vindicate yourselves

2. Updated modem and high speed internet

Because I opted for the top tier of high speed internet, I have not found a way to get unglued from Comcast’s pimp grip. As promised, Comcast does indeed have the highest internet speed on the scene, priced at up to $39 a month with a whopping 75 mpbs. This speed is necessary to efficiently run in-home streaming services.

While you may not be able to skimp on your Internet price, you should consider purchasing a newer modem. The modem I had for five years with Comcast crashed. If you want to save money in the backend, be proactive by using your own modem. Otherwise, leasing a box from Comcast runs $10/month. Paying $120 annually for a box that isn’t yours is silly when you can own one for under $70.

Game recognize game.

3. Streaming device

A streaming device connects your television to the Internet allowing you to stream video and music from online services. Apple TV connects you to cool features while on your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook syncing directly to your TV. This comes in handy as some channels have apps that allow you to watch their channel live and won’t require a cable network log in password (I’ll get to that later).

An Amazon Fire TV Stick is just as cool. It’s slightly cheaper than Apple TV and also allows Amazon Prime members to get unlimited access to Prime Video. I’ve also heard that if you’re an evil genius or know of an evil genius, you may be possible to jailbreak the device to allow you access to every channel as well as bootleg movies. But I ain’t one to gossip, so you ain’t heard that from me.

Of course there are other streaming devices like Chromecast and Roku.

4. Loved ones with benefits

There will always be that ONE person who feels inclined to pay ridiculous amounts for cable and refuses to seek alternatives. Be friends with that person. You will need them and their password to watch cable channels. If you manage to find someone willing to give up their Xfinity password, you can access whatever cable channels they have. While you’re at it, inquire about their Netflix, Hulu, or HBO GO passwords. If you feel guilty, suggest paying half for their subscription. It also may behoove you to research channels that you often watch and discover if they have an app that allows you to live stream shows (VH1, MTV, and BET have this option) and don’t require you to have an Xfinity password to login.

What passwords you can “borrow” is key in deciding which subscriptions you actually need to purchase, ultimately effecting your overall monthly fees. Even if you had to pay for all of those service it is probably cheaper than what you’re paying your cable provider.

5. An Open Mind

Purchasing cable and satellite packages have both pros and cons. My system will help you stay on top of new technology to ensure you enjoy all of your favorite shows, hassle free. I was apprehensive about this change in my routine, but after taking a hard look at my bill and reflecting on what I could do with an extra $1,000 a year, I decided it was worth the sacrifice.