Alternatives to Cable: How Cutting Your Cable Can Save You Hundreds

Rising expenses and the unstable economy caused me to evaluate my household expenses. After a careful assessment I realized that my cable bill was my largest unnecessary expense, and the easiest to alter. In fact, I noticed I was not using my cable television frequently enough to justify the $100 per month expense - I was either at work, running errands, or completing tasks around the house. Essentially, my pets were watching more cable television than I was! Also, by the time I was free to sit and watch my cable television I was left with a selection of re-runs, reality television, paid programming, infomercials, and other programming I had no interest in - and paying more for the "extras" such as a DVR, TIVO, or movie channels was not an option. Once I came to this conclusion, I realized I was better off without cable television - but what was I going to do for entertainment and how was I going to stay up-to-date on the news? The solution was easier than you would think, and decreased my cable television expense by over 70%.

So how did I cut so much out of my budget? I decided to use several programs available online, in-store, and other creative alternatives.

Streaming Internet Coverage
At first I was concerned about not being up-to-date on news, local events, traffic, and weather. However, I decided that using the Internet was the next best option - with many of the major news sites having video streams available to watch. By doing this I found I was actually more educated on current and local events because I was choosing news I was interested in, and was watching programs rather than using the news broadcast by cable television as background noise.

Use the Library
A free resource for movie rentals, however the size and selection can vary depending on the library. You may not find the newest movies at the library, but you can see movies or independent films you may not have otherwise chosen or known about.

Netflix
Renting movies from traditional stores was not an option, since they are usually several dollars per rental, plus there are late fees. However, Netflix allows you to rent as many movies and/or television series as you want with plans ranging from approximately $9 to $17 or more depending on how many movies you want to rent at one time. This monthly rental fee also allows you to stream movies anytime (and as frequently as you want) to your television or your computer. The basic $9 package has a lot of value for the price because it permits one movie rental at a time and unlimited streaming of movies via the Internet.

Streaming movies to your television using Netflix is simple, and there are several options available. You can either connect your computer or use a specialized internet connector (the basic model starts at $100). Even with the purchase of a connector, one year of movies and television series would cost roughly $18 a month - which is a huge savings!

For those who are concerned the movies you rent do not arrive quickly or efficiently, you can put aside that fear. Once a movie is returned, the next selection is in my hands in 48 hours - during which time I stream movies via the Internet. Also, the convenience value is amazing, I never have to leave my home and never pay late fees.

Redbox
At first, I was a bit unsure about using Redbox because even at only $1 a day per movie the price could add up quickly. But several friends gave it glowing recommendations since they had newly released movies available on Tuesday nights. Before I rented, I checked out their website and found they had the best promotion of any rental opportunity - as a subscriber to their site and text messaging service you received a free movie rental once a week via promotional code! So on the nights I am waiting for my Netflix subscription I use my Redbox promotional code. (Also, to reduce travel expenses only pick up and drop off movies while running errands or heading to and from work.)

Start a Movie Network
Your friends and co-workers can be a valuable resource when it comes to watching movies and television series. At work several of us trade movies, saving money and time running to the video store. Only do this with friends and co-workers you trust - you want to make sure you will get your movie back!