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Ah, the cable bill. Of all the bills you pay each month, the cable bill is usually the most difficult to reduce. So, I’ve rounded up these seven easy ways to lower your cable bill and still get all the channels and other stuff you want.
Budget Your Bill
Set a limit to how much you’re willing to spend on television service. Don’t let the cable company talk you into products or services you don’t need.
Examine Your Bill
Review your bill carefully each month. Make sure that there are no errors on your bill and that you’re getting the best rates available. If not, call the cable company to get it straightened out.
Eliminate Unnecessary Charges
Charges like cable insurance, equipment maintenance, etc. are generally not necessary. In most cases, the cost of replacing damaged equipment is insignificant compared to the cumulative cost of these services over a lifetime.
Use the “Tier Buy Through” provision
This is a little known secret that the cable company hoped you’d never find out. The FCC’s “Tier Buy Through” provision allows you to buy basic cable and then pick and choose from premium channels like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc. without having to sign up for a bigger package. Obviously, the cable company isn’t going to advertise this one! But you can take advantage of the “Tier Buy Through” provision by calling up your cable comapny and requesting it.
Don’t bundle your services unless it is a substantial savings
Most cable companies encourage you to bundle your cable TV, broadband Internet, and digital phone service into one bill. While this may be more convenient, it may or may not be saving you money. Compare the total cost of the bundled services with the cost of receiving these services from other companies.
Bargain with the Cable Company
Call up your cable company and ask for a lower rate. Don’t “demand” that they reduce your bill. Simply tell the representative that a competitor such as Dish Network is offering over 250 channels for only $19.99/mo. and it just doesn’t make sense to pay double or triple that price and yet receive the same or fewer channels. No company wants to lose a customer, especially to a competitor. So, when you state that you may switch companies, the cable company will often negotiate a lower rate for you.
Switch to Dish Network
Switching to satellite TV could save you as much as 20%-40% per month. Dish Network’s all-digital Top 100 could save you an average of about $29 per month or more. Try out the Cable vs Satellite comparison tool to see just how much you’d really save. But be prepared… It may make you rather angry with their cable company!
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