In an effort to cut costs to the barest amount, I called the cable company and asked them to turn off our service. I told them I only watch the local channels. They offered me a new plan of only the local channels. My bill dropped from $89 per month to less than $15. The new plan is good until February 2013.
Thanks to ThriftyFun, I am inspired to find other ways to cut costs to the bone. Thanks to all the contributors to this great site.
By grandmaearth from Cameron, IL
This page contains the following solutions.
I stopped watching broadcast and cable television about a year ago, and it has been an interesting experience. I paid for both Internet access and television over cable and my bill has been cut in half since I cancelled the television side.
I realized I do not need the cable box as long as I have wifi to stream from the app to my smart TVs. I turned in both of my cable boxes, saving $15.00 a month in the rental fees.
If you are not locked into a price for cable, check on a regular basis to see if the cable company is offering a special promotion. You would be surprised at the promotions that they have and sometimes it is only for 3 months but this savings can add up.
When you contract is up with DirectTV, even if you don't plan on switching providers, give them a call and see if they have any opportunities to lower your bill.