How to Save Money on Your Cable Bill

Take action to reduce your cable costs.

If your cable bill is too high, you may wonder if there is a way to get that cost in line with your budget. With cable installed, you can access hundreds of television stations, but at a price. That price is too steep for some consumers, individuals who can find ways to reduce their monthly bill.

1. Contact customer service. Your cable company wants to keep your business. With increased competition from other service providers such as satellite dish installers and the phone company, these companies have to fight for your business. If customer service cannot help you, ask to be connected to a retention specialist, an individual trained to keep your business by offering to you a lower rate.

2. Bundle your services. Many cable companies allow consumers to bundle three services — television, Internet and phone service — to get a cost-effective package. Expect to be offered a low, introductory rate for the first 12 months. After that, you may need to place a call to customer service to obtain an extension of your introductory rate for the next year.

3. Drop unnecessary packages. When was the last time you reviewed your cable bill? Review your bill to see the breakdown of charges each month. It could be that you are paying for a service you never use, such as HBO or NFL Sports. You may have a 500-channel package where a 150-channel package would do. Avoid renting movies from your cable provider too, a cost that will be added to your monthly bill.

4. Switch to your competitor. Your cable company has a monopoly on cable service, but they don’t control television access completely. One or more satellite dish providers may serve your area, bringing in a variety of programming to your home. You’ll need to have a clear signal from your home or yard to the skies, but the change over to a dish may be worth it. Your phone company may also be a direct competitor to your cable company, using phone lines to transmit data to your television screen, your Internet connection as well as to your phone line. Contact other providers to obtain a price quote. Compare packages and go with the service provider with the lowest price.

A Better Rate

Consumers can fight back against high cable charges. Ask your cable company for a better deal and be prepared to switch if the new price just isn’t right.

See Also — 10 Smart and Sensible Ways to Save Money

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