Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
When was the last time you examined your cable TV bill carefully? If it has been a while, you are probably paying more than you did when you first signed up for the service. According to Consumer Reports, the price increase could be attributable to a series of perplexing and pricey fees that quickly mount up.
However, there is still hope on the horizon. Every year, the average cable user pays over $450 in corporate fees. This is because when it comes to paying bills, each one has its own set of fees, and the cable TV bill is so exception. Several cable providers are charging hefty fees and these fees are taking a toll on consumers, who are perplexed and irritated by them. Grande TV, on the other hand, is extremely reasonable, providing everything you would expect from a reliable service with no hidden expenses, and numerous bundling choices that would allow you to add multiple services to your existing package, providing diversity.
However, this is one exception; many people still get bewildered when they see their cable TV bills. Most significantly, they are deteriorating and becoming more costly. So, what is the best way to get rid of those bothersome fees?
You guessed it right: you will have to cut the cable TV cord. A good digital antenna can tune in to local TV stations free and costs roughly $35. A monthly subscription cost may be charged by streaming services on your smart TV or streaming device, but that is all there is to it. There are a number of things to think about when it comes to canceling your cable subscription.
For the majority of consumers, cutting the cord is all about saving money. After all, with the average cost of pay-tv services in the United States over $100 per month, any reduction in that cost is welcome. With that being said, severing the cord should be done with caution. A slew of hidden financial issues jeopardizes your ability to save. Read on to learn about the hidden expenses of cutting the cord and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
1. Early termination fees are a hidden expense
Cable contracts frequently include a clause requiring users to pay a fee if they discontinue the service before the contract’s expiration date. These costs can go into hundreds of dollars, making canceling your cable subscription an expensive proposition.
Use the phone as a workaround
To avoid contract fees, avoid signing a long-term deal in the first place. However, if you have already signed one, it can be worth it to stick it out. If you decide to cancel your cable connection, make sure you call the cable company armed with the information you need to avoid being enticed by promotional offers. If you are firm and informed, you might be able to negotiate a lower charge.
2. The expense of finding fast internet is a hidden cost
It is critical to have a fast enough internet connection to allow for flawless streaming of your TV shows. If your internet is currently bundled with your cable subscription, it may become more expensive as a stand-alone item if the television element of your bundle is canceled.
Switch providers or get in touch with the company as a workaround
If you want to stay with your cable company as your internet provider, call a representative and try to negotiate a cheaper internet package than the standard standalone price. If you are prepared and forceful, you might be able to talk it down a little.
Switching internet service providers, on the other hand, might be worthwhile. A provider search tool will help you see what is available in your area and compare prices if you are having trouble finding internet options from other firms. You should be able to find one within your budget if you are prepared to do some research.
3. Purchasing a smart TV has a hidden cost
It may appear that buying a smart TV is your only option if you have an older TV that is not meant to interface with Wi-Fi and streaming services. While new TVs are not as pricey as they once were, they can still add a significant cost to cutting the cord.
Purchase a streaming gadget as a workaround
Using streaming services does not necessitate the purchase of a smart TV. In reality, you can connect practically any TV to the internet and access all of the streaming videos you want using a streaming device like Roku or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. These external gadgets are usually simple to set up and are affordable. However, some provide more services than others, so do your homework before purchasing one.
4. Signing up for countless streaming providers has a hidden cost
Many cord-cutters make the mistake of signing up for too many streaming services at the same time. In case you add several extras, your monthly TV expenses might easily equal cable subscriptions, particularly if you are a sports enthusiast.
Workaround: Set priorities and be aware of what you will be receiving
The simplest method to avoid overpaying for streaming is to start the process of choosing a video-streaming provider with a clear understanding of your television requirements. You can choose which service matches your needs after you know the channels and features you cannot live without.
You can then add on additional products and services as needed. Make sure you know what your options are ahead of time. You may be accustomed to receiving a digital video recorder as part of your cable bundle, but certain services, demand a fee.
Netflix has a lot of on-demand programming, but you will need to pay more for memberships that are more expensive if you want to watch on several screens. Knowing this information can save you money by preventing you from overpaying for unnecessary extras or missing out on opportunities.
Wrapping up
There can be many hidden fees when you cut the cord, which makes the experience difficult. However, with a little research and legwork, you can avoid these charges and save money while creating your amazing streaming setup.
