Save Money & Your Brain - Get Rid of Cable TV

[cicy33]

As mentioned in another thread I pay way to much for cable and internet about $138 per month combined. I rarely watch tv, not due to morals or brain concern, just because I am usually on the net or doing housework. But the tv is on and I do watch it as I work. Usually disney, I love those silly shows. but I also love the stand up comedy and all the law and orders. We don't go to or rent movies so will keep my one horrible expense! my husband on the flip side, watches the news, weather and sports constantly.

[pearlieq]

We love our cable! The best price I could get here was $45/month for Dish Network, and I would cut it if needed, but as long as we have the means, we find it very enjoyable.

As for the alleged brain-rotting from TV, I don't buy it. You can watch mindless confections or informative programming. Or you can find a healthy balance between the two and be happy!

The same could be said for any type of diversion--you can read Archie Comics or Tolstoy. You can listen to Miley Cyrus or Vivaldi. You can play Hungry, Hungry Hippos or championship-level chess. There's room for everything.

[StanFatherof3]

I really thought our family would miss cable way too much to cancel it. Then, this winter we were without service for a couple of weeks. And, we got by just fine. So after talking it over with my wife, we decided to drop it. We have more time to spend together and I worry less about my littler ones seeing something they shouldn't on TV.

[cheap]

We spend way too much for cable/internet $150 per month. But we can afford it and I am ok in saying that I love tv. It is possible to watch tv and have other activities and interests.

[cicy33]

I called our cable company last night to see how much I could save if I didn't have the pay channels and digital cable. Thought if it was worth it I might just drop down to extended basic cable and internet. It will drop my bill less than $20. Apparently I get a deal for the internet with a package deal.

[Dingobiscuit]

I pay $162/month after taxes and fees for:

• Digital Cable with HD, including 9 premium channels (Encore package)
• 2 DVRs
• High-speed Cable Internet
• Digital telephone
• Price-lock for 24 months

That is pretty good for all of that junk.

[cschin4]

No. I like TV. I like watching HGTV, the Food Channel and assorted shows. So, I will pay what it is worth to me. If it gets too expensive and I no longer enjoy it, then I will disconnect.

[ThriftoRama]

Funny. People are always amazed that I live without cable TV. My sister's friend once asked me "what do you do all night without TV?" My thought was "can you really not think of anything else to do but watch TV?"

I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't even own a TV for the first 6 years I was living on my own. I only missed it when I wanted to rent a video.

Now, our TV is used mostly to watch free DVDs from the library.

Although, my hubby has mentioned getting cable, so he can watch NBA finals without going to a bar. That might actually save us some money!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by ThriftoRama

My sister's friend once asked me "what do you do all night without TV?"

Isn't that a sad statement on our society? I do watch TV, probably more than I need to, but if I sit down in the evening, run through the channels and don't find anything interesting to watch, I turn off the TV and go do something else. And some nights I never even turn the TV on because I'm busy doing other things.

[Beckiboo]

Originally Posted by ThriftoRama

Although, my hubby has mentioned getting cable, so he can watch NBA finals without going to a bar. That might actually save us some money!

We got Direct TV a few years ago so dh could watch sports. It would be hard to go back to local channels only, although I often don't watch TV for days at a time due to kids playing video games or watching DVDs. I don't think dh could go without TV anymore than I could go without internet service, though! Just beware, ThriftoRama, that sports lovers want to add the sports packages, which can add up quickly especially if you upgrade for several different sports!