Should I get rid of cable, Netflix, or both?

[Frugal]

The only reason I have either is because my spouse wants them. I would have cut them out a long long time ago to save every extra dollar. Do you guys think it is worth it more to get rid of Netflix ($11 a month and bound to go up eventually, if not sooner!), or cable ($9.99 a month; I negotiated this price for 18 months after Charter tried to rip us off and overcharge what they had quoted us).

I also do not like the filth in media, and want to get rid of cable/Netflix for this reason.

Also, lately Netflix seems to have hardly any decent movies, and you must order everything by DVD.

Thanks for feedback.

[disneysteve]

If I could only have one, I'd pick cable so that I'd have current content, news, sports, etc. Netflix is okay for watching a movie or an old tv show but the options are limited and it doesn't give you what cable does.

[marvholly]

Maybe you need to determine how much you actually use each service. Keep a diary for a month or 3 of how much you are usuing each AND also if you are acutally watching or its just white noicse background to other things you are doing.

Also, re:Netflix do you have another place to get the movies you BOTH want to see that would be cheaper like library, Redbox or Bockbuster kiosks. Cable would prob be much harder to replace esp. if your spouse is a sport nut. Is your internet tied to your cable-if so the $$ will go up significantly w/o the bundle.

[uRabbit]

I cancelled cable and Netflix. I even sold my TV and XBOX. I see no need to watch TV anymore. There really is very little quality entertainment on there, and time is much better spent outside. We are avid watchers of Parenthood, but they always have the latest episode online at their official web site the day after they air the episode. You can wait a day, right?

Anything other than that, such as educational shows, are also online. And I'm talking free, not Netflix. There are plenty of legal free ways to watch qualit programing. But getting away from the TV is far more educational and beneficial than anything on television or the computer can be.

In short, cancel both. But get your spouse involved more, and they will soon agree.

[DKAS]

Agree with most of previous posts. Cancel both if you can, I prefer cable/satelite because I enjoy watching live events. Netflix is a great service but just like most things, only sign up for it if you really need it.

[wolfy]

We only have netflix. We still use our antennae so we do get the big 4 channels and a few others (PBS, etc...) so we can still watch the crap that is tv and we do get current events and some sports. We have also found we watch A LOT less tv than we used to when we had cable. For that rare show that's a can't miss I just watch Hulu. (just about everything makes its way there eventually)

[krantcents]

Here is a novel question, what are you trying to achieve? Is it saving money or you don't see the value in the services? If you just want a different selection, find an alternative. The roughly $21/per month is not going to change much. If your wife likes Netflex and you are using it then it has value. What is the saying, "happy wife, happy life".

[Radiance]

I have a TV, a Laptop and a HDMI cable

I watch all sort of videos just from youtube and the hulu free ones.
I even watch live sports games. (even though I am a girl, I like sports)

I bet there are many more free resources online. I think steve mentiond itunes...?
But with youtube and hulu I have more than enough to watch for me and my son.

Conclusion: no cable, no netflix. I pay $45 for internet/month

[ecellis26]

I agree with what a lot of people have already said-- it really depends on how much you use each service. I personally use Netflix every day. But I also watch a fair amount of TV. You just have to figure out what works for you.

[dawnwes]

Since you only keep them for your spouse, have you asked her?

Dawn

[mans442]

Our Comcast bundle package bill was approaching $180 per month (TV, Phone, Internet). So, we are downgrading to the non advertised Economy cable, with is a combo of 50 local and cable channels. This will save $36 per month. We are also downgrading to the economy internet with 3 MBps download speed for another savings of $16 per month. I am getting rid of DVR box, which will save another $7 per month. I am also cancelling the phone service, which surprising only saves around $20 per month. I have purchased the Ooma equipment for VOIP so we can maintain a landline for free.

I have also cancelled Netflix due to the impending cost increase. I would have kept the streaming service, however I feel the content is not exactly fresh with newer releases.

All in all, a total monthly savings of about $100, which is significant.

Now I am looking to find ways to reduce the now $100 per month plus cell phone bill. My wife has the iphone 4 with data package.

Thanks
Jason

[photo]

You could cancel both and just check out DVDs from your local library -- for free!

[DaveL]

I think it is great to reduce monthly costs as much as possible, so if it were just up to me, I would cancel both and rent something from Redbox once in a while. But, it is more important to be on the same page with your spouse, so if she wants them, I would keep them.

[SarahJ]

Free TV!!! Every since everything went digital we get 13 channels. Netflix is ok but you can always go to red box at your local walmart or walgreens to get the occasional DVD. Along with free shows online.. Who really needs cable. Go to a friends house for live events you can't get free.
Your Choice... But I would get rid of both also!

[photo]

Originally Posted by SarahJ

Netflix is ok but you can always go to red box at your local walmart or walgreens to get the occasional DVD.

That's true if you like Hollywood blockbusters or classics, but in defense of Netflix, they have a fantastic eclectic mix not found in the mainstream. However, a local library should probably carry some of the diversity found on Netflix, although maybe not in the quantity.

[PetMom]

OP thanks for the tip that netflix offerings are subpar.

We get satellite - the works.

But this is used a lot.

The premium channels are getting sloppy on their offerings, but showing more
shows that they produce.

If we were not using this daily and for the sports and news, etc... then it
would not be a good purchase.

As someone posted the library has a selection of DVD's to check out - free.

[photo]

Originally Posted by PetMom

netflix offerings are subpar.

Actually, Netflix is the number 1 DVD rental in the US. What a lot of people are complaining about is their selection of streaming, which doesn't have as large a selection as their DVDs.

[Godwynn]

I cut out both, got rid of my television and my radio, and it feels great three months in.

[photo]

Originally Posted by Godwynn

I cut out both, got rid of my television and my radio, and it feels great three months in.

Why radio? I think having a radio is crucial, especially when the weather turns bad.

[jasminhatcher]

If you’re choosing then keep cable; there’s a greater variety, and it will allow you to stay up to date with what’s happening in the world.