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How I cut my TV Entertainment, Internet and Cell Phone Bill to under $36 per month

by kayaker
19 replies
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I have used Netflix (still have netflix $8 per month) and Hulu in the past but have found Sling ($25 per month) to offer the best variety bang for the buck. I Had to get rid of cable all together because it was just too expensive so I went with a HD antenna ($36 one-time expense) for my local programming and sports. My Sling and the Internet in general is being accessed through my cell phones hotspot. I also ditched my long time cell phone carrier for a long term pre-paid mobile service provider (one-time fee for 9 years) which gives me unlimited, talk, text, data and hotspot at the equivalent of $2.77 per month for 9 years. So my total TV entertainment, Cell Phone and Internet budget has been reduced to under $36 per month. I could carve another $8 off of that if I eliminate Netflix which is most likely coming next. What do I do with all that savings? I have been investing the difference in a mutual fund.
#$36 #bill #cell #cut #entertainment #internet #month #phone
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  • Profile picture of the author lambertson
    Pretty much the same for me, but pre-paid mobile service doesn't work in my case since I often move from one place to another.
    What do I do with all that savings?
    Take some decent course on investing, it should help at least to get acquainted with various opportunities.
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  • Profile picture of the author Obermair
    I am assuming that you are younger (folks in their 40s and 50s have more problems that what to do with an extra $100 a month - kids college, retirement etc...); yes learn about some investment options, but garner knowledge beyond the stock market. Learn about real estate for example and the tax benefits. Start a side hustle.... You're looking to cut your monthly costs but for most people your biggest expense during your life is taxes. Find ways to navigate taxes - it will save you much more money in the long run!
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  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    Kayaker what is the name of this 9 year cell phone provider?
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    • Profile picture of the author kayaker
      Originally Posted by DURABLEOILCOM View Post

      Kayaker what is the name of this 9 year cell phone provider?
      MCS Telecom
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  • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
    Originally Posted by kayaker View Post

    I have used Netflix (still have netflix $8 per month) and Hulu in the past but have found Sling ($25 per month) to offer the best variety bang for the buck. I Had to get rid of cable all together because it was just too expensive so I went with a HD antenna ($36 one-time expense) for my local programming and sports. My Sling and the Internet in general is being accessed through my cell phones hotspot. I also ditched my long time cell phone carrier for a long term pre-paid mobile service provider (one-time fee for 9 years) which gives me unlimited, talk, text, data and hotspot at the equivalent of $2.77 per month for 9 years. So my total TV entertainment, Cell Phone and Internet budget has been reduced to under $36 per month. I could carve another $8 off of that if I eliminate Netflix which is most likely coming next. What do I do with all that savings? I have been investing the difference in a mutual fund.
    Even with 4g, your internet is going to be very slow, wondering how you can watch Netflix etc. Also I know of no cell phone service that does not have data caps.
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    • Profile picture of the author kayaker
      True operating on the cheap has it's pitfalls. But it has been ok for me so far.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
      Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

      Even with 4g, your internet is going to be very slow, wondering how you can watch Netflix etc. Also I know of no cell phone service that does not have data caps.
      MCS, kayak's provider, starts throttling after 2gb. That's an issue for the purposes of this thread's topic.
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      • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
        Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

        MCS, kayak's provider, starts throttling after 2gb. That's an issue for the purposes of this thread's topic.
        So, about 2 to 4 hours of viewing time per month. Seems like an exercise in futility to me.
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  • Profile picture of the author bevel
    That's great, anytime you're able to "save" regardless is a good thing. I've had the cable TV, phone and internet bundle for years.

    But recently, I tried getting rid of my land phone (since I have cellular) and my TV service... But Comcast reflected I'd get charged more if I break the bundle and keep the internet only versus keeping all three.

    Really? Somehow it doesn't seem fair to get charged more for less. I'm done with Comcast after my plan/service agreement expires.

    There's got to be better internet servicers providing better options, instead of companies like Comcast. I would love to pay only $36 a month... That works.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ho Lee Schiet
    Wow, that's pretty cool. I'll take a note of some tips
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Cool K.

    Hold on to Netflix though; too many good series
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  • Profile picture of the author Highest And Best
    I have a great suggestion for what to do with all those savings.

    Why not start a blog teaching people how to save money? It seems that you are knowledgeable and interested in this niche. I have found that online success is MUCH easier when you are in a niche that you know and enjoy. I think you have a lot of value to provide to your audience, and because you are genuine, your followers will be loyal.

    Here's the best part...

    You can monetize that blog without selling anything. Instead, you can have affiliate links to the services that you use and suggest. For instance, become an affiliate for Sling and Netflix, and your cell phone carrier too. Becoming an affiliate is easy and free, and almost every product and service vendor offers an affiliate program. You can even recommend HD antennas and earn a commission there as well.

    You can start a blog for just a few bucks a month and you can make a substantial income doing it this way. I can guide you so let me know if you have questions. And besides, mutual funds do not yield much anyway.

    -Scott
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    • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
      Originally Posted by Highest And Best View Post

      Why not start a blog teaching people how to save money?
      Like the world needs another one of those. I found 81 with a very generic search phrase. I'm sure there's hundreds, more!

      Telling someone they can monetize their blog borders on cruel and unusual punishment. I guess it comes down to what you consider, 'real money' and how long you're willing to struggle to reach that point.

      Bear in mind that average life-expectancy for U.S citizens has declined for the past 3 years. That severely limits one's chances of reaching any realistic income goals through blogging, before shuffling-off their mortal coil. :-)
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      • Profile picture of the author Highest And Best
        Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

        Like the world needs another one of those. I found 81 with a very generic search phrase. I'm sure there's hundreds, more!

        Telling someone they can monetize their blog borders on cruel and unusual punishment. I guess it comes down to what you consider, 'real money' and how long you're willing to struggle to reach that point.



        I respectfully, yet emphatically disagree.

        It's easy to monetize a blog, but ONLY when you are providing value to your audience. And it's easy to provide value to your audience when you are sharing something in a niche you know well.

        That is why I suggested that Kayaker monetize that niche, his niche. It really does not matter if there are a million blogs teaching the same thing, everyone has their own unique way of teaching or sharing information that will resonate with some people.

        (link deleted by mod)

        I don't think it's ever good advice to tell somebody not to do something because the field is crowded. I've also learned that it is not a good idea to go for a niche because it is "hot". I've learned through experience that making money online is a lot of work when chasing "profitable niches", and that it becomes easy when you truly help people. Just like an offline business.

        There are no realistic income goals in a niche, the realistic income goals are within you.
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        • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
          Originally Posted by Highest And Best View Post

          I respectfully, yet emphatically disagree.
          Enjoy!

          It's easy to monetize a blog, but ONLY when you are providing value to your audience. And it's easy to provide value to your audience when you are sharing something in a niche you know well.
          Total, nonsense and something only a blogger would say.

          That is why I suggested that Kayaker monetize that niche, his niche. It really does not matter if there are a million blogs teaching the same thing, everyone has their own unique way of teaching or sharing information that will resonate with some people.
          Yes, at least 3, if one is lucky!

          Here I explain it more thoroughly:
          Pimping your own blog in your post violates one of the most basic forum rules. Please remove it from your post before a mod does.

          I don't think it's ever good advice to tell somebody not to do something because the field is crowded. I've also learned that it is not a good idea to go for a niche because it is "hot". I've learned through experience that making money online is a lot of work when chasing "profitable niches", and that it becomes easy when you truly help people. Just like an offline business.
          Oh, god! Please give this a rest. It's regurgitated dogma that has nothing to do with reality, especially as it pertains to blogging. There's probably not a single easier way to fail at making money than blogging. This is an irrefutable fact, whether you choose to believe it or not.

          There are no realistic income goals in a niche, the realistic income goals are within you.
          Ho-hum. Sorry. I've read this sort of drivel hundreds and hundreds of times on this forum, usually from people that have never made a nickel, but are quick to tell others, 'the simple things they need to do to make money.'

          Sell the dream, if you choose. I prefer to give people a cold, hard dose of reality. If making money blogging was such an easy path to riches, more people would be doing it and succeeding at it. I just don't see it and I never have.

          I respectfully and emphatically disagree with your blanket assertion. That cuts both ways.

          Cheers.
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        • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
          Originally Posted by Highest And Best View Post


          It's easy to monetize a blog, but ONLY when you are providing value to your audience. And it's easy to provide value to your audience when you are sharing something in a niche you know well.
          No, it isn't. Sorry but l have to agree with Frank on this one, l spent 2.5 years working full time, (well close to 10 hours a day) on my website, discussing how to create a successful puzzle of board game.

          I had already created one successful puzzle that was sold worldwide, and also had years of experience to share, so l knew what l was talking about.

          Got close to 100 pages of text all up and after trying countless ways to monetize it, ended up with adsense or about $1.30 a month profit, (the site costed $30 a month).

          Sure if l branched out into computer games it may have turned around, but only keep the site now for sentimental reasons.

          I started this site in early 2009.

          That is why I suggested that Kayaker monetize that niche, his niche. It really does not matter if there are a million blogs teaching the same thing, everyone has their own unique way of teaching or sharing information that will resonate with some people.
          True, you can have a million people who are broke talking about how to make money, and they are all worthless to the reader

          I don't think it's ever good advice to tell somebody not to do something because the field is crowded. I've also learned that it is not a good idea to go for a niche because it is "hot". I've learned through experience that making money online is a lot of work when chasing "profitable niches", and that it becomes easy when you truly help people. Just like an offline business.

          There are no realistic income goals in a niche, the realistic income goals are within you.
          I truly helped people for over 2 years, and people were blown away with my generosity, (l also scanned in a few years worth of my designs and shared those) but from a monetary point of view, crap.

          I agree they are within you, but staying regular helps.

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  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    What guarantee do MCS telecom users have that they will actually receive the full 9 years of service, I mean they can go belly up and disappear over night along with all their money in hand.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
      Originally Posted by DURABLEOILCOM View Post

      What guarantee do MCS telecom users have that they will actually receive the full 9 years of service, I mean they can go belly up and disappear over night along with all their money in hand.
      None whatsoever.
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  • Profile picture of the author Himanshu Khaira
    try finding best deals to reduce the bill amount.
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