In an effort to cut costs to the barest amount, I called the cable company and asked them to turn off our service. I told them I only watch the local channels. They offered me a new plan of only the local channels. My bill dropped from $89 per month to less than $15. The new plan is good until February 2013.
Thanks to ThriftyFun, I am inspired to find other ways to cut costs to the bone. Thanks to all the contributors to this great site.
By grandmaearth from Cameron, IL
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Things like this sound good in the beginning. But if you push, and believe me you have to really push and insist and be persistent, and get the price AFTER the initial time frame (in this lady's case Feb 2013) you'll find that the price will skyrocket. And not just once either, but it will go up several times.
Before we signed up for the cable package we have, I forced them to tell me what the future cost would be after the initial sale period ended. It took a lot of arguing, but they finally told me what it would be. This way I was able to make a more informed decision about whether to sign up or not.
And it's not just cable either. Cell phone companies are especially bad about this too. And you have to fight with them too to get the future cost.
GrandmaEarth, you've got a very good idea - I'm glad it's working for you. I'd follow your example if I weren't addicted to History International and Fox News.
Another random "thumbs down"?
Anyway, are you sure you need the cable company to watch your local channels? You might not if you can pick up a signal with an antenna. We're lucky enough that we just have an antenna & converter box - we have more channels now than we did before they went digital & it doesn't cost us a penny to watch the local channels.
I switched to Vonage for unlimited phone calls - $38.00/mo. I have AT&T for my high speed internet DSL line - $24/mo. I purchased a RUKO box $100 one time fee & I subscribe to Netflex unlimited movies $8/mo.
My total monthly cost for phone, internet and movies: $70.00.
Who's your cable carrier? We have the most basic our carrier has, and we pay double that per month.
Who's your cable carrier? We have the most basic our carrier has, and we pay double that per month.
Cricket is right. I mark on the calendar the month before my rate is supposed to run out (this is with Comcast). I call and get through to the department that handles people who are going to downgrade service. This is essential because this department can cut a good new deal.
Other departments are not authorized. You need to say you are cancelling service and they put you right through to this dept. I have not had to argue hard with this group. I just say all I can spend is? Then they tell me what I can get.
It is a crazy way to do business, but not uncommon for mega business's who have no competition. But dont forget to call before they balloon your rate. Talk about sticker shock. Yikes!
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