Only Pay for What You Need

 

We’ve all heard Liberty Mutual’s iconic advice to “only pay for what you need” when it comes to car insurance, but have you ever considered applying that same logic to your entertainment budget? Don’t worry, I’m not here to convince you to join the cable-cutting masses or sneakily use someone else’s streaming credentials. Instead, I want you to think about how you can save some cash and only pay for what you actually need. 🧐💸

What Am I Watching? 📺

You’ve got 190 cable channels at your fingertips, but are you really watching them all? If you’re like most people, probably not. And those three streaming apps on your phone? They’re sitting there, but you’re spending more time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram instead. So, why pay for what you’re not using?

Knowing what you watch can help you decide where to cut back. Maybe you can drop down to a basic cable plan or cancel that streaming app you haven’t opened in months. If you mainly watch primetime network shows like Grey’s Anatomy or Chicago Fire, you might not need cable at all—just an antenna for free local channels or using free network apps.

If premium channels like HBO are more your style, switching from a cable subscription to a streaming service like Max may save you a good chunk of change while keeping your Succession marathons intact.

Where and How Do I Watch? 📱🖥️

TV ownership is on the decline as more people choose to stream on their phones, tablets, or laptops. If you’re constantly watching on-the-go, cable might not be your best bet anymore. On the other hand, if your TV is still the star of the living room, a good cable bundle could still make sense. But don’t forget—there are apps for live TV that work with your TV setup too, offering the same shows at a lower cost.

Am I Maxing Out My Subscription? 🤔

Here’s a question we should all be asking: Are you really using what you’re paying for? If you’ve got cable, make sure you’re using perks like DVR and access to streaming apps. And for streaming services, are you watching enough to justify that subscription all year long? If not, maybe it’s time to either cut back or start rediscovering why you subscribed in the first place.

Super Saver Tips 💡💰

- Seek out free, ad-supported options like Tubi, Crackle, or YouTube for some great entertainment without the price tag.

- Consider switching to a cheaper, ad-supported version of your favorite streaming services. You might save while still getting to enjoy your must-watch shows.

- Don’t forget about DVR alternatives like Tablo, which can record over-the-air broadcasts for free.

- Ask your household if they’re using the service before making any cuts.

- Look into bundling cable with internet and wireless services to cut costs and simplify your billing.

- Visit your local library for free DVDs and access to exclusive streaming platforms.

By making some simple adjustments, you can keep your entertainment costs in check and avoid paying for services you no longer need. Remember, Super Saver, it’s all about smart choices and making sure your hard-earned money is spent on what brings you the most value. 👏