Home entertainment
After a long day at work, we all like to watch TV and relax. Maybe you work from home and like some background noise. But how much should you spend on cable, satellite, or other home entertainment subscriptions?
Personally, I drew the line at $50; for one person, more than that was just extravagant. When I still had cable, I reduced my package to $35 per month and still had plenty to watch (I only received through channel 35, but it was enough for me). Once I moved in with someone who had a Tivo, I no longer needed cable!
For 2 or more people, maybe $75 is acceptable, but that is up to you decide. So start by thinking about how many people are sharing the expense and if you can get everything you need with a cheaper subscription. For example, if you must watch international soccer, you may have to keep your expensive cable package, but if you don’t have any special requirements, reduce your cable or satellite package. You may even be able to give them up entirely.
After I was introduced to the DVR, I realized exactly how many good shows are on broadcast television‚ I don’t need cable anymore. There are reruns of shows I never saw during their “first run” and also movies aired later at night and on weekends. As for those cable shows that I just can’t miss, well, I have a movie subscription for those. My movie subscription also allows me to stream free movies directly to my TV, too. I don’t feel like I am missing anything.
Here’s my monthly communication expense:
- Netflix: $10 per month subscription equals unlimited one-at-a-time movies, plus all their Instant movies and television shows (this is how I watch shows made for cable stations). If you have Internet and a device like Tivo, XBox, or Wii, you can watch Instant on your television instead of your computer (they are adding more devices all the time, so keep checking!).
- Tivo: $12 per month (I use one of the newer models that records more than one show at a time)
- Phone and Internet = $40 (needed for Tivo and Netflix to work)
Total cost = $65 per month. Now ask yourself: Is cable or satellite really worth the money? If not, start shopping around.
