Tired of spending over $100 each month on cable TV channels you barely watch? You’re definitely not alone. Millions of Americans are turning to streaming services and alternative options because cable just isn’t worth the cost anymore. If you’re tired of overpaying for TV channels you don’t use, it’s time to ditch cable to save money and take back control of your entertainment budget.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the switch without losing access to the shows and sports you love.
1. Calculate What You're Really Paying for Cable
Before canceling, take a look at your last couple of cable bills. Be sure to include:
Monthly service fee
Equipment rental (boxes, remotes)
DVR service
Premium channels
Hidden fees and taxes
Chances are, your total monthly cost is $100-$200 which adds up to over $1,200 a year.
Related Post: How to Track Your Monthly Expenses
2. Identify What You Actually Watch
Make a list of what you watch in a typical week. Do you mostly watch:
Live sports?
Network TV (ABC, NBC, CBS)?
On-demand shows and movies?
News channels?
Knowing your viewing habits helps you choose the best cable alternatives without overpaying for content you don’t need.
And by narrowing down what you actually watch, you’ll find it easier to ditch cable to save money without sacrificing the shows you love.
3. Switch to Streaming Services
Streaming services are much more affordable and customizable than traditional cable. Some of the most popular options include:
| Service | Monthly Cost | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99+ | On-demand TV and movies |
| Hulu | $7.99+ | Network TV and originals |
| Disney+ | $7.99+ | Family-friendly content |
| Peacock | $5.99+ | NBC shows, movies, sports |
| Paramount+ | $5.99+ | CBS content, live news |
Switching to streaming services gives you more flexibility and control – making it a smart way to ditch cable to save money while still enjoying great content.
The Personal Budget & Expense Tracker makes it simple to see your monthly savings and track how those add up over six years.
4. Use a Digital Antenna for Free Local Channels
A one-time purchase of a digital HD antenna (usually $20–$60) lets you access free over-the-air channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS.
It’s an easy way to keep local content without a monthly fee. Many antennas even support HD and 4K signals.
To see which local channels are available in your area, use the FCC’s DTV Reception Map for a personalized signal guide.
5. Consider Live TV Streaming Options
If you want a setup that still feels like cable, live TV streaming services are a good middle ground. Options include:
| Service | Approx. Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo | 100+ live channels, DVR |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99/mo | Live sports, news, shows |
| Sling TV | $40/mo | Customizable channel packs |
| FuboTV | $74.99/mo | Sports-heavy packages |
These still cost more than on-demand platforms, but they’re cheaper than traditional cable and don’t require contracts or equipment fees.
6. Combine Services and Still Spend Less
Even if you subscribe to a few platforms – say Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix, you’ll still likely pay under $30–$40 per month. That’s a savings of over $1,000 per year.
If your household watches live TV often, you can add a service like YouTube TV or Sling TV and still save compared to your current cable bill.
This is why so many Americans are choosing to ditch cable to save money and still enjoy flexible, on-demand entertainment.
7. Take Advantage of Free Streaming Services
There are dozens of free platforms offering quality content with minimal ads. Check out:
Tubi
Pluto TV
Crackle
The Roku Channel
These won’t replace cable entirely but are great for supplementing your library and saving even more.
Related Post: How to Reduce Energy Consumption and Save Money
When you cut unnecessary expenses like cable, it helps to track where your savings go and how they improve your budget. The Personal Budget & Expense Tracker helps you:
Track income and expenses across six years
Stay focused with clear monthly and yearly charts
Visualize how cutting costs improves your budget
8. Use Streaming Devices Instead of Cable Boxes
To access streaming platforms, you’ll need a smart TV or streaming device. Some affordable options include:
Roku
Amazon Fire Stick
Google Chromecast
Apple TV
These one-time purchases ($20-$100) eliminate the need for expensive cable boxes and are easy to set up.
9. Share Subscriptions (Legally)
Many platforms allow household sharing or multiple user profiles. For example:
Netflix’s Standard Plan allows 2 users
Disney+ allows 4 simultaneous streams
Hulu has a Family Plan
Sharing subscriptions with family members or roommates (within the same household) can help you ditch cable to save money even faster.
10. Cancel Add-Ons You Don’t Use
Even streaming services offer add-ons like HBO, Showtime, or Starz. Review your subscriptions and cancel anything you rarely use.
Set calendar reminders to re-evaluate your setup every 3-6 months.
Related Post: How to Cancel Unused Subscriptions and Save Money
Conclusion
Letting go of traditional cable isn’t just about swapping services – it’s about rethinking how you spend your money and your time. Cutting unnecessary expenses gives you the freedom to redirect those savings toward long-term goals that matter most.
The Personal Budget & Expense Tracker helps you track how eliminating recurring costs, like cable, can grow into substantial savings over time. With clear visuals and long-term tracking, you’ll stay motivated to keep your spending aligned with your bigger financial picture.
Track your savings with the Personal Budget & Expense Tracker →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I still get live sports without cable?
Yes. Services like YouTube TV, Sling, and FuboTV offer live sports channels. You can also use network apps for specific leagues.
Do I need fast internet for streaming?
A speed of 15–25 Mbps is usually enough for HD streaming. If multiple people stream simultaneously, consider a faster plan.
What if I miss cable?
Most people adjust quickly. With on-demand libraries, live TV add-ons, and smart devices, you’ll have more control than ever.
Is there a streaming option for older family members?
Yes. Devices like Roku are easy to use, and many services allow simplified menus or favorites.
Can I still DVR shows?
Yes. Most live TV streaming services include cloud DVR, allowing you to record and watch later.
