One of our most significant monthly costs is for entertainment. I don’t mean going to movies or plays. I’m talking about our cost of just watching television.
Much like a cell phone, I don’t know anyone these days who doesn’t have a television … at least one. It’s a part of our lives, but we’re not that addicted, other than a couple of weekly television series that my wife has to watch.
But, with a limited income, we have to watch the budget, and the monthly TV cost is putting a squeeze on us.
The cost seems to escalate every chance the providers get. We currently have Direct TV. We’ve had it for decades, and finding a different provider has been a lengthy chore. In addition to the package we have, there are added costs for the modem box, DVR recorder, and protection plan. Together, the monthly bill is now just more than $100.
In addition to Direct TV, we also pay $40 a month for Internet service.
And, we have Netflix, which is an additional $15 cost.
We only have one cable TV provider in the St. George, Utah area, so that option is limited. However, they have a bundle package that includes Internet service. Still, the monthly bill would be around $100 but would save the $40 Internet cost.
A year ago, I quit Direct TV and tried to go with an antenna and stream our local channels. However, within a few days, Direct TV called and offered me a special deal that cut the monthly charge by two-thirds and included a $300 gift card. So, I stayed with Direct TV. However, that special offer has expired, and now we’re back at more than $100 … plus the Internet cost.
I’m being told by Direct TV the special offer I had is not available at this time. I have a hard time understanding why the cost has tripled now, but I’m still getting the same TV package. It does not cost them any more to provide the same service.
We don’t need 150 channels. We could get by with a dozen. We mainly watch the local channels for network news and shows and also a lot of Netflix offerings the nights we deem nothing is on regular TV worth watching. However, every system I’ve looked at requires you to take the multi-channel offerings.
I have to admit to being a little selfish in the decision. I’m a sports guy and want ESPN and sports channels from Fox and NBC. Most of the streaming services have limited sports channels. I don’t buy into the Sunday NFL package or other dedicated sports channels around the country. I’m not that sports crazy.
Not being an expert on the Internet, the whole streaming concept is beyond me. I’m still trying to figure out to operate the remote we have correctly. Our kids have figured out how to stream, but they haven’t been able to help me understand how to make the change. They watch TV differently than we do, so what works for them doesn’t seem like it would work for us.
I read every other week or so how many subscribers Direct TV and Dish are losing, so I figure I’m not the only one finding alternatives.
But I only have another week or so to decide because the next billing cycle is coming up.
We have a neighborhood weblink, and the opinions of our neighbors are all over the board. Some like the local cable service, while others complain about the sound and quality. I don’t know which area the complaints come from, so it’s hard to determine if the problems also are in our area. Most are unhappy with Direct TV and Dish because of the cost.
The cable provider has a 30-day guarantee; if we’re not happy with the service, we can opt-out at no cost. I feel like I’m at the end of the dock trying to decide whether or not to take the plunge.
I’d rather stay with Direct TV because I’m used to using it and don’t want to have learned another way to operate the remote and record shows. Being an old dog, I have a hard time learning new tricks. But unless Direct TV comes back with another special offer, I’m going to have to learn.
– Ryan from St. George, Utah, a FAR customer who is finding purpose in this new stage of his life.
* The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Finance of America Reverse (LLC).
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
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