INDIANAPOLIS — Cutting the cable cord started out as a cost savings for many.
Now, there are so many streaming services that monthly costs can add up quickly if you are not careful.
Right now, these services with ads cost the following per month:
- Netflix: $6.99
- Hulu and Disney+ bundle: $10.99
- Max (HBO): $9.99
- Peacock: $7.99
- Paramount+: $7.99
- Apple TV+: $9.99
That comes to a total of around $54 a month, or almost $650 a year.
If you want live TV through a streaming provider, tack on another $70-$80 per month.
Kimberly Palmer, with NerdWallet, said oftentimes, we forget to cancel the reoccurring charges.
"We'll sign up for a streaming subscription because it has a sports game that we really want to watch, or a specific show that was just released," Palmer said.
Her advice? Start over from scratch.
"Cancel all of your subscriptions and see what you miss because it's possible that you really wouldn't miss some of the subscriptions that you're just in the habit of paying for," Palmer said.
Once you narrow down your needs, start looking for discounts through your phone carrier.
For example, T-Mobile offers free Apple TV+ with its Go5G plans, and Verizon offers Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for $10 a month with its unlimited plan.
Your employer might also offer a discount.
"It's worth just calling and asking your HR department, or you might even put a call into the streaming subscriptions that you have to see what discounts you might not even be aware of," Palmer said.
If you are in school, students may be eligible for a lower monthly premium.
It is also worth looking into your credit card benefits to see if any of your credit cards offer a higher cashback amount for streaming services.