Smart Budgeting for Streaming Services

Take inventory of your current subscriptions

First, make a list of all the streaming services you're subscribed to and their monthly costs. It's common to lose track of these subscriptions, and you might be surprised at the total amount you're spending. On average, households spend about $55 to $61 per month on streaming services, which adds up to over $600 a year.

Evaluate your usage

Next, evaluate how often you use each service. If there's a platform gathering dust, it might be time to cancel. Most services allow you to resubscribe later if you change your mind.

Try rotating your subscriptions

To save money, consider rotating your subscriptions—a strategy often used by "serial churners." Instead of having several services year-round, subscribe to one or two at a time. Binge-watch your favorites, then switch to a new service the next month. This keeps your content fresh and can lower your yearly costs significantly.

Look for bundle deals

Many streaming services offer bundle deals that can save you money. For example, Disney+ offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ at a discounted rate compared to subscribing to each service individually. Some mobile phone providers also offer deals on streaming services, so check if you can take advantage of any.

Consider ad-supported plans

If you don't mind a few commercials, opt for cheaper, ad-supported plans. For example, Hulu's ad-supported plan costs $7.99 a month, compared to $17.99 for the ad-free version.

Utilize free, ad-supported services

Add some entertainment variety with free, ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee. They offer a decent amount of content without any subscription fees.

Compare prices and plans

Here's a quick overview of some popular streaming services and their plans:

Maintain a budget chart

To keep track of your streaming expenses, create a simple chart or spreadsheet. Here's an example of how you can organize it.
 

Balancing your subscriptions with your budget and viewing habits is key. By being strategic about your streaming services, you can enjoy a wide range of content without overspending.

Venu Sports: New Live TV Sports Streaming

Launching this fall, Venu Sports aims to transform live sports streaming by consolidating major networks like FOX, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. For $42.99 per month after a seven-day free trial, you can catch NFL, NBA, MLB, and NCAA games on channels like ESPN, ABC, TNT, and FS1. However, note that it won't include NFL games on CBS or NBC. It's a promising alternative to traditional cable sports packages.

The prices shown are as of Aug 2, 2024, and sourced from various websites and may vary based on location, availability, and time. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, prices are subject to change and may not reflect the most current rates. Please verify prices with the respective providers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.