One of the toughest parts of navigating the cost of living today is making sure that we are sufficiently entertained. It’s something that we need not just for our children but for our mental health. This means that most of us feel that all of our streaming packages are non-negotiable and they must be protected at all costs! The problem is that when we have three streaming packages running concurrently, this instantly adds up to a hefty bill at the end of the month. But there are ways around this, so what are the best ways to cut your costs on your TV streaming services and your music ones?
6 Ways to Make Your Subscription Packages Cheaper
This is a collaborative post
Decide Which Ones to Remove
One of the best things that you can do is to cancel the services you’re not using all of the time. You might think that every single one is benefiting the house, but take a good look at the time you spend watching each TV service you subscribe to, and you may find that there is one that takes precedence over others.
Look at the Shows You Watch
This is a great way to figure out which streaming services you use the most. If you tend to watch shows that fall under the HBO Max banner, you might want to learn how to watch HBO Max in UK locations by using a VPN (virtual private network). Because if you find that you are all about a Gilmore Girls binge-watch after a long day, then you are naturally going to gravitate towards Netflix. It can be a very difficult thing to get to grips with, especially if the kids watch most of the TV, but you need to have some understanding of what is going to suit you. For example, some services are better for TV than films and vice versa. So, if you prioritize one over the other, you will be able to reduce the cost while still being able to watch what you want. If you are travelling and want to keep up to date with your favourite shows, you’ll need to use a specific VPN for that country, for example, a vpn for china.
Use Free Trials
One of the best ways to get your streaming for cheap is to use the free trials. Most services have a free 30-day trial, so you can cancel it before it expires to avoid being charged. This is ideal if you want to watch one particular TV show. If you were hanging for the Arnold documentary, all you need to do is get a Netflix subscription and binge-watch for the trial period, so you can get it all for free. You could also cycle between email addresses and other members of the household if you are looking for ways to unlock all of these free trials, but be warned, it can be a pain to keep on top of. As difficult as it may be, sometimes we just need to get a spreadsheet going! This is particularly good if you are trying to unlock free memberships between you and your partner that require different credit or debit cards. It may seem like a hassle, but what would you rather have, a bit of hassle or paying through the nose when you can’t afford to? Whilst you are doing this, you could also check out this list of cosy movies for autumnal nights.
Switch to Cheaper Services
Many streaming services have different levels of subscription. Most famously, Netflix has taken to incorporating adverts for a lower cost. Additionally, if you are paying for HD Netflix, switching to a standard plan is going to save you a decent amount of money every month. Some people are particularly picky when it comes to HD, but if you’re trying to save money over the course of a year, do you necessarily need high definition in your life? If you’re getting Netflix for the kids, they’re not particularly going to notice if something’s in HD or SD!
Find Family Plans
Some services do not allow multiple users at once anymore, and this is where family plans can help save you money over different subscriptions. For example, Spotify has a duo subscription and a premium family package, which covers six premium accounts for £16.99 a month.
Ask for Gift Cards for Birthdays and Christmases
If you are trying to be savvy with your money and you’ve got a birthday coming up, it might be worth asking for a voucher or a gift card. Sometimes the gift cards and vouchers can be bought for less than the actual cost, and some retailers sometimes offer 10% off on sales. So, for example, a £100 gift voucher would be available for £90, meaning you can get a far better subscription package and keep your kids entertained, especially when it comes to those rainy days or if you need some movie inspiration.
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