Photo by Reim Nomm
In this post, I will describe how I eliminated over $120 in monthly bills while receiving more content using technology… and some convincing begging.
After budgeting in my first apartment, I realized that a hefty sum would go towards monthly entertainment bills – mainly television and internet. Even if I wanted the bare minimum ‘value package’ of internet and television, I would be paying at least $120, not including reoccurring fees. This equates to well over $1,500 (inc. fees) being spent on an annual basis.
In the past, the only option was to either pay for content or live in the stone age. Being a fun-loving social biped, I wanted to have access to content not only for myself, but my friends as well – and last time I checked, PBS doesn’t show the Steelers.
Luckily, technology has changed the rules and platforms of entertainment. This is perfect for a cheap-yet-content-spoiled 24 year old. I looked for alternative solutions. Here are my findings:
1. Get a wifi signal – I share mine with the people who live below. Most people are willing to do this, especially if you offer to chip in. Luckily enough, the tenants below didn’t accept money as I provided the router.
2. Share a Netflix – This service is badass and is what I now use 90% of the time for TV entertainment. Someone you know has to have this service. You don’t care about the DVDs through the mail. All you want is access to their account so that can stream unlimited content anytime from the Netflix site. This means movies, complete show seasons – all without commercials and individual fees. If you can’t get someone to share their service, it is definitely well worth the $9 monthly subscription fee.
3. Hulu – Hulu is a website offering streaming video of TV shows and movies from NBC, Fox, ABC, and many other networks and studios for free. Shows are normally updated the following day. The only downside is that there are brief commercials during shows.
4. Get a Slingbox and beg – Slingbox allows you to watch and control a TV source (this includes DVR, On-Demand, etc.) from anywhere in the world on your laptop or mobile phone. Most homes have multiple TVs – often with many hardly seeing any use. Now for the begging… Ask a friend or family member if you can use a TV they do not use often (A big thanks to my sister). Or you could negotiate compensation ($10 a month is much better than $120). I found the Slingbox Solo on sale for $120, otherwise it retails for about $160.
5. Hook a laptop up to your television – This is simple. Just hook up the audio and video into the TV using whatever means possible, e.g. S-Video, VGA, etc. Use either a wireless PC remote of a wireless keyboard/mouse combo to control it from the couch, both of which can be found for less than $15.
This is my setup. I pay exactly $0 in monthly bills for endlessly rich content whenever I want it. Not bad.
Mooch off loved ones – save some cash and receive more content. Enjoy.
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