Day 14: Save on Internet Services

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

This post is part of the 31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses series. Visit this page for even more ways to slash costs and eliminate unnecessary spending! 

Say goodbye to sky-high internet services and learn how to take advantage of better rates!

The internet has come a long way since the first introduction of the world wide web, and I, for one, am super thankful for it’s existence. Otherwise, I’d be out of a job rather quickly!

We end up paying for our internet as a separate bill {since we don’t have a cable package}, but still try to be pretty judicious with the cost. This might mean things like sacrificing speed or quality, but with the presence of free wi-fi practically everywhere, I can always pop into the local library if I need a change of scenery.

Whether you pay for internet in a bundled package or a separate bill like ours, here are 5 ideas you can try to slash internet costs while still enjoying all the luxuries of current technology!

How to Save on Internet Services:

1. Bundle Up – See if you can get a better deal by combining your internet with a cable or phone package, but read the fine print and do the math before you commit. Sure, you might get an awesome price for the type of service the company is offering you, but do you really need to pay extra for 500 channels and a landline you’ll never use? You have to make that call.

2. Negotiate with Your Internet Provider – Again, similar to cable, a phone call to your internet company is a great way to haggle yourself a lower cost. See if you can jump in on any new customer promotions for a set time period. Just make sure to keep track of when the discount expires, so you can call again and make another case!

3. Shop Around – After you’ve been with a company for some time, you will most likely see a price hike or two. Don’t be afraid to shop around and grab your internet through someone else. If you don’t need incredibly fast internet, DSL is still a legitimate option, and is faster today than it was 10 years ago. DSLExtreme, Juno, and Netzero might be low quality, but they have super low rates. There is also a low-income internet service through Comcast that you might be eligible for as well.

4. Buy Your Own Modem – Quite a few companies will let you “rent” their modem for a set monthly fee. Don’t ever do this! {And if you already have, see if you can get rid of that option ASAP.} Even though a modem might cost between $60 and $100 to start, your internet company is going to make a killing after a specific time has passed. Make this investment now, so you can save later, but be sure to consult with your provider before making any purchase. Most companies list exactly what kind of modem you need right on their website.

5. Stop Paying for It – As with cable, internet is not a necessity, and if the budget is tight, consider turning it off and jumping on a wi-fi connection when you need access. Local eating establishments, libraries, and even community parks have hotspots that are open to public use. You can also use your phone as an internet hot-spot as long as you’re not watching movies or downloading an insane amount of data. Always be sure to check with your phone provider so you don’t rack up extra fees and charges, and turn off your “spot” when you’re finished to conserve battery and the cost.

Today’s Challenge:

Research 2-3 internet providers to compare rates, then schedule a time this week to call your own company and negotiate a better deal. If they’re not willing to play ball, strongly consider finding another alternative! Let me know how the conversation goes in the comments below, or tweet @KalynBr00ke using the hashtag #ReduceYourExpenses.

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Was this post helpful? Please consider sharing the love!

3 Comments

  1. We don’t have cable or satellite TV or a home phone so to bundle doesn’t work for us. We have satalite internet. It is just as fast as Comcast was and only 1/2 the price. Plus I don’t have to worry about the price increasing after 2 years are up. There is also no contract.

  2. I have really been enjoying this series! Internet is a touchy subject in my house… it’s an expense we cannot live without, yet I nearly choke each month as I pay the bill. And I guess that’s why ISP’s can get away with charging so much – they know we, the consumer, simply refuse in most cases to live without it 🙁

    1. So glad you are enjoying it, Shannon! The internet is a tough one here too, and you are so right about overcharging! We have gotten so used to having everything at our fingertips, that it’s hard to imagine a life without the convenience of internet.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *