8 Tips to Help Seniors Save Money on Internet and Cable Bills
Most people who are 65-and-up are accustomed to simple cable and internet plans. Such packages generally had straightforward benefits and simple, cost-effective prices. However, with telecommunication technology evolving by the minute, the new plans are not just difficult to understand but also expensive for individuals who have to spend more from their savings or their pension. So, here are eight tips to help seniors save money on their cable or internet bills.
Slice out channels that are never watched
Most people, including seniors, pay for hundreds of tv channels by the month. These channels include multiple avenues such as the news, music, movies, tv shows, sports, and more. However, when one thinks about it, of all the channels a person pays for, they probably watch just a handful of them. So stopping channels that are never or rarely watched can help save quite a bit of money. For example, if a person pays $5 for about 50 unwatched channels, it may not look like much. However, in twelve months, that amount adds up to $60, which could otherwise be saved and spent on other essential utilities.
Negotiate a better deal
An easy and effective method of saving money on internet and cable bills is by speaking directly to the customer service provider. And one can do this either over a call, email, or chat for quick resolutions. For instance, one might pay for an unlimited data plan but use only 20 Gb a month, which means the customer does not need such a plan. They should call up the service provider and negotiate a better deal. The best way to find a plan is by going through past bills and coming up with an average amount of data spent in a month. Paying for only the data used can help save hundreds of dollars over the year.
Pay attention to overage charges
Several customers often come across a situation where there are bizarre internet charges on their monthly bills. It’s only when an inquiry is made that one realizes they’ve gone overboard with the data allotted to them. We recommend speaking to the service provider about setting a data cap on the plan to avoid the fiasco. This way, the customer can receive an alert when they are almost at the end of their current plan. And when the internet is exhausted, the cap will prevent them from using extra, eventually preventing overage charges. Furthermore, an ideal way of using more internet if needed is by adding at least 5 Gb more to what the senior may expect to use in a month. We recommended adding the additional data so that the individual is not helpless in case of an emergency.
Get offers from competitors
There are no limitations to the number of deals from service providers in the country. So if a customer feels like they are overpaying for a package with their current provider, they should look for other options. Chances are they will find a much better deal when they migrate to another company as a new customer. What’s more, most service providers hate to lose customers, especially if they have been with the brand for years. So when the users get a better deal, they must ask their current provider to match the price or make a better offer. This way, the odds may turn in the senior citizen’s favor, and the service provider may offer a discount on the existing plan.
Look for low-income household discounts
There are special internet offers curated for households with low incomes. So if an individual with a low income might be able to save a significant amount on their internet or cable bills, this is possible because the internet is considered a subsidy because of its role in daily life. But they must qualify for the plan to get the appropriate discount. Furthermore., the user should bear in mind that the plans are affordable because they deliver the most basic services.
Reduce unlimited speeds
There’s a possibility that the customer might need an unlimited plan, but not super-fast speeds. One may only require the internet for their smartphone and laptop for casual streaming or basic tasks. In such situations, we recommend speaking to the company about lowering the internet speed to the desired limit. So if a plan costs $50 for a 100 Mbps unlimited plan, they may get the same plan at 50 Mbps speeds for $30 a month. That is a savings of $240 over twelve months.
Jump to satellite
Satellite Tv is lesser known among individuals, but even this technology has evolved over the years. An individual who goes for satellite Tv will only have to install a compact and powerful dish that can deliver a reliable service. This process allows the customer to watch their favorite channels at a much lower price than cable Tv. Furthermore, a user who informs their cable provider about switching to satellite Tv may also be offered retention discounts.
Bag the Seniors’ Discount
Getting a seniors’ discount is probably the most essential thing to do when it comes to saving money as a senior. Multiple major service providers in the country offer discounts to older customers. There is an eligibility criterion where the discounted package is given to individuals between the age of 55 and 65 years old. To check if one qualifies for the offer, they can visit the provider’s website or call in to enquire about the same. Some offers may be available to only AARP membership customers. Here, the annual cost is low, and also offers attractive savings. If used appropriately, the AARP membership dues may pay for themselves multiple times. Such members are also eligible for bonuses and special perks, which accumulate huge savings over thousands of dollars annually.
