What Is the Best Advice For a Cord Cutter?
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.
TV Answer Man, I am 83 years old and I have had cable forever. But I am thinking of getting rid of it to save money and start streaming. Do you have any advice for people like myself who want to cut the cord as they say? – Sue, town withheld.
Sue, I am often asked for advice on whether to drop a traditional pay TV cable or satellite TV and subscribe to less expensive streaming service such as YouTube TV which has a similar channel lineup as cable and satellite. Here is the best advice for a cord cutter.
Don’t Cut the Cord Yet
That’s right. Before you cancel your cable or satellite plan, you need to do some research to determine if this is really the best decision for you. This could save you the trouble of having to resubscribing to cable or satellite if you don’t like streaming after switching.
Best Advice For a Cord Cutter – 3 Steps to Take
1. Closely Examine Your Pay TV service. Which channels do you watch the most and feel that you can’t do without. Then, research whether those channels are available on a multi-channel live streaming service such as YouTube TV or DIRECTV streaming. If so, dropping your traditional pay TV service might be for you. If not, you might regret cutting the cord.
2. Determine If You Would Lose Favored Features. Your cable or satellite service might offer certain features, such as 4K programming or price benefits if you bundle with a cable Internet plan. You need to determine if you can get those perks on streaming, or if you can do without them.
3. Sign Up for a Free Trial. Fubo, YouTube TV and DIRECTV streaming offer free trials, usually five or seven days. This is a great way to check out a multi channel streamer without spending a dime. With the free trial, you can also keep your current cable or satellite subscription while you are watching the streaming service. After the free trial is over, you can then sign up for the streamer if you like it and then cancel your cable/satellite sub. I would encourage you to use the free trial for all three streamers mentioned above. After using all three, you should know which one you like the most and whether you would be happy with it over your current traditional pay TV sub.
Note that the free trials are usually available to new customers so if you have used one before, it might not be available this time. Also, be sure to cancel prior to the end of the free trial period or you will be billed for the first month. Of course, if you want to stay with that service, and allow billing to begin, that’s fine.
Sue, I hope this helps answer your question. Happy viewing and stay safe.
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Phillip Swann
Who Is The TV Answer Man?
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
