What to cancel

**Shelli_wnj** · 06-18-2009, 10:26 AM

I have both internet and cable. it seems like a waste to me to have both, especially when we are having trouble making ends meet some months. I actually dont know if I can cancel the cable yet, I don't remember when I got the cable and I had to sign a 2 year contract. That's one reason I am having a hard time deciding what and whether to cancel. If we ever want to get them back, we would have to sign new contracts (bad reason, right?!)
So if you had to decide, would you cancel internet, cable or both?

Another thought. I have a cell phone as our only phone. I had thought of getting a magic jack as a primary phone and using the cell only when we're out. Then I could lower the cell bill by around $20 a month. The internet is $40 a month, the cable is $30 a month. I have so many emotions regarding all of it, I am having a hard time figuring all of this out. Does that make sense?
Thanks for any (kind) advice!

**MommyBliss** · 06-18-2009, 10:36 AM

That is really a hard choice, I'm sorry you have to make it. I would just keep the phone the way it is, because I've heard magic jack can be unreliable. I personally would give up cable before internet.

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-18-2009, 10:49 AM

Are you sure you have to have a contract for the cable? It costs a few more dollars per month, but we don't, and can cancel at any time.

Can you watch any of your favorite shows on hulu.com? Redbox movies? I think shows have gone into reruns for the summer anyway...

**ladykemma2** · 06-18-2009, 10:54 AM

when it comes time to turn it back on ATT UVerse is "month to month"

**ladykemma2** · 06-18-2009, 10:58 AM

cable is not necessary for life, health or safety. you will find a way to live without it. i turned mine off for two years while i paid my divorce debt and rebuilt my life and my emergency fund. i will tell you i had a good cry the day i returned the boxes and it was not easy. i cussed the exhusband all the way to the cable place.

i had to have internet for my job so, for me, turning it off was not an option.

after i financially stbilized, i turned it back on, and like the poster below me, it is a blessing now. i am really enjoying it.

**kmonokwe** · 06-18-2009, 11:08 AM

It is a hard decision, Shellie, and I can tell you really want to make the RIGHT decision. The thing is, the best decision right now is one you've already made - and that is the decision to make a change.

Personally: I lived without cable as a kid, my parents finally gave in to cable when I was in highschool, and they were totally sucked into it. It kindof weirded me out, actually, how dedicated they were to the world of tv programming. All the while talking about how nothing good is ever on, haha. Anyway, went to college and never had a tv (no money!). Graduated from college a year ago, and still don't have cable. I'm a SAHW, and have a LOT of time on my hands - but tv is the last thing on my mind. To me, it honestly feels like a waste of time.

I don't mean to project any of that on you - just explaining where I come from. It seems obvious now for me to say that I would cancel the cable and keep the internet. If you feel the need to do both - do both! And don't forget this: NOTHING is permanent!!! If you need to cut cable and internet for a couple of months, do it! Forget the entire contract business - you can find affordable service without a contract, and when the time comes that you can afford it again, it will be a joy, rather than the symbol of guilt that it is now.

**lunarstar9** · 06-18-2009, 11:14 AM

Maybe you could even put cable on vacation hold for a few months. That way you could reevaulate your finances down the line and make the decision then.

**cheles2kids** · 06-18-2009, 11:15 AM

I'd cancel cable.

I love my internet and although we pay for dsl, the money that it has saved me researching & finding cheaper solutions to things has helped me to balance out the cost. Or at least in my mind it has.

If there are any shows that you enjoy now on cable, you can watch them all on hulu.com and as for local channels you should be able to get a digital converter box to cover those, for local news and such.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-18-2009, 11:17 AM

I'd cut what you don't use a whole lot of. Our house uses both cable and internet, plus the phone has unlimited long distance on it and we need that for the alarm system as well. If you're having trouble making ends meet, I'd look at what you can really live without that you can get elsewheres for free.

If it's a matter of watching TV and getting shows you like to watch, you can get those online through the major networks' websites and Hulu.

**Shelli_wnj** · 06-18-2009, 11:30 AM

I just found out that our cable contract is not up until DECEMBER!!! Grrrrrr. I am not sure about giving up the internet - I know I will want it back when we cancel the cable, For some reason I feel like we need one or the other. Convince me otherwise, please? LOL I really just don't know what to do. I feel like I SHOULD get rid of the 'net but don't want to. I keep justifying it, for research, or because I want to start selling stuff, etc. But I can do the research at the library and I havent started selling. I wish we could lower the cell w/o another service, but hubby uses it for work so we would go over minutes. thanks for letting me think this out with you!!!

**ladykemma2** · 06-18-2009, 11:33 AM

well, i would feel really isolated without the internet. it helped me in my divorce journey, in my frugality and simplicity journey. i think it is money well spent.

**Preston** · 06-18-2009, 11:39 AM

Cable is an easy choice to cut if you are on a tight budget - but I would make sure there is no contract.

The internet has its uses as well and you can use it to shop around and make sure you are getting a good price. You can also use it to sell things on craigslist.... so it can pay for itself that way... however, you may be able to get a cheaper package if you shop around.

I have never had cable since moving out of my parents house. They have cable and they are sucked into it and it bothers me. I think watching TV is waste of time... and I won't pay for that.

How much is your cell plan? If you are not in contract you may be able to find a similar plan at a cheaper price and possibly add an extra phone in the process. There is no reason to have a land line unless your a business, IMO.

We just bought a house and the previous owners left about 5 phones throughout the house (which they obviously won't need) and those will be sold on craigslist. or whenever I get around to having a garage sale.

If money is really tight and you have a laptop computer you can always cancel the internet too and use wifi at a local library. It is less convenient.. but $70 a month on a tight budget for cable and internet (plus fees) can put some strain on it.

**Preston** · 06-18-2009, 11:40 AM

If your husband goes over minutes UPGRADE YOU PLAN IT IS CHEAPER.

**Debbie-cat** · 06-18-2009, 11:41 AM

My cable contract isn't up until February 2010 and it will definitely be cancelled. I would rather have the internet than cable anyday!

**i.m.cheap** · 06-18-2009, 11:51 AM

Could you have a yard sale to raise enough money to pay the cable through December, and then cancel it? I could not stand to lose the internet, it is my lifeline.

I don't know if you use coupons, but I have found the household/grocery budget is the easiest place to trim dollars from our budget. I even hold "coupon classes" to teach others about couponing and stockpiling. I have reduced our spending in this area by more than $300 a month. The funny thing is we have so much MORE food in the house now that I spend HALF as much! I give quite a bit of our surplus to friends, family, and the local food bank.