I'm agonizing over this...please help

[Dave'sGirl]

Today is the last billing day for my internet connection. I am thinking of turning it off before the end of the day. I don't want to, but I do nothing productive with it at all. It costs me $65 a month just to play at a few forum sites an hour a day, on weekends I find myself wasting time on it. I could really use the $65 for spending money. I know I'll have to pay $175 to close it early, but that's still cheaper than keeping it.

Where I live, this is the only option. Our satalite doesn't connect because our phone won't connect DSL and cable won't run out here. I had dial-up....EXCRUCIATINGLY S L O O O O W...

So, I turn this off, there really isn't another option, just go to a WI FI place with my laptop occasionally, or library.

Please tell me it's the right thing to do,

[CrazyHomemaker]

Only you can decide what you need to do with your finances. Think it over, weigh your options. You obviously have options. You can also get a stray signal on a park bench! If you decide to close the internet, talk to the rep and tell them you have financial problems and see if they can cut a deal with the early disconnect fee. Don't be afraid to ask if the fee could be waived 100%. If you don't ask, you won't get! If the rep won't help you, then ask for his/her manager. Call a couple of times, it may take that. Do what you think is right for you. Good Luck.

[missyali]

I, too have contemplated this, but it is truly my entertainment. I do not go out to dinner or movies. My hobbies are productive ones; gardening, sewing, crocheting and such. So that's how I justify keeping this expense. But, for the price of a cup of coffee to use someone else's wi-fi or if going to the library is tolerable for you, I say do it. Sorry I wasn't much help.

[Momto2Boyz]

I say, if it is feasable for you to get it for free, then do it that way! We contemplated the same thing last summer. But with 4 of us using the computer, it was worth the money to have it here, then for all of us to try to find time to head to the library or somewhere with wifi. But if you can do it, then save yourself the money!

[ladykemma2]

can you go back to 20 dollar dial up for the few minutes you actually need internet?

[Landscape25]

I had dial up but cancelled my home phone and now my internet will be less than phone and dial-up together. For me, living without internet would be difficult, but I would live. If you don't use it that much, get rid of it. If you have t.v. service you could maybe cut back on that or get rid of it and get a converter box, if needed, and keep the internet. I would not be happy paying $65/month either.

[2ndGenGranola]

That is completely up to you. I could not do it. It is my primary entertainment - plus the kids use the Internet for homeschool.

There is a usage governor program you can put on the computer to shut it down at certain times. You could schedule your work times and your computer times and let someone you trust set the password for you.

[MomToTwoBoys]

I say if you can get it for free somewheres else, go for it. It's entirely up to you.

[Debbie-cat]

If you feel you need the $65 more for other things and you can get it for free from the library and you don't use it that much, I would say cut it off. A while back DH wanted to cut ours off but DH, DS and myself each have our own computers and they are our entertainment. We don't go out or do anything else so I feel it is justified.

[kellieetter]

I got rid of mine and I am so happy I did! I am saving money that can go other places!! I use my comp at work or at family's houses when I stop by!!

[tigo]

We find wi-fi spots every where. The library usually has more open computers in the morning. We went without home internet for years but finally got a connection at home when the kids started homeschooling for high school.

[Dave'sGirl]

My problem is that I'm putting so much towards the mortgage and so much to my retirement plan that I've left myself little money for play. I thought I'd feel ok about spending most of my 'play' money on internet but there are so many other things I'd like. That doesn't mean I don't want the internet though...gaaa!

Thanks for the input. Maybe I'll look into dial up again...I just hate dealing with Verizon!!!

[lotsadebt]

We also have verizon. I just bundled all our cell phone/internet lines. Got rid of the house land line and converted it to a cell, ( I was able to take the number, crucial since DS just learned his home phone number.)
One line on the plan is for a broadband USB key. Fast connections/downloads. No dialup fee. Savings of the bundle plan is $50 a month.
Maybe an option for you.

[WV_mom_of2]

I have dial up with Ntelos. It's only 14.00 a month! I would try going back to dial up to save money for a while, then if you still need to cut it off you can.

[pryor208]

It can't hurt to try to go without it at home, just using the free wi-fi spots. If you find out that you simply can't make it without the internet, even after trying to do anything else to stay busy, then hook it back up.