Consumer Reports: How to save on TV fees

You know everything is more expensive these days, including how much you pay to watch TV. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to slash your streaming bill but find a way to still see your favorite shows,

Consumer Reports shares five tips.

1. Become a service hopper

You can become a service hopper, subscribing to a service, binging on all the shows you want to watch, and then canceling.

There are apps and websites like JustWatch and Reelgood that keep track of the shows and movies you want to see and let you know when they become available on the streaming services you use.

2. Opt of a cheaper tier

Consider a cheaper tier. Not long ago, streaming services offered only one price option. Now, many companies have added cheaper plans. Shows may come with commercials, but you’ll pay less.

For example, Disney+ Premium is $13.99 a month. The basic plan is nearly half that at $7.99 a month.

3. Manage your current subscriptions

To keep track of all your streaming subscriptions, consider moving them to one credit card.

4. Do monthly cost analysis

Each month, review every service you’re paying for and determine whether you’re still using it enough to justify the cost.

This can also help you catch any price hikes.

5. Use free streaming services

You can save the most by using a free streaming service, like Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, or Tubi.

These services have classic shows and movies, plus some original content too. In exchange for watching, though, you’ll have to put up with ads.

Share log-ins while you still can. Most services control account sharing to some degree by limiting the number of people who can access the service at any one time.