According to a recent study, the average American household spends $64 per month on internet service. If you’re looking to reduce that cost, here are some ways to do that.
Most internet service providers allow you to rent their equipment. While that certainly makes things easier, it’s not cost-effective. If your provider is charging you $10 per month to rent its modem and router, you’re looking at $120 per year. You can buy a router and modem for roughly the same cost, and never pay another cent going forward.
If you’re paying for the fastest speed, consider whether you really need it. For most things — like streaming and regular internet use — you only need speeds between 20-30 Mbs. If you’re paying for something higher than that, consider reducing your speeds. You could save around $20 per month.
As USA Today suggests, it never hurts to contact your internet service provider to see if you can negotiate a lower bill. Be prepared to cite a lower deal from a competitor. That usually gets things in motion quickly.
If you have cable and internet, try searching for a company that offers both. Companies often offer a deal to consumers who bundle services together. You could save between $10-$20 per month.
Need help managing your budget? As a member of MVCU, you have access to free financial counseling through GreenPath Financial Wellness.