Who doesn’t love saving extra money on expensive, but often necessary, expenditures like internet services? Are you satisfied with your internet service provider, but not your bill? Maybe it’s time to switch your plan or you can try these simple hacks to lower your internet bill:
Buy Your Own Internet Hardware
You can save some cash by buying your own modem and router, instead of renting your hardware. The cost of renting a provider’s equipment can range anywhere between $10 and $15 on a monthly basis. If you plan to stay with your internet provider for even two years, the yearly cost of the equipment would range between $240 and $360. Top-rated modems and routers are available for less than $200. Now imagine the amount of money you can save with this one-time investment.
Lower Your Internet Speed
With multiple internet companies competing in the market, many providers offer plans that promise download speeds of 100 Mbps or more. These offers may seem tempting, but do you really need such high-speed internet plans? Reducing your internet speed can help you save some cash depending on your carrier. A basic plan with 10 to 18 Mbps speed is sufficient for 1-3 devices to perform online activities like checking emails, web browsing, and HD video streaming. While 40 to 70Mbps is required for 4-7 devices to perform the basic activities, along with HD video conferencing and online gaming.
Negotiate Your Bill with The Provider
You don’t need to be a bargaining expert to negotiate with your internet provider. Spend some time in researching promotional prices offered by competitors and use that as your back up to get the best deal from a provider. You can also threaten your provider to cancel your service and switch to a different company. Of course, be polite (yet firm) whenever you have this conversation.
Try Bundling Your Services
Consider bundling your cable and internet service, as that can help you save over $1000 in about two years, depending on your carrier. When you opt for such bundle plans, carriers may try to sell certain add-ons that are priced anywhere between $5 and $10 per month. Although it may be a tempting offer, do not take it, as in the long run, you may end up spending more than what you’ll save.
Get a Cheap Internet Service
If you want to maintain an internet connection and save money, consider downgrading your plan to the bare minimum. A limited-data plan is sufficient for activities like checking your emails and browning the web, but not for streaming videos and gaming. Cutting down your monthly internet bill by $10 to $20 or more can help you sustain your budget and provide a great head start on building your emergency fund.
