Keeping up with the latest TV series nowadays seems like you need subscriptions to all the streaming platforms. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to watch all your favorite shows and movies. If all your money’s going down the tube, you’ll want to read this.
Why You Should Get a Handle on Your Streaming
Spending all your cash and maxing out credit cards is hard on your budget. It leaves you with zero wiggle room, which can be a big problem in an emergency.
With your money tied up, you may not have any leftover to pay for unexpected doctor’s fees when you need to see a physician about a nasty cough.
If you can’t postpone your expense until the next payday, you may apply for a loan online. There are easy online loans that let you know if you qualify in a matter of minutes, making them ideal when you need money urgently.
The online loans specialists at MoneyKey recommend comparing the rates and terms thoroughly to ensure you’re getting the best possible option for your needs. But no matter what deal you get on interest or finance charges, you’re still paying these fees on top of the purchase you apply to your line of credit.
At the end of the day, you’re paying more for an emergency than if you could pay for it out of pocket.
How to Save Money Without Pulling the Plug
Does this mean you should forget about watching Loki as it rolls out on Disney+ and kiss watching the latest blockbusters goodbye? Not necessarily! Here are four tips for keeping up with your favorite streaming shows movies without spending money.
1. Share Streaming Accounts
Ask around, and you’ll find most of your friends and family have accounts for the same streaming services as you do. Talk to them about sharing these services. If you pay for Prime while they cover Netflix, you gain access to both streaming catalogues for the price of one!
2. Consolidate Your Accounts
Although you may have all the streaming services, you might not need all the streaming services. Take an honest look at your viewing history to see if you genuinely use every account consistently every week. If you watch movies and tv primarily through Hulu, saying goodbye to Netflix may be less painful than you think.
3. Replace Them with Free (and Totally Legal) Streaming Services
Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO want you to think their streaming services are the only way you can watch TV without cable. But that’s simply false. There are a lot of streaming services that broadcast tv shows and movies, at zero cost. At most, some require you to input your zip code to make sure you can access their catalogue.
- IMDB TV
- Peacock TV
- PlutoTV
- Sony Crackle
- Tubi
4. Visit Your Library
Your nearest library branch isn’t just a source of books and public computers. Depending on your city, it may also have partnerships with media apps. Plenty of libraries across the country allow their patrons access to streaming apps below.
- Hoopla
- Kanopy
- Overdrive
Bottom Line
You don’t have to stream all your money away. Follow these tips before you start up the popcorn and settle onto the couch for some guilt-free watching.
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