Internet, TV, and phone

[Opti]

I need to cut costs on Internet. TV, and phone. My cable bill is outrageous nearing $200 a month for basic TV, Internet (I think 300 M) and VOIP phone with nothing extra. Unfortunately my landlord did not allow Verizon to do an upgrade in the complex so it is a one stop option if you want internet.

The provider has a history of shutting things down quickly and leaving only the VOIP phone active if I am behind by two weeks. Sometimes I need to steal from that pocket for car repairs or medical bills, so it will happen in the future unless I make more or shave this expense down enough. I also have a cellphone which is currently a paid for iPhone on T-Mobile. My plan is to try Mint, however now I am concerned it might be a problem at work. We have to do two step authentications repeatedly throughout the day using our cellphones. We are not paid anything at all for them requiring this of us. I think like many places, it is assumed everyone has cellphones and at a certain level of functionality. So, I might have to back out Mint if I cannot get it to do the multiple times a day two step auth. I understand Mint is on the T-Mobile network however I know from my telephony days they would rank under T-Mobile in priority.

So I would like to hear how posters manage their Internet, TV, and phone bills. 

[daisylu]

I live rural and my only internet options dialup, cell, or systems that cater to RVs (also cell, but more reliable). I chose Nomad for internet. It is a plug in unit that I can take anywhere,  for $99/ month. Unlimited internet.  I work from home and we stream TV and music and it works great for us. Our cells are AT&T. Where we live we have 2 options for good cell service. Both are expensive, but I prefer AT&T for their costumer service. Currently 3 cell phones with unlimited internet and a home unit for the landline that also includes home internet for $256/ month. Which reminds me that I need to look into lowering that internet as it is only used up in backup situations, so we do not need such a high plan. 

Having good internet options increases your options for other things. Our trade off is that our mortgage is low, and almost paid off, taxes are low here, and we don't have neighbors up our a**. So we can afford other options in order to keep our quality of life. 

If you have decent internet on your cell,  I'd suggest a cheap Roku unit or Google Chrome cast unit. Both allow you to cast your phone to your tv.

[jerseygirl]

Call your internet provider and tell them you can’t afford it. Tell them new lower paying job. Usually company will rummage around and offer a discount for a year.

[pooks]

We have a business account for our internet, because DH works from home.  That is pricey at $95 a month, but it is fast and unlimited.  No cable or landline.  Cell phones for 3 are $78, unlimited phone and text, but pretty low data caps.   Streaming services are currently $56 (yearly subscriptions included as per month cost) .  Total for all $229.