Cut the Cord, Not the Content: Your Guide to Saving on Streaming Services

Keep the shows you love without the high monthly bills

1/13/26

4 min. read

Cord cutting initially began as a way to save money, but the margin between cable and subscription costs is becoming increasingly thin. Nearly half of Americans say they pay too much for streaming, with rising subscription fees, premium add-ons, and endless “must-watch” shows eating away at savings.

U.S. streaming subscribers now pay for an average of four services totaling about $69 per month, a 13% increase from last year. A single subscription like Netflix or Disney+ may not seem expensive—but stack several platforms plus add-ons for ad-free or live TV, and affordability quickly disappears. This guide will show you how to enjoy your favorite entertainment without overspending.

WorkMoney put together a guide on how you can save on your subscription services.

Image shows the average monthly spend on subscription fees is $69 dollars.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Subscriptions
The first step to lowering your bill is simply knowing where your money is going. Create a quick list of every streaming service you currently subscribe to, including any add-ons. Tools like Rocket Money can automatically track and flag recurring charges you may have forgotten about. For a manual check, scan your credit card or PayPal statements from the last few months.
Don’t forget to include services you share with friends or family—these count toward your overall streaming costs and should factor into which subscriptions you keep or cut.

Step 2: See What Discounts You Have Access To

Once you know which streaming services you currently subscribe to, the next step is to see where you can make changes to save money. Start by checking where you may have available discounts through your phone provider. Below is a breakdown of which providers include free or discounted subscriptions for their customers, depending on the plan you select.

Phone Provider	Streaming Discounts Available
Verizon	Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Some plans also offer Apple One, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage, as well as Netflix and HBO Max
T-Mobile	Receive Hulu (With Ads), Netflix Standard with ads, and Apple TV+ while you maintain a qualifying premium line in good standing
AT&T	HBO Max

If you’re a student, teacher, or military member, you may also qualify for special discounts on popular streaming platforms.

Step 3: Check for Free or Low‑Cost Alternatives
You don’t have to give up all your good shows to save money. Many free, ad-supported streaming services now offer thousands of movies and TV episodes without a monthly bill. Platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee, and Peacock’s free tier let you stream for free. The only catch? You see a few ads, similar to regular TV.
Your public library can also be a hidden gem for free streaming. Many library systems offer access to apps like Kanopy and Hoopla, where you can watch movies, documentaries, and even kids’ shows with your library card.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Hardware
How you stream matters just as much as what you stream. Smart TVs and devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Apple TV not only give you more flexibility, but they can also influence your streaming costs. These devices can range from budget-friendly to over $100. It’s important to weigh your different hardware options and choose what is best for your situation.
Your Wi‑Fi connection matters too. If your internet is slow or your Wi‑Fi signal is weak, you might end up paying for faster plans you don’t actually need. Compare provider options to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your streaming needs. If you keep your current plan, small adjustments—like moving your router, connecting directly via Ethernet, or optimizing Wi‑Fi settings—can improve streaming quality without increasing costs.
If you need help with your internet bill, EveryoneOn can help you get connected for less.
Step 5: Determine What Is Worth Keeping
Now that you have your list of current subscriptions, potential discounts, and free options, it’s time to decide what you want to keep vs what you can cut to save money. Things to consider:
1. The Ads May Be Worth It: Ad-supported tiers can be a smart way to save. Many services, like Hulu and Paramount+, offer lower‑cost plans that include ads. If you don’t mind short commercial breaks, these plans can significantly reduce your monthly bill without sacrificing access to most content.
2. Rotate Your Subscriptions: A seasonal strategy might be key. Instead of juggling five subscriptions at once, try rotating one or two services each month based on what you’re watching. To make this easier, keep a “watchlist calendar” with upcoming releases so you know when to sign up and cancel. Match your billing choice to your viewing habits so you’re not paying for entertainment you’re not using.
3. Sharing Is Caring: If you have friends or family who use the same services, consider splitting the cost with them. Many people find that pooling resources makes premium streaming far more affordable. Be sure to follow the sharing rules outlined by each streaming service.

Conclusion: Watch Smarter, Spend Less

Cutting the cord doesn’t have to mean cutting out content. By auditing subscriptions, rotating services, leveraging free and low‑cost options, and thinking strategically about billing, you can enjoy all your favorite shows and movies without a bloated bill. Keep track of your streaming habits by reviewing your subscription chart every few months to ensure you’re still getting value for your money.

The bottom line: stay aware of trends, check your subscriptions regularly, and adapt your strategy. That way, you’ll keep enjoying the shows you love without overspending.

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About the Author

Brett Holzhauer

Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) who has reported for outlets like CNBC Select, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, UpgradedPoints, MoneyGeek and more throughout his career. He is an alum of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State. When he is not reporting, Brett is likely watching college football or traveling.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Subscriptions

Step 2: See What Discounts You Have Access To

Step 3: Check for Free or Low‑Cost Alternatives

Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Hardware

Step 5: Determine What Is Worth Keeping

Conclusion: Watch Smarter, Spend Less

Was this information helpful?

About the Author

How to Lower Your Phone Bill

Save on heating and cooling

Internet savings from EveryoneOn

Save on heating and cooling

Internet savings from EveryoneOn

Step 1: Audit Your Current Subscriptions

Step 2: See What Discounts You Have Access To

Step 3: Check for Free or Low‑Cost Alternatives

Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Hardware

Step 5: Determine What Is Worth Keeping

How to Lower Your Phone Bill