5 Ways to Fight Back

You cut the cord to save money, right? That was the promise. But look at your credit card statement right now. If you’re subscribing to Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, you’re probably paying just as much as you did for old-school cable.

Netflix is the king of the slow bleed. It just raised prices across the board again. According to the Los Angeles Times, the premium plan is now a staggering $26.99 a month, and even the ad-supported tier jumped to $8.99.

That’s over $320 a year for the premium tier just to watch television. And let’s be honest, half the time you’re just scrolling the menu for 40 minutes before falling asleep.

It’s time to stop bleeding cash. Here’s exactly how you fight back against the streaming giants.

1. Downgrade to the ad tier

I know you hate commercials. We all do. But you have to ask yourself if skipping a few ads is worth paying more than double the price. Netflix’s standard plan with ads is now $8.99 a month, compared to its ad-free options that cost significantly more.

If you’re trying to figure out where all your money is going every month, dropping your tier is the easiest first step. You can see exactly how they stack up against the competition in this breakdown of “The 8 Most Popular Streaming TV Services — Ranked From Least to Most Expensive.”

2. Embrace the rotation method

You don’t need access to every streaming library 365 days a year. It’s a waste of money. If you only watch Netflix for a specific show, buy it for the month the new season drops, binge it, and cancel.

Rotate your subscriptions. Pay for HBO Max in October, Hulu in November, and Netflix in December. You need to beat the streaming subscription squeeze by making smart, deliberate choices. The streaming companies make their billions banking on your laziness. Don’t let them.

3. Ditch the apps for your local library

If you’re paying full price for individual services, you’re doing it wrong. Your local library card gives you access to a goldmine of free entertainment through apps like Hoopla and Kanopy.

It’s a brilliant way to save money on movies, music, and more. Before you pay Netflix directly, audit your local library’s digital offerings and start watching for free.

4. Purge the freeloaders

Netflix already cracked down on password sharing, making it difficult to split an account across multiple households without paying extra fees. In fact, if you want to understand all the loopholes and rules, check out “All the Netflix Password-Sharing Policies, Explained.”

If you’re the one holding the primary account, check your settings right now. You might be paying an extra monthly fee for a sibling or an ex-roommate who is perfectly capable of buying their own subscription. Cut them loose. It’s your money, not a charity.

5. Track your usage ruthlessly

I want you to track exactly how many hours you actually watch Netflix this month. If it’s less than 10 hours, you’re paying a premium hourly rate for background noise. You’re probably wasting over $100 a month without realizing it, so audit your bank and credit card statements immediately. Cancel the service.

You can always turn it back on in three minutes if you actually miss it. You’re never locked in, so stop acting like you are. Take control of your subscriptions before they take control of you.