Stop Overpaying: 6 Ways To Cut Your Phone and Cable Bills in Half Starting Today
Sure you love your smartphone, but you might be spending a small fortune on it each year. A $100 monthly cell phone contract adds up to $1,200 each year. That's a whopping $12,000 a decade.
Cable television bills are nothing to laugh about, either. Roughly half of American households with televisions reportedly still pay for cable TV, even though cheaper alternatives exist. And, according to Pew Research Center, 28% of Americans both subscribe to cable or satellite TV and watch streaming services.
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With all of that in mind, here are six ways to cut your phone and cable bills -- maybe even by as much as 50%.
Problem #1: Your Landline
If you still buy basic landline services, you are likely paying between $15 and $30 per month for something you no longer need. The number of Americans that owned smartphones in 2025 reached 91% and the number is steadily climbing. If you already have solid cell service in your home and workplace, there is no obvious reason to keep paying for a landline.
Solution: Get Rid of It
Cutting that landline might not get you all the way to your savings goals. But remember, when you are trying to reduce your monthly expenses, every little bit counts.
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Problem #2: Your Phone Provider
When it comes to cellphone service, your loyalty could be costing you. In fact, those who stay with one provider too long often wind up overpaying for the privilege. Consumer Reports once surveyed almost 90,000 of its subscribers who had recently switched phone providers. According to the report, almost 50% of the people who switched saved money as a result.
Solution: Switch Phone Providers
We’re not just talking peanuts here. Consumer Reports said many switchers saved $20 or more per month. And, as an added perk, they got better, more reliable coverage, improved customer service and faster data. For best results, stay on top of your cellphone service by knowing what you pay and what you get for it.
Problem #3: Your Cellphone Contract
You might be paying for services you don’t actually need if your cellphone bill is sky high. The newer, no-contract plans from existing companies offer great savings for people who don’t require all the frills. If all that’s important to you is having a reliable, easy-to-use phone, you will likely pay less without a contract.
Solution: Try a Cheaper, No-Contract Plan
Don’t just look at the bigger phone service providers. Check out budget brands like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, Straight Talk and Cricket, which might give you more for less. How much you’ll save depends on what you pay now. But some carriers offer plans for as little as $15 per month.
Problem #4: Your Data Usage
When you select your cellphone coverage, you probably want unlimited talk and text, plus some data. The amount of data you need is a big factor in determining your monthly bill. Data requirements depend on a number of factors. If you have Wi-Fi at home and in the office, you can get away with a lot less data. If you’re a gamer, or regularly stream or download movies or television shows, you’ll likely need more.
Solution: If Possible, Buy a Family Plan and Share Data
Whether you use your phone for a little Wi-Fi here and there or you’re a hardcore gamer or streamer, a family plan in which you split data may be the ticket. Right now, several companies offer four lines of unlimited data for around $100 a month. Buying more and sharing the data often makes more sense than having individual lines, as each additional person gets added on at a reduced rate.
Problem #5: Your Monthly Bill
Your monthly bill is expensive and you might not know how to lower it without switching to a new provider or plan entirely. Having all the relevant information in front of you makes real negotiation about your bill possible.
Solution: Do Your Research and Negotiate
Before calling your current provider, find out the cheapest price available for the services or package you want. You should also try to find a “new customer” rate. The rates listed on the company website might be for existing customers.
If your provider offers a lower possible rate in your area, insist on getting it. If another carrier has a better bargain, use this information to leverage a better deal. If all else fails, you can move your account to a competitor.
Problem #6: Your Cable or Satellite TV Plan
DIRECTV costs typically range from $89.99 to $169.99 (before taxes and regional sports fees) a month, and that requires a 2-year agreement. Other cable TV plans range from approximately $60 to $150 per month, depending on the channel package and location.
In contrast, a Netflix streaming-only subscription starts at $8.99 a month for standard service with ads and goes up to $26.99 a month for the premium option. Under the latter plan, you can stream entertainment on up to four separate devices at the same time, ad-free. There's a $19.99 standard plan that is ad-free, as well.
Streaming services like Netflix, Prime, HBO Max, Apple TV or Disney+ might offer better service for less money than traditional cable channels on television.
Solution: Stream
Compare the prices and the shows you’re getting for your cash if money is tight and you’re paying for multiple services. Then choose which ones to keep and cancel the others.
You can cut your costs even further by sharing one premium plan with family or your closest friends. Is this legal? Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in the past that sharing your password for the streaming service is just fine, though some services have been cracking down on sharing in recent years.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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