THE world of streaming media is constantly evolving and expanding. All you need to enjoy TV shows and movies is a good internet connection and a smart TV or internet-capable device.
And unlike traditional cable, streaming services are typically paid month-to-month and have no cancellation fees. Signing up takes only minutes online, and it’s easy to cancel your subscription or temporarily pause it.
“Today, over 80% of households have one of the top three streaming services: Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime,” says Bruce Leichtman, of Leichtman Research Group, which specializes in research and analysis of the broadband, media and entertainment industries. And lately, the options for streaming live TV, such as live sports, news or events as they broadcast, have been growing. Not only do streaming services offer on-demand video content and a reserve of popular shows and films to tap into whenever you’d like, but you can also watch major broadcast TV events such as the Super Bowl, the Oscars and the Olympics with a live TV streaming plan.
Finding the best sports coverage can still be dicey. Many live TV streaming services ask you to pay for an add-on, such as ESPN+, NFL RedZone, NFL Network, MLB.TV or NHL Network, to get your favorite sports content live.
STREAMING LIVE TV
Cable bills have increased by 52% in the past three years alone, according to CordCutter News.com, averaging about $147 per month. So it comes as no surprise that replacing cable with a streaming service continues to be a popular trend among value-conscious consumers. Cable providers lost about 2,215,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2023, the steepest loss of any previous quarter, according to Leichtman Research Group.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SOLID YEAR FOR THE KIPLINGER 25
All but one of our favorite actively managed, no-load mutual funds gained ground as markets recovered.
YOUR VACATION HOME COULD PROVIDE TAX-FREE INCOME
If you plan to rent out your vacation home, it's important to understand how your proceeds will be taxed.
IT'S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION: YOUR CEREAL BOX IS SHRINKING
To avoid raising prices, some manufacturers are reducing the size of common grocery items. Here’s how to fight back.
SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT BEING LAID OFF? IT DEPENDS ON YOUR INDUSTRY
Downsizing has hit certain sectors. But cutbacks may be slowing, and some companies are expanding.
How identity thieves are exploiting your trust
Con artists themselves are disguising as well-known brands to steal your money and personal information.
CUT THE COST OF YOUR WIRELESS BILL
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon dominate the market, but smaller outfits offer similar network coverage at lower prices.
MAKING HOME ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE
Households in need can get energy-efficiency upgrades, help with utility bills and more from this nonprofit.
A HEAD START FOR SAVERS
The Saver's Credit is designed to help low- and middleincome taxpayers contribute to a retirement account.
Say I Love You With a Money Date
To nurture a lasting bond with your partner, meet regularly to talk about money.
Plan for Your Own Elder Care
AFTER I wrote a series of columns in 2022 about elder care planning for family members, I received a number of responses like this one: “What about married couples who have no children or whose family members don’t live nearby?” wrote one reader. “Or a single individual with no close relatives? How should these people plan for their own elder care?”
