How to Save Money on Streaming Services and Avoid Skyrocketing Costs

at your crew actually watches, you can trim the budget without sacrificing your family’s favorite shows — or your sanity. Your wallet will thank you. So might your kids … eventually.

Cutting the cord in 2025 doesn’t have to feel like cutting off the fun. With a little planning and a lot of honesty about what your crew actually watches, you can trim the budget without sacrificing your family’s favorite shows — or your sanity. Your wallet will thank you. So might your kids … eventually.

Before you pay another dime, check out the freebies available. Platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel offer a wide range of movies and shows with limited ads. Yes, there are ads, but they’re not any worse than sitting through the same four commercials during every break on regular TV.

You don’t need to subscribe to every streaming service out there. Instead, pick one or two core services that you actually use and rotate the rest. Try binge-watching for a month, then pause or cancel the subscription. Use free platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel to fill in the gaps.

If you’re missing your local news or weather, consider purchasing a one-time HD antenna for around $30. This will give you access to channels like NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS without any monthly fees. You can also check if your live TV streaming service includes these channels.

To catch live sports, services like FuboTV and Sling offer coverage of various games. ESPN+ provides select games, and league-specific apps like NFL+ and NBA League Pass allow you to watch specific matchups. Plus, many major games still air on network TV, so you can catch them for free with an antenna.

In conclusion, cutting the cord in 2025 can be a budget-friendly move with a little planning and strategy. Evaluate what your household truly watches, make smart choices about your subscriptions, and don’t be afraid to explore free streaming options to save money. Your wallet — and your family — will thank you in the long run.