If asked about my TV viewing habits, I am more than willing to admit that I love watching TV. Like most people I have my favorite shows that I never miss an episode of. So, as someone who is a fan of various TV shows, how can I be an advocate of getting rid of your TV, cable, or satellite services?
The answer is simple. In an age where it is basically necessary to own either a laptop or desktop computer, there really is absolutely no reason to spend money on a TV or the cable/satellite services that tend to come along with it.
Computers and laptops are fantastic and can give you the exact same entertainment value as your television. They A) have a screen similar to your television and B) have access to the Internet. Access to the Internet means access to just about every TV show on air. If you paid for a computer or laptop and are paying for Internet access, why would you spend extra money on a TV and cable or satellite service?
Let’s look at the numbers. A yearly cable service costs around $100 for the most basic cable package you can get. Or, satellite service for a year costs around $360 for the most basic satellite package you can get. And the cost of a TV is at least $100. All these expenses are not essential expenses. These expenses do not help you keep in contact with friends and family and they certainly do not enhance your professional life by keeping you in touch with your boss or helping you complete projects for work.
Chances are you own a computer or a laptop. Nowadays it’s basically impossible to live without one. To keep up with work, keep in touch with family and friends, and stay as up to date as possible with current events, you need a computer or laptop. And chances are you are paying around $20 per month for Internet services for your computer or laptop. If you have a laptop with wireless Internet capabilities, you don’t really even need to be paying for Internet services because you can go to your local library or university and use their Internet connection. So, you are paying an extra $100 to $360 per year to watch shows you can watch using the Internet connection you already pay for OR can get for free outside your home.
You could argue that it is worth it to pay this extra money because it enables you to watch your favorite shows as soon as they air. But wouldn’t you rather have an extra $360 in your pocket each year and still get to see watch your shows, even if you see them the morning after they air? I don’t know about you, but I’ll take the $360 please.
Even if you don’t pay for cable or satellite service and are just watching the basic broadcasting every household gets, there is still no reason to have a TV in your home. Again, you already own a computer that you spent hundreds of dollars on that enables you to watch the same shows you would watch on your TV. Why would you throw away another $100 on a TV that you really don’t need?
If you already own a TV, sell it or donate it to charity. Cancel your cable or satellite service and save yourself some extra money each month. Your bank account will thank you.
