8 Tips for How to Lower Your Internet Bill

You know how they say the best things in life are free? Well, clearly, they weren’t talking about your internet bill!

That thing seems to climb higher every month, kind of like it’s in a competition with your electric bill to see which one can go higher, faster!

But don’t throw in the towel and go back to reading the newspaper (the actual paper one) just yet!

Let me show you how to cut down your internet costs while still staying connected to your favorite shows, news, and grandkids.

1. Channel Your Inner Haggler: Negotiate Like a Pro

Remember how you used to haggle at the farmer’s market for the best deal on prunes? Well, it’s time to dust off those skills and use them on your internet provider. Here’s how:

Call your provider and ask to speak to the retention department. These folks have the power to give you deals that would make even your penny-pinching Uncle Earl proud.
Be polite but firm. Tell them you’ve found better deals elsewhere (even if you haven’t – we won’t tell).
If they won’t budge, don’t be afraid to threaten to cancel. Just be prepared to follow through if they call your bluff!

Pro tip: Practice your negotiation skills on your grandkids first. If you can convince little Timmy to eat his broccoli, you can convince Comcast to lower your bill. 😉

2. Slow Your Roll: Reduce Your Internet Speed

You might think you need blazing-fast internet to keep up with the youngsters, but unless you’re secretly running a Bitcoin mining operation in your basement, you probably don’t need that 1 Gbps plan.

Here’s a handy guide:

If you mainly use the internet for email, Facebook, and looking up dessert recipes: 3-25 Mbps should suffice.
If you’re streaming “The Golden Girls” on repeat: 12-25 Mbps ought to do it.
If you’ve got a house full of tech-savvy grandkids every weekend: You might need 25+ Mbps.

Remember, slower internet is like driving in the right lane – it might take you a bit longer to get there, but you’ll save on speeding tickets (or in this case, your monthly bill).

3. Buy, Don’t Rent, Your Equipment

Are you paying a monthly fee to rent your modem and router? Many providers charge you $15 to $25 each month for this privilege. Over time, that’s like renting your recliner instead of buying it—more expensive in the long run!

Instead, consider buying your own modem and router. It costs around $150-$200, which may seem like a lot upfront, but it’ll pay for itself in a year or less

Just make sure to:

Check with your provider for a list of compatible modems.
Enlist a tech-savvy grandkid or neighbor to help set it up if needed.
Bask in the glow of your lower monthly bill (and your new status as a tech guru among your friends).

4. Bundle Up—But Be Cautious

No, I’m not talking about your cardigan collection. Bundling your internet with other services like TV or phone can often lead to savings. It’s like buying in bulk at Costco, but without having to lug home a 50-pound bag of prunes.

Just be wary of providers trying to upsell you on extra channels or features you don’t need. You don’t need 500 channels to watch “Wheel of Fortune,” trust me.

5. Look into Assistance Programs

If you qualify, there are assistance programs that can reduce your internet bill. Programs like Lifeline offer discounts to eligible households, and there are others that help lower your bill if you receive certain government benefits.

You can also check with the nonprofit EveryoneOn, which connects folks with available local discounts. It never hurts to check if you’re eligible—you might end up with some extra change for your next bingo night!

6. Use Mobile Broadband as a Home Alternative

If your internet needs are lighter than your famous fruit cake, consider using your smartphone as a mobile hotspot. It’s like carrying a tiny internet cafe in your pocket!

Your smartphone can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot! Just connect your computer or tablet to it, and you’re online.

This works best if:

You mainly use the internet for basic tasks like email and Facebook.
You have an unlimited data plan on your phone.
You have a strong cell signal.
You don’t mind explaining to your friends that no, your phone isn’t actually hot to the touch.

7. Examine Your Internet Bill—There Might Be Hidden Fees

Before you can start saving, it’s good to know exactly what you’re paying for. Look over your internet bill and read the fine print (yes, that tiny text they don’t want you to bother with).

Are you being charged for speeds you don’t use? Are there mysterious fees that don’t make sense? Write it all down and ask your provider to explain them.

Once you’ve identified the unnecessary charges, see if you can get them removed—sometimes, just asking nicely is all it takes!

8. Shop Around for Competitors

Just like you comparison shop for the best price on prune juice, you should shop around for internet deals. New providers often have juicy introductory rates to lure in customers.

Don’t be afraid to switch providers if you find a better deal. It’s not cheating if it saves you money!

This is what I did about a year ago and it saved me around $50 a month (for higher speed internet!)

Remember to:

Research all providers in your area, including smaller local companies.
Compare not just price, but also speed and customer service ratings.
Read the fine print about price increases after promotional periods.

Some of the newer companies even offer no-contract options—so you’re not stuck with them forever if they stop playing nice.

Final Thoughts: A Penny Saved Is a Penny for Snacks!

The internet may be necessary, but paying sky-high prices is not.

So don’t let high internet bills get you down. With the tips above, you’ll be saving money faster than you can say “Get off my lawn!”

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go yell at a cloud"The cloud" refers to storage and services that are accessed over the internet instead of being stor... More and adjust my bifocals. Happy savings!