Binge without breaking the bank: How to watch all your favorite shows while staying on a budget
June 5, 2023
Do you find yourself constantly spending money on streaming services to watch all your favorite shows? With so many options available, it can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending on entertainment. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to binge-watch your favorite shows without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a fan of classic sitcoms or the latest Netflix originals, there are plenty of ways to watch your favorite shows while staying on a budget.
In this post, I’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks to help you save money while still enjoying all the best TV shows out there. From sharing accounts with friends to using free trials and taking advantage of special deals, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy all your favorite shows without worrying about your wallet.
1. Know what you want to watch
When it comes to watching all your favorite shows on a budget, knowing what you want to watch is the first step. There are many streaming services available, and each one has its own selection of shows and movies.
Before you start subscribing to multiple services, take some time to research and make a list of the shows and movies you want to watch. This will help you determine which streaming services you need to subscribe to and which ones you can skip.
You can also make use of free trials to test out different services before committing to a subscription. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends if you decide not to continue with the service.
Knowing what you want to watch can also help you prioritize your subscriptions. For example, if you’re a fan of a particular show that’s only available on one streaming service, you may want to prioritize that subscription over others.
By taking the time to figure out what you want to watch, you can avoid wasting money on unnecessary subscriptions and create a budget-friendly streaming plan that fits your needs.
2. Choose the right streaming service
Choosing the right streaming service is essential in keeping your binge-watching within your budget. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. The first thing to consider is the price. Some services offer a free trial period, while others have a monthly subscription fee. Look at your budget and choose a service that fits within your means.
Another important factor to consider is the content. Not all streaming services have the same shows and movies. Some specialize in original content, while others have a vast library of classic movies and TV shows. Take a look at the shows and movies you want to watch and choose a service that has them. It’s also worth considering the quality of the content. Some services offer 4K streaming, while others may not have the highest resolution available.
Finally, consider the number of devices you can watch on simultaneously. If you plan on sharing your account with family or friends, choosing a service that allows multiple streams at once is important. Some services also offer different account tiers, which can limit the number of screens you can watch on at once.
By choosing the right streaming service, you can enjoy all your favorite shows while staying within your budget. Remember to consider the price, content, and the number of devices you can watch on simultaneously when making your decision.
3. Consider sharing accounts with family or friends
One of the best ways to save money while still having access to all your favorite shows is to share accounts with family or friends. Many streaming services now offer the option to have multiple profiles within one account, which means that you can split the cost with others and have access to a wider range of content.
For example, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video allow multiple profiles to be created within one account, so you can share the cost with family or friends and still have access to all the shows and movies you love. If you have a larger group of people, it may even be worth considering a family plan, which can offer savings on multiple accounts for a set number of users.
Another benefit of sharing accounts is that you can discover new shows and movies that you may not have otherwise watched. Your friends or family members may have different tastes or interests, and by sharing accounts, you can broaden your horizons and find new content that you love.
However, it’s important to make sure that you trust the people you are sharing accounts with and that you have a clear agreement in place about payment and usage. You don’t want to end up in a situation where someone is using the account more than others or not paying their share of the cost. By setting clear boundaries and having open communication, sharing accounts can be a great way to save money and enjoy all the content you love.
4. Look for discounts and promotions
Many streaming services offer discounts and promotions, especially for new subscribers. So, before signing up for a new service, it’s always worth checking for any available offers to make the most of your budget.
As a savvy shopper, you should also keep an eye on special events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. These events often bring huge discounts on tech products and services, including streaming subscriptions.
Another way to save money on streaming services is by taking advantage of bundled packages. Some companies offer bundles that group together multiple services like music streaming, TV streaming, and other perks in one package. This not only saves you money but also consolidates your streaming services into one bill.
Lastly, don’t forget to check for referral programs. Many streaming services have referral programs where you can earn credits or discounts by referring friends and family to sign up for the same service. This way, both you and your friends can enjoy your favorite shows while saving money.
5. Avoid renting or buying movies/shows
One of the biggest expenses when it comes to watching movies and shows is renting or buying them. Instead of spending money on individual movie rentals or show purchases, consider subscribing to a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. These services offer a wide variety of movies and shows that you can binge-watch for a low monthly fee.
If you’re not sure which service to choose, consider signing up for free trials to test them out. Many streaming services offer free trials for a week or more, giving you ample time to decide if it’s worth the monthly cost.
Another way to save money on movie and show rentals is to visit your local library. Many libraries offer free DVD rentals, including new releases and popular shows. Simply check out the DVD, binge-watch your favorite show, and return it to the library when you’re done.
Finally, consider sharing streaming service accounts with friends or family members. Many streaming services allow multiple users to access the same account, so splitting the monthly cost with others can save you money. Just make sure to set ground rules and clear expectations to avoid any conflicts or disagreements.
6. Take advantage of free trials
One of the best ways to watch your favorite shows and movies without breaking the bank is to take advantage of free trials. Most streaming services offer a free trial period ranging from 7 to 30 days. This is a great opportunity to binge-watch the shows you love without paying a dime.
To make the most out of your free trial, plan ahead and make a list of the shows and movies you want to watch during the trial period. This will help you avoid wasting time browsing through the library and missing out on the shows you really want to watch.
It’s important to keep track of your free trial period and cancel your subscription before it ends to avoid being charged. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar and make sure to cancel before the deadline.
Another great tip is to share the cost of a subscription with friends or family. Most streaming services allow multiple devices to be logged in at the same time. You can split the cost with a friend or family member and share the login information to access the service on multiple devices.
In conclusion, taking advantage of free trials is a great way to watch your favorite shows and movies while staying on a budget. Just remember to plan ahead, keep track of your trial period, and cancel before being charged.
7. Use apps to find the best deals
There are several apps available that can help you find the best deals when it comes to streaming services. One of the most popular apps is JustWatch. JustWatch is available for both iOS and Android and allows you to search for your favorite TV shows and movies across multiple streaming services.
The app will show you where a particular TV show or movie is streaming and at what price. This feature will help you compare prices across multiple streaming services and choose the one that offers the best deal.
Another app that is worth mentioning is Trim. Trim is a budgeting app that also helps you save money on streaming services. The app will analyze your spending habits and suggest ways to reduce your bills.
Trim can also negotiate your cable and internet bills on your behalf. The app’s bill negotiation service can help you save money on your monthly bills, which you can then use to subscribe to your favorite streaming services.
In conclusion, using apps to find the best deals on streaming services is a great way to save money while still enjoying your favorite TV shows and movies. With so many apps available, you are sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
8. Set a budget and stick to it
One of the most important factors in binge-watching your favorite shows without breaking the bank is setting a budget and sticking to it.
Start by looking at your current spending habits and determining how much you can realistically afford to spend on streaming services each month. Consider other expenses you have, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and entertainment. Then, allocate a portion of your budget towards streaming services.
Once you’ve determined your monthly budget, be disciplined about sticking to it. Avoid upgrading to more expensive plans or adding new streaming services without first assessing the impact on your budget.
Another great tip is to keep an eye out for discounts and special promotions. Many streaming services offer free trials or discounted rates for new customers. Keep in mind that these promotions often expire after a certain period, so be sure to cancel or downgrade your plan before the promotional offer ends.
In summary, setting a budget and sticking to it is key to enjoying your favorite shows without overspending. Be disciplined about your spending and take advantage of promotions to help you save money while still enjoying all your binge-worthy content.
9. Don’t forget about free options like YouTube or public library
When it comes to watching TV shows and movies, many people assume that they need to shell out a lot of money for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. However, there are plenty of free options available that can help you save money while still enjoying your favorite shows.
One of the best free options for watching TV shows and movies is YouTube. While YouTube is known for its user-generated content, there are also plenty of full-length TV shows and movies available for free on the platform. You can find everything from classic sitcoms to new releases, and all you need is an internet connection to start watching.
Another great option for free TV shows and movies is your local public library. Most libraries have a large selection of DVDs and Blu-rays that you can borrow for free, including popular TV shows and movies. All you need is a library card, and you can start borrowing as many titles as you want.
By taking advantage of free options like YouTube and your local library, you can save a lot of money and still watch all your favorite shows and movies. So don’t forget about these options next time you’re looking for something to watch!
10. Conclusion and tips for successful budget binge watching
In conclusion, binge watching your favorite shows doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tips, you can enjoy hours of entertainment without worrying about the cost.
Firstly, consider sharing streaming accounts with friends or family members to split the cost. This will allow you to access multiple streaming platforms without having to pay for each one individually.
Secondly, take advantage of free trials that are offered by streaming services. Sign up for a trial period and binge watch your favorite shows for free before deciding whether or not to commit to a paid subscription.
Thirdly, look for alternative streaming services that offer free content. There are many platforms that provide access to movies and TV shows without a subscription fee.
Finally, set a budget for your binge watching activities and stick to it. Prioritize the shows that you really want to watch and avoid spending money on unnecessary subscriptions or rental fees.
With these tips, you can enjoy hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. Happy binge watching!