3 Simple Steps to Switch Cable Companies
You may be able to save money if you opt for another provider.
Step 1
If you’re thinking of finding a new cable provider because a promotional offer ended or your bill keeps increasing, call your current provider to see whether you can negotiate a better price. Make sure that if you signed a contract, you weigh any early-termination fee against the savings you’d get by switching.
Step 2
If you decide to jump ship, call the new company to start service. If your home is already wired and you’re fairly handy, you may be able to set up the equipment on your own. That way you won’t have to wait for a technician, and you’ll likely avoid an installation fee. But if you’re stumped by some tasks, such as making sure the equipment integrates properly with your TV, you may have to pay a pro to take care of them.
Step 3
Once the new equipment is installed, make sure it is running smoothly before you cancel the old service. When you’re ready to end service with your previous provider, confirm that automatic bill payments will cease. Be sure you receive a refund if you were billed for any days beyond your service termination date. Find out how to return equipment, such as the cable box and remote, on time to avoid fees. The company may retrieve the devices from your doorstep so that you don’t have to be home for the pickup.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The payoff
You could save more than $300 a year—and still enjoy your favorite shows.
-
Use An iPhone? You May Be Hearing From A Class-Action Lawsuit Group
A handful of suits against the iPhone maker seek to crack down on everything from app store purchases to messaging.
By Keerthi Vedantam Published
-
Capital One/Discover: What's In Their Wallet For You?
Push back on Capital One's planned merger with Discover is growing with one group of consumer advocates calling for a public hearing.
By Keerthi Vedantam Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
5 Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan.
By Daniel Bortz Published