I have recently decided, that I am going to get rid of my DVR and my cable altogether. While I am happy with my decision, my children, and of course my husband are not so happy with the idea … initially. However, once I presented the following reasons, getting rid of our DVR and cable package make the most sense.
Save Money
One of the main reasons that I decided to get rid of our DVR is the money that we will save. As stated before, I am not only getting rid of the DVR, but our cable as well. We pay just shy of eighty dollars each month. We are going to be saving $960.00 each year! That money can be used for more practical things, or even towards a vacation. I, personally, would rather spend the money on something that my family needs or will remember than having them just sit on the couch watching meaningless shows.
Lack of Exercise
When the TV is on, no one is getting exercise. Each of us have our own “shows” that we love to watch. However, one half-hour to hour show tends to lead to an additional hour or more of just sitting on the couch. The time that we spend watching TV could be better used playing outside, going to the park, taking a walk, or riding a bike. The health benefits alone make sense to get rid of the cable and DVR.
Family Time
When my children were younger we spent more time together, and the TV was hardly ever on. However, as they have grown up, they, naturally, do not want to spend as much time with their parents as they once did. However, I believe if the TV was not on, and that there is nothing to watch, we will be able to spend more family time together. We will not have to “schedule” family time around everyones favorite shows.
Never Watch Recorded Shows
I have to admit, I love the DVR. I can record various TV shows and movies that I love or that I want to see. However, I never watch them. I never find the time, and frankly, I am just waisting money for a feature that I never use. I have two complete seasons of a show recorded that I have yet to watch, not to mention countless movies that I will probably never actually sit down and watch.
Other Options
As previously stated, we spend almost one-thousand dollars a year on TV. I personally think that is a bit excessive. There are other options available though for my family to watch their favorite TV shows and/or movies and a much lower cost.
- Netflix: Netflix has many options available. If one wants only streaming videos it costs either $7.99 or $11.99 per month depending on how many screens one wants to stream videos on. If one wants to receive DVD’s there are additional plans available and an option for Blu-Ray and plans range from $4.99 to $19.99 per month.
- Hulu Plus: Hulu Plus is $7.99 per month for a yearly total of $95.88 per year.
- Amazon Prime: Amazon Prime has Amazon Instant Video, which is similar to Netflix, however, there are many additional features available such as video rental, Kindle book offers, and free Two-Day shipping, for $99.00 per year.
If my family chose to have the minimum options of Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime, we would still be saving almost $670.00 per year. I can think of a lot of things that I can do with that money! I have not decided if I am going to get Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon yet, but I do have to say it is tempting. One thing I know for sure is that the DVR and cable is out!
