Why it's time to rethink cutting the cord -- and 3 smart ways to save

Years ago, cutting the cord meant ditching your expensive cable plan for internet-based options that cost a fraction of the price. Now? You might be paying just as much, or even more.

If you want live TV, those packages are pricey. Of course, you can always buy an antenna and get free TV. Tap or click for reliable antenna picks no matter the signal strength where you live.

Did you know you can watch TV from your computer without paying for cable, too? All it takes is a little device called a TV tuner. Tap or click to see how they work. It’s a good budget-friendly option.

When it comes to streaming, you might have too much of a good thing. If you’re spending way more than you want to, I can help.

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1. Only keep what you need

A new show you really want to watch comes out, so you snap up a free trial for yet another streaming service. Or maybe you pay for a subscription in the first place because not every streaming service offers a free trial. Looking at you, Netflix.

It’s understandable. Every service has its own shows with five-star ratings from the critics. Before you know it, you’re dropping a ton of money on services you’re not even using.

Here’s my advice. Make a list of all the streaming services you pay for right now. Take a good hard look at your costs and see which platforms you use the least — or not at all. Then it’s time to cancel. Many will try to lure you back in with a free or discounted month. If you take advantage, set a reminder, so you cancel when that free month runs out.

KEEP SAVING: Are you paying too much for internet? There’s a good chance the answer is yes. Tap or click for smart ways to save

2. Go with a bundle or score a freebie

With a bit of research, you can probably save on what you're already subscribed to. Here's a good example: Disney+ is $7.99 per month on its own. Hulu costs $11.99 a month without the ads. You can get Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ bundled together for just $13.99 a month. Win.

UPGRADE YOUR OPTIONS: The best streaming bundles for every budget starting at just $20 a month

Some services you can get totally free if you’re in the know. Free Netflix is included with most of T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta MAX plans at no extra cost. Some AT&T unlimited plans include a free HBO Max subscription, and Hulu is included with Sprint’s unlimited plans. Many of Verizon’s unlimited plans include a year of Disney+ free.

Tap or click here for a full list of perks free from your wireless provider.

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3. Not everything costs money

There’s a whole world of free movies online. You just have to know where to look.

A word of warning: Don’t go Googling on your own for free movie sites. There’s a ton of junk out there, and many of these sites pirate content (which can land you in hot water). Many also contain tricky buttons that you click to play, only to be led to another site.

That’s why we did the work for you. Kanopy, Popcornflix, and Sony Crackle are a few sites we’ve tried and like. Tap or click for 13 free streaming options you can trust. Keep in mind, many of these are ad-supported, but it is nice to save a buck.

Bonus Tip: How Bezos, Musk, and Buffett pay no federal taxes and a bonus for anyone who owns a home

Check out my podcast "Kim Komando Explains" on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

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ProPublica obtained IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax when compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, even nothing. I sat down with an experienced tax accountant who works with wealthy clients to get the scoop. Plus, we talked about special tax credits to lower your taxes.

Tap or click here to listen to this 30-minute podcast now.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim's national radio show andtap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim's free podcasts.

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Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website atKomando.com.