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Just like cell phones, cable TV, if left unchecked, can put a massive dent in your monthly budget. Win the war against high cable TV charges by following these simple, yet effective, bill-busting tips.

1. Get basic cable and work up from there: It’s tempting to get the “ultimate viewers” package with the 500+ channels, but start with the basic cable service and add channels from there. It’s cheaper moving up than getting used to all the channels and then having to let go (which most fools will find themselves unable to do).
2. Don’t have HD TV? Don’t get HD channels: If you don’t have a high-definition (HD) TV as yet, it makes no sense to pay for HD channels - they’ll look the same as the other channels.
3. Get channel packages: Quick! Name the shows you watch most frequently. Chances are, the shows you watch most frequently, are on a few channels while the rest remain unwatched. Call your cable company and see which channels you can do away with and if there are channel packages that combine your favorite channels together. Take advantage of promotional channel offers to save some serious money.
4. Say goodbye to the PVR: Unless you’re a TiVo addict, ditch the Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for a standard cable TV receiver box. The rent on a PVR (at ~$15/month) is still too high to justify if you’re only using it sparingly.
5. Bundle services: If available, consider getting Internet access and your home phone service with your cable company and save oodles of cash. Cable companies are happy to give you a 10%-15% discount if you bundle services and there’s no good reason to pass this up.
6. Negotiate a lower rate: Look at the prices other companies are charging for comparable television service in your area (cable or satellite) and call your cable company with the best offer you can find. A simple statement like: “I found an ad for the same channels and service (or more) from [insert competitor's name] and they’re charging only [insert price] (and throwing in [insert freebies like free cable box, HD service etc.]). I’m considering moving to [insert competitor's name], but I really like the service I’m getting here and would like to stay. Do you think you can match the offer they’re giving me?” Don’t be aggressive. Be polite and sound genuine. You’d be surprised how well this strategy can work at lowering your cable bill even further.

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