On the prowl for a cable and satellite alternative? You’re in luck.
While cutting the cord can be a good thing for your wallet, it may be tough to replicate the TV-watching/channel-surfing experience.
However, with the increasing assortment of Web-based video options, some frugal-minded folks are abandoning their cable and satellite services altogether and taking the plunge.
Is it time to pull the plug on your cable?
There are many sites online that offer free show streaming; from sitcoms to sports to special events. The caveat? It’s not instant gratification like cable. It may take a day or even a week to see your program appear online.
So, where can you find your programs on the Internet? Thanks to an article on LifeHacker.com, we’ve got the lowdown:
Network favorites
Looking to watch a show from a specific network? Head straight to their site shortly after the show is aired. The network Web sites offer free behind-the-scenes footage, and offer previews for upcoming episodes. The shows online are usually available for a few hours after they’ve been aired on TV. Networks to visit include CBS.com, NBC.com, ABC.com, and Fox.com
Gawker.TV
This isn’t the site to watch your favorite show, but can help to sum up a show immensely. If you’ve missed a solid ten minutes, or the flashbacks and flash forwards have confused you beyond repair, head to Gawker.TV. The site posts synopses and clips of shows to keep you up to date with the show’s material.
Amazon Video On Demand
With Amazon Video on Demand, you’ll have to pay for the shows downloaded from the site. The pro? The show can be formatted to fit your mobile device.
Hulu
At Hulu, you can organize and search for shows. Hulu has pretty much got you covered when it comes to finding a show you want to watch, and offers many psych shows, The Daily Show, and cable TV shows. New episodes are available for 30 days after they’ve been aired on TV. Hulu is also well stocked with complete old seasons of favorite shows.
Netflix
At Netflix, streaming old shows is easy. Netflix doesn’t really offer new shows. There’s a monthly fee for Netflix, but once you are signed up you may stream as many shows as you would like. Click here for a free trial.
Clicker
Clicker comes in handy. It acts as your TV Guide. Bookmark this site to let you know what’s available online, and when. Search through shows to find on which site it is being aired.
Our pick?
Looking for a cable and satellite alternative that will allow you to watch free Internet video and Netflix DVDs directly on your TV screen? You’re in luck. A small set-top-box device called Roku connects your television set to the internet. Couple that with a monthly Netflix subscription and save hundreds per year on cable fees.
Want to do your part for the environment while you also save energy and money? Consumer United has teamed up with ENERGY STAR as a pledge driver for their “Change the World” campaign.
Nearly two million people across the nation have pledged to take small, energy-saving steps that can change the world. If every American household took part in the pledge, we would save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.
Join Consumer United’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Take the ENERGY STAR pledge here.
On the hunt for energy-efficient appliance rebates? The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the appliance rebate programs for the states and territories linked or listed here as of February 9, 2010.
Need energy-saving inspiration? Take an online room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home here and learn how you can help fight global warming, while saving energy and money in your own home.
Click here to learn more.
Buying a life insurance policy is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s financial future. It can also be one of the most confusing tasks.
The following are some mistakes to avoid when buying a life insurance policy:
Mistake No. 1:
Procrastination is by far the most common mistake made by the majority of people. Most assume that it is either too expensive or that they don’t need coverage because they are young. Neither situation could be further from the truth.
Term life insurance is especially affordable, with policies starting at under $20 per month. As for age, the best time to purchase a life insurance policy is when you are young and healthy. Not only does it ensure that you will get the best rates possible, but it provides valuable protection for growing families that are not yet financially secure.
Mistake No. 2:
Purchasing the wrong policy is another common error. Life insurance is a complex topic with long-term implications, so it’s a good idea to take your time and speak with an insurance agent about all your options. Cost, coverage, duration, tax consequences and other considerations should be addressed for your specific situation. Term, whole life and universal are just a few of the options available, so weigh your options wisely.
Mistake No. 3:
Not purchasing enough insurance can be a problem. It’s easy to underestimate the cost of living when initially purchasing a life insurance policy. In addition to replacing an income or paying down mortgage and other debts, it’s important to add in an inflation-adjusted cost-of-living increase plus extra expenses likely to be incurred in the event of a loss. Everything from yard care and maintenance to child care and tutoring may need to be supplemented in the event of the death of a spouse. Tally up the total cost–plus inflation–for all the services and support provided by the insured person and then use it as your starting place when obtaining a quote.
Life Insurance help?
Need help navigating through the complexities of selecting the right life insurance policy? Let Consumer United do the work for you. Contact our expert at 617-209-4299 or e-mail him at Aaron.Biedrzycki@consumerunited.com for a quote.
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