Cutting cable costs

I’m sure you heard all of the possible ways to cut down on cable, internet and phone bills each month. But there are some new gadgets you already own that may bring some opportunities to slash your costs.

Consumer Reports said there's ways to cut that bill with just a few simple steps. Begin by keeping tabs on what you really use.  When you come around to looking at your telecom needs, look at how they are changing, maybe you're not being using the home phone very much.  You want to keep services flexible and try to avoid contracts with early cancelation fees.

If you're watching more and more programming on your computer or tablet consider: 

• Dumping your DVR. Your cable provider may include a "video-on-demand" service with your TV tab anyway.
• Ask about a basic plan. Local free channels plus 20 or so in cable's basic tier.
• Or cut the cable cord completely, and go back to free TV with an antenna.

Haggling still works too. 90% of the consumer reports readers surveyed who tried to bargain with their provider got a break, ranging from price cuts to waived fees to free premium channels.  Think outside the box of bundling and you may be able to save.