Cut The Cord And Be Free From Outrageous Cable and Satellite Bills

Because of the ever rising prices over cable television and satellite TV services, lots of TV customers have "cut the cord." Cord cutting implies that a TV watcher can cancel cable television or satellite service and get TV programs through various other alternatives.

What You Will Need to Cut the Cord

There are 3 cord cutting alternatives available:

Antenna (Over the air TV) - The antenna is how TV began. You hook up an indoor or outside antenna to your TV and get programs from over-the-air local area and network affiliate TV stations. This is a good way to get totally free shows from the big TV networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB, and PBS). It is vital to keep in mind that older analog TVs, and numerous HDTVs made prior to 2007, will need a digital converter box that is put in between the antenna and the TV.

Streaming - Assuming that you have a smart TV, media streaming box or stick (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and so on ), or smart Blu-ray Disk player, plus an Internet service, you can access streaming TV and film content minus an antenna or cable/satellite solution. Well-liked streaming services consist of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Crackle, Vudu, and YouTube. Some of these are free and some have a modest fee.

Blend of Antenna and Streaming- This is the best complete cord cutting solution as you can access regional TV stations without paying a fee, and even get access to extra content through the web. 

The accessibility of the aforementioned options to cable/satellite service make cutting the cord most certainly appealing. Nevertheless, there are both advantages and disadvantages to cord cutting. 

Cord Cutting Advantages 

Reduced expenses and no agreement - You are not tied to pricey cable services or locked into a satellite written agreement. 

A la carte channel choice - You can select exactly what channels and programs you desire. You do not need to purchase channels and programs you do not desire. 

Lower hardware charges - While you still need to purchase a smart TV, media streamer, and/or antenna so as to get the channels and programs you prefer, however that is a one time expense, not a repeating month-to-month charge that is needed for a cable/satellite box service. 

Streaming Services and Hardware Deals

• - Hulu Plus New Subscriber Only -
• - Roku Streaming Stick with Voice Control -
• - Get a FREE Roku Streaming Stick when you prepay 2 months of     DIRECTV -NOW. 120+ live channels and 10,000+ on-demand titles.
• - DIRECTV® NOW - Start Streaming Today! Starting at $35/mo. No        Satellite - Required, No Annual Contracts, Cancel Anytime.
• - Sign up for fuboTV - Plans Starting at $14.99 -

 This post may include affiliate links to products we love and use, please read our disclaimer.

Cord Cutting Disadvantages 

There are some fantastic advantages to cord cutting. However there are likewise some disadvantages to remember. 

Not every single thing is free of charge -Though over-the-air TV reception and lots of streaming channels are totally free, there are lots of streaming channels and services that call for a month-to-month membership or a pay-per-view charge. If you just pay for one or 2 subscription-based or pay-per-view programs, you can save dollars over cable/satellite. Nevertheless, if you keep including more pay services, those costs can build up, and you may again discover yourself with a significant monthly membership or pay-per-view expense that might equal that old cable/satellite charge. 

You might still require cable television or satellite - Access to some Internet streaming networks demand that you are even an active cable/satellite customer. What exactly this suggests is that although a few of the channels you appreciated on your cable television or satellite service are offered via Internet streaming free of charge, when you attempt to access some streaming channels, you might be expected to supply confirmation that you also get that channel through a cable television or satellite service. But this requirement has been fading out over the last few years.

Not all media streamers provide the very same stations -Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, along with standalone media streamers, do not all use the identical assortment of channels and services. Roku devices are the most complete with thousands of possibilities, however there are other media streamers (such as Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and others) that might not have the channels and services you want. 

Streaming limitations - If you decide to gain access to all your TV watching through streaming, understand the limitations on the quantity of video you can stream every month. If you go above your data limitation, your web costs will increase. Check first if your Internet provider has any data caps or restrictions.

The Bottom Line 

Prior to canceling your cable television or satellite service, make certain your intended cord-cutting choices will work for you. Many streaming services provide a cost free trial to see if their service is right for you. I have tries them all with the free trial. It's easy to sign up and start streaming immediately.

For the antenna alternative to work well, you have to reside in a place where it is simple to get over-the-air TV telecast signals. A smart idea is to link an antenna to your TV and see exactly what regional channels you can get. Even, look at your smart TV, Blu-ray Disc player, or media streamer to see if they provide the streaming channels and services you want. 

Simply, check out the antenna signal, examine the features of the smart boxes you have, and run the numbers to discover if you are really saving dollars. Then you'll learn if it's wise to cut the cord and cancel cable television.

What is the Current Exchange Rate Outlook between the Euro and the Dollar?

The macroeconomic developments of the year 2017 have been deeply influential in relation to the United States dollar and the euro. As the most active foreign exchange currency pair, EUR/USD has become a yardstick of the global economy due to the quantitative easing programs respectively enacted by Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank; to this effect, the ECB’s late October decision to extend its QE program has pretty much defined the outlook of both currencies for the rest of the year.

A Weaker Euro

The euro had been holding steady over the summer and even as the weather turned cooler; however, it started losing ground in mid-October as many analysts believed that the ECB directors would vote to keep QE in place. 

The European economies are in the clear with regard to the debt crisis; however, full economic growth has not been reached and there are questions related to ongoing issues in the United Kingdom and Spain. As a result, EUR/USD lost about 1.44 percent.

A Stronger Dollar

The greenback finished October at higher levels than expected thanks to positive reports related to the American economy. Wall Street has performed very strongly in 2017, and the economic recovery over the last few years has continued at a gradual pace. 


Economic growth in the third quarter stood at three percent, half a percentage point better than expected.

The Brexit Factor

The United Kingdom has made little progress in the Brexit talks to exit the European Union. If British leaders start softening their Brexit stance for the purpose of taking advantage of the single market, both the euro and the pound sterling will likely post gains. 

At any rate, the Brexit negotiations will probably continue well into 2018, and there will be room for the pound and euro to gain value on positive news.

Converting Dollar Reserves

Governments, banks and even individuals around the world have been increasing their dollar reserves in 2017, and they have been doing so in anticipation of the current situation. 

Some companies, like Continental Currency Exchange, know that analysts believe that USD reserves may be paired down from now until late December. Institutions and individuals are taking advantage of favorable currency exchange rates. 

As long as investors continue to react positively to earnings reports issued by companies listed on the S&P 500, Wall Street will keep its bullish run, particularly if employment numbers are positive, and this means a stronger dollar.

In the end, the USD will likely hold an economic advantage over the euro in the months to come; however, this outlook could be slightly reversed if dollar reserves around the world are converted into profits.

Do's And Don'ts Of Using A Home Loan EMI Calculator

EMI calculators no doubt are a great tool to help you plan the finance before you dive into loans. It helps you to forecast and plan about how much you are going to borrow and how you will manage the EMIs. 

Most of the times, using EMI calculators can be a bit confusing. Thus, there are certain steps that you must keep in mind when using a Housing Loan EMI calculator.

EMI Calculator

Loans in today’s time have become one of the important factors in buying a property or a finished house. And as per the current market status, there are a variety of options which you can choose from. 

However, a properly selected loan plan will help you avail a Home Loan in a hassle-free manner. It is essential that you select the right loan product as it can help you save much money in the long run.

In the terms of a loan, savings are a result of interest that you save on the EMIs. An EMI is an amount which you are required to pay every month once you have availed the loan. 



It depends on three variables – the amount that you borrow, the tenor of which you have borrowed and the rate of interest which is being provided by the lender. 

Most of the people used to calculate the EMIs manually, however, with recent technological transformations, you can use Home Loan EMI calculator and get the results within a second. 

If you have not used a Home Loan calculator before, here are a few do’s and don’ts that you must follow:

Do’s:

Principle amount: When deciding a principal amount, it is vital that you are realistic about the choice. 

In reality, you will never get the entire loan amount. Thus, be prepared for the adjustments. Moreover, when deciding upon a principal amount, it is necessary that you are sure with the budget. 

Having a rough estimate of the construction cost and additional cost will help you plan more realistically.

Interest rate: When using a Home Loan calculator, know that the Home Loan interest rates of every financial institution differs. 

Most of the institutions determine interest based upon the amount that you are looking to borrow. When it comes to interest rate, credit score plays a vital role. 

Most of the banks have a tentative bracket on their website, make sure you are well-versed with the interest rate that you preferred lender is offering.

Loan Tenor: A loan tenor varies from bank to bank. Some are open to providing a Home Loan of 20 years whereas others can provide a Home Loan of up to 30 years.

Don’ts:

Sticking to a single calculation: While using an EMI calculator, it is important that you check all the websites and do not just try a single loan calculator.

Do not bank completely on it: Housing Loan calculator is a great way to calculate an EMI. However, you must not rely on it entirely.

Not trying different calculations: When using a Home Loan EMI calculator, make sure that you do not just try one option and rely on it completely. Keep trying different combinations and try coming out with the best one!

Home Loan calculators help an individual to gain a fair knowledge about the overall loan process. It helps you to determine the loan amount along with the EMI calculations.

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Maintenance Costs in Your Home

Maintenance is a necessary part of being a homeowner. It’s one of those expenses that adds up during the year, especially if your house is older. 

There are, however, ways to keep these costs down. With a little dedication and a few smart moves, you can bring down the costs of home upkeep. 

Below are three of the easiest ways to reduce maintenance costs in your home.

Be Proactive

If you really want to avoid some of the biggest maintenance costs for your home, you’ll need to be willing to spend a little money. 

The best way to avoid big problems is to catch them before they happen—and in this case, that’s going to mean preventative maintenance. 

Make sure that you have all of your home’s major systems checked out at least twice a year and that you schedule maintenance as soon as you notice even a minor problem. It might cost you a little now, but it will save you thousands in the long run.

Look at Newer Products

Some of the more common maintenance nightmares for homeowners come from older products. While there’s something nice about not having to shell out for a new system, the truth is that the maintenance on older systems can cost much more over the long run. 

his can even extend to areas like your flooring, in which the upkeep costs of the older floors far outstrips the cost of replacing them with newer vinyl flooring through a company like JDC Flooring. 

You should always check to see if there are newer, more efficient products to replace the failing systems of your home.

Work with Professionals

There’s a reason why some people spend years learning the ins and outs of home systems. While you might be handy with a wrench, you probably don’t have the training or experience to deal with major upkeep issues in your home. 

Unless you are incredibly skilled at DIY projects, trying to do complicated upkeep is actually more expensive when you do it on your own. Try to take stock of your own skills and decide if doing it yourself will really save you time or money. In many cases, you will be better off making a phone call.

There are ways for you to avoid some of your more outrageous home upkeep costs. Be willing to work with professionals, to take care of things early, and to replace older systems. 

If you can manage those three simple steps, you’ll save quite a bit on home maintenance.

The Green and Clean Home: How to Save Money on Your Monthly Energy Bills

If you’re like most consumers, you are diligent about saving money whenever you can, whether it’s by using mobile apps or coupons to get the best deals on products or services you buy or by following a strict household budget. 

While it’s virtually impossible to eliminate all monthly energy bills, here are a few tips to help you save some money on them.

Ask Energy Suppliers If They Offer a “Budget” Payment Plan

One of the fastest ways to put a “cap” on your monthly energy bills is by enrolling in your Energy Suppliers Budget Payment Plan. 

Instead of charging customers in full for their usage every month, the energy supplier averages your use and “budgets” payments across multiple months for a predictable price.

Turn down Your Thermometer

While you always want to make sure that you and your family are comfortable, dropping the temperature of your home by just a degree or two significantly impacts your monthly energy bill. 



If you wear a sweatshirt or cover up with a blanket, you’ll still be just as warm.

Winterize or Update Windows

Did you know that the average home can lose as much as 30% of treated (heated or cooled) air? As you can imagine, this is a devastating blow to your pocketbook and the efficiency of your home. 

If possible, consider upgrading your window system to prevent air leaks. If you’re unable to buy new windows, winterizing them is an affordable way to block leaks and prevent drafts.

Replace Old Light Bulbs

Over the years there have been significant improvements made in the lighting industry. Old incandescent light bulbs fell out in favor due to their inefficiency. 

Lighting solutions and bulbs from companies like LED Lighting Wholesale Inc. are energy efficient and flexible to meet the needs of consumers in the United States.

Smart Thermometer

Smart thermometers are a breakthrough that empowers people with remote technology so that they can control the climate (and many other aspects) of their home using an app or their Smartphone. 

If no one is home during the day, you can adjust the temperature accordingly, so you pay less when no one is home.

Take Advantage of Your Fireplace

Using your fireplace is a great way to save money on your energy bills each month. It might require a little extra work by purchasing for finding and splitting your own firewood, but it is worth it if you can heat your home without having to use your furnace. 

This helps you cut down on your gas and electric bills each month as you will be heating your home naturally.

Go Solar

Solar energy is on the rise. You may have even driven around your neighborhood and have noticed some of your neighbors have solar panels sitting on their roof. 

With harnessing the power of the sun can also go solar with your home and consequently save money each month. 

This way you are not having to pay out all of your money to you electric and gas companies. Instead, by going solar you can power your own home (for the most part) without those other companies.

The chances are good that your monthly energy bills account for a significant portion of your household spending. 

The more money you can save each month, the more your bank account will thank you. It also opens up other opportunities to spend your money elsewhere. 

By implementing some of the suggestions mentioned above, you’re doing what you can do to control your monthly energy usage and controlling your budget.

How to Organize Your Finances When Purchasing a New Car

You think you’re ready to buy a new vehicle — perhaps your dream car, truck, or SUV. The problem is, you aren’t sure if your finances will be able to handle the additional burden. 

Well, there are lots of easy ways to organize your earnings and subsequent spending, to ensure that your monthly budget won’t buckle under the strain of your new investment.

Create a Monthly Earnings and Deductions Sheet

How much do you currently earn per month? How much do you spend on rent or mortgage expenses, groceries, insurance, current car installment loan payment (if any), and other miscellaneous purchases? 

Write everything down on paper, and refer to the list throughout the month to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. If you earn a significant amount more than is needed to cover your monthly budget, then you should easily be able to fit in the cost of a new car payment. 

Also, keep in mind that you’ll require a budget for upkeep and general maintenance.

Calculate Your Payment

The websites for most car dealerships will not only list the prices of their available vehicles, but provide detailed information about each item on the inventory. 

They’ll also calculate an estimated monthly payment, based on your credit score. Some companies, such as Bay Ridge Nissan, realize that this should help you figure out what you’ll be able to afford. 

And don’t forget to call your insurance company for a quote on the additional coverage. If you’re trading in a vehicle, you should have a rough idea of its value before heading to the dealership.

Save for the Down Payment

Start setting aside the amount you can afford for your new car payment every month, so you’ll have more cash to put down at signing. The more you can afford to put down now, the less you’ll pay in the long run.

Registration and Inspection Fees

It’s always exciting to drive off the lot in a shiny new vehicle, but don’t forget that it still needs to be registered. New registrations can edge into the thousands, depending on the car. 

Be sure you take this into consideration when you’re saving for the down payment. Also, make sure the inspection sticker is current when you visit the dealership.

Whenever you’re making a significant purchase such as a new car, information can be as valuable as money. If you’ve done your research and know your budget, you’re ready to begin shopping.