Cord Cutter Profile is a new feature on Cord Cutters News. Each week, we’ll share the profile of a cord cutter with the details of what services and devices they’re using, how much money they’re saving, and tips to help others navigate the world of watching content without a cable subscription.
I’ll kick things off with my own profile, but we’re working on a form to hear from any of you who want to submit your own answers to the questions.
Jess B.
Superhero movie fan, frequent service-switcher, always talking about free streaming services
Cord Cutter Since
2009
What Made You Cut the Cord?
After college, I didn’t want the added expense. I started with a Netflix subscription and watched on my laptop. Using an antenna gave me all the live channels I “needed.” I got a purple Roku LT soon after they came out, and the rest is history.
Which Streaming Services Do You Use?
(I use just about everything for work, so I’ll stick to what I use outside of work.)
- Hulu on-demand with ads, but I switch to Hulu with Live from time to time
- Netflix for movies & originals
- HBO Max so I can finally watch Game of Thrones
- Amazon Prime Video because it’s free with my Prime subscription
- Apple TV+ because it was free for a year when I bought an iPhone
- Disney+ because it was free for Verizon customers
- Free Services (Pluto TV, Crackle, Tubi, XUMO, YouTube, The Roku Channel, etc.)
- I like to switch from one service to another. When I’m done with a show on HBO Max, I might switch back to CBS All Access or give Peacock a try when it launches on July 15.
Which Streaming Devices Do You Use?
- Roku Premiere
- TCL Roku TV
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Insignia Fire TV
- iPhone and iPad for things I can’t watch with Roku or Fire TV (looking at you, HBO Max)
- I’m holding out for a new Apple TV model
How Much Money Are You Saving Monthly?
It’s been a long time since I’ve had cable, so I did a quick check of prices in my area. Adding cable to my current internet plan would raise the price by $55/month after a promotional period. I’d also have to pay taxes and fees including the $13.50 broadcast TV fee, $8 for equipment fees, $10 for the DVR, and anything else they tack on.
I’m saving over $50/month.
What Have You Done with Money You’ve Saved?
Straight to the savings account!
What Obstacles Have You Found with Cord Cutting?
Licensing issues. Nothing is worse than being 3 seasons into a binge watch and finding out that another service has rights to the next season.
What Are You Streaming Right Now?
I just finished White Lines on Netflix and I’m three episodes in on the HBO Max original Live Life. Next up is Game of Thrones (years too late, I know.)
Favorite Cord Cutting Tip
Check out free streaming services. You’ll find classic TV shows and movies, curated collections, news, sports, and even some original content. Free services have lots of hidden gems if you look for them!
Any other questions you’d like to see cord cutters answer on their profiles? Let us know in the comments.