My Ultra-Budget Streaming Setup: What You Can Get for Under $300 a Year

As a cord-cutting blogger, I'm always searching for the most affordable ways to enjoy a variety of entertainment.  My current streaming setup gives me access to a surprising amount of content for less than $300 per year. I've been a cord cutter since 2011, and I've never looked back!

My Streaming Service Lineup

So, what do I suscribe to year-round? Not much, but there are some I always use, and some I sometimes use.

Regular Subscriptions:

• Pub-D-Hub: This niche service offers a treasure trove of classic TV shows and movies. I subscribe to their Gold membership ($3.99/year) and also have the Gold Plus upgrade ($2.99/year), bringing my total annual cost to $6.98. It's a fantastic value!
• Paramount Plus (included with Walmart Plus): This is where the real value lies! My Walmart Plus membership gives me Paramount Plus, and I pay extra for the Showtime bundle, local CBS, and ad-free upgrade. This brings the total cost to $65 a year, but it's worth every penny for the amount of content I get.
• Prime Video (included with Amazon Prime): I've been an Amazon Prime member since before Prime Video even existed! I primarily subscribe for the shipping benefits, but Prime Video is a nice bonus. I would opt for a cheaper plan without Prime Video if it were available, but for now, it's part of the package.

Rotating Subscriptions:

I occasionally rotate in subscriptions to services I don't always keep. This allows me to catch up on specific shows or movies without committing to a long-term subscription. Currently, I'm subscribed to the Disney Bundle (Hulu with ads, Disney+ with ads, Max with ads) for $16.99 a month, but I'll likely drop back down to just plain Hulu when the special pricing ends. I don't always have an active subscription in this category, but I keep the apps installed, so I can easily subscribe when I want to.

Why I Don't Subscribe to These Services

My main reason for not subscribing to the following services is that they don't offer enough content that appeals to me at this time.

• Netflix: While Netflix has a vast library, it's become heavily focused on original content, which isn't always my cup of tea. The cost is also a factor.
• Apple TV Plus: Apple TV Plus has some excellent shows, but not enough to justify a regular subscription for me.
• Starz: Starz offers good deals on subscriptions, but I don't find enough content there to make it worthwhile.
• BritBox: BritBox has some good British TV shows, but not enough to keep me subscribed.
• Shudder: Shudder specializes in horror. While I enjoy some horror movies, I don't watch enough to justify a dedicated subscription.
• Criterion Channel: I've tried the Criterion Channel and appreciate its content, but with my current subscriptions, I don't have enough time to dedicate to it.

Analysis and Rationale

• Cost-Effectiveness: My total annual streaming cost is less than $300! This is a significant saving compared to cable, and it allows me to allocate funds to other areas.
• Content Strategy: My subscriptions provide a diverse range of content, from classic movies and TV shows to current releases. I'm willing to watch ads to keep costs down.
• The Importance of Local Content: Having access to local CBS through Paramount Plus is a nice supplement to my antenna for local news and events.
• Bundling Benefits: Bundling services like Paramount Plus with Walmart Plus is a great way to maximize value and save money.

Conclusion

By carefully selecting my streaming services and taking advantage of bundles and promotions, I'm able to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment without breaking the bank. I encourage you to explore similar strategies and find the streaming setup that works best for you. I've been a cord cutter since 2011, and I wouldn't have it any other way! My Streaming Life, with its focus on affordability and strategic subscriptions, allows me to enjoy my favorite shows and movies without the high cost of cable.