Cutting the Cord Free

About 6 weeks ago I opened a bill from Comcast, $139!  This must be some sort of mistake I shrieked, it couldn't be that much.  After all I didn't have cable just internet. Apparently my year of $39.99 a month, "the special", which really came to about $58 if you include the cost of modem rental and taxes was up.  This was the final straw, I decided to not only cut the cable cord but burn it.

While paying my prepaid wireless bill I saw a special for Direct TV Now.  Now I already had Direct TV Now I thought and nearly dismissed it until I saw the fine print.   ATT wireless customers get dara free streaming.  Sure I said, likely story, in the meantime as an ATT customer it was time to upgrade my cellphone so I decided to bite the bullet and get a postpaid account.  My association had a 15% discount on the monthly rate.  Since I was all about saving money I decided to give it a go. Consequently it did not matter if it was prepaid or postpaid Direct TV Now streaming was not only free but you got a monthly discount.

Still not convinced I decided to give it a whirl.  To my surprise they really meant it when they say free.  I streamed Direct TV Now from the time I woke up until I went to bed for the month without an issue with my data.  I used the phone as a mobile Hotspot, surfed the internet, watched Amazon video, Netflix, Acorn TV and still am able to stream. So I'm sold. Free from cable at last! Now if I can only get Verizon to stop sending their solicitation minions to my door.📺

Cutting the Cord 2

Okay I admit it.  My name is Loretta and I am a TV fanatic a proud member of the television generation.   In a span of a few decades I have seen it go from Boob Tube, Idiot Box to Smart TV.  Imagine that.  Who would have ever thought that TV would be so interactive actually placing the viewer in control?  A genius move or is it?  There are an assortment of programs to choose right at your fingertips, Educational, Informative, Religious, to just plain Entertaining.  You can watch what you want when you want 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and if you don't like commercials for a small fee they go bye bye.

In my Cutting the Cord post last August I wrote about Blue Ray Players.  It's time to move on to TV services, after my last $300 cable bill I decided to use my money more wisely and actually cut my bill by more than 65%!

Here are a few popular services that I've tried:

Amazon Fire TV📺📺📺
Awesome streaming video and bundled with a Prime Membership.  Amazon Channels have a wide variety of programming apps.  Some Smart TVs come with the app pre-loaded otherwise you fork up $30 or more for a streaming stick. Better if there were live programming and a larger selection of original shows.

Acorn TV📺📺
If Award Winning and Entertaining British programming is your thing this may in fact be for you.  I love to watch it on rainy Sundays.  Low membership fee around $5 per month or yearly for under $50.

Sling TV📺📺
Definitely Al a Carte TV with dependable streaming.  You can design your own programs to watch.  Easy interface.  Search and find, there is something for everyone.  They won't cut you off if you are late on your payment.  Gift Card subscriptions are tricky, I suggest that if you start with a gift card continue to use one throughout.  Pricey but not nearly the cost of Cable TV.

Neflix📺📺📺
Excellent, need I say more.  Low cost, great original programming, and dazzling video.  You can add user profiles and filter for children.  No live programming.

Direct TV Now📺📺
Low cost, great live and on-demand programming, sharp video. 3 tiers of packages with multiple channel selections.   If you have ATT cell phone service you can get bundled specials.  Doesn't play well with older fire TV sticks.  Better on laptops or computing devices.  💻📱

Hulu📺📺
If you don't have a DVR and/or live network television reception then stop right here.
Missed a network show or soap?  You can watch it a few hours to a day after they air.
Better if live TV Beta was more consistent with streaming.  Interface is somewhat clunky but you'll get used to it.  Pricey with Live TV, far less than cable.

CBS All Access📺
Current Programs live and pre-recorded.  Excellent video.  Low cost for live network TV.
Restricted to CBS programming.  Good if you can't get the local channel with your antenna.

There's still no getting out of paying for a reliable internet service.  I'm sure if you shop around the right provider is not too far away.  I also found that most TV services wanted a credit bank/card for recurring charges.  This can become a bit cumbersome when managing multiple services not to mention paying interest and losing savings.  Some providers will inquire on your credit card or debit card a few days to a week in advance to see how much funds you have.  One provider will suspend your services until they get a "good" card.  This may also apply if you change your payment method.  A workaround is gift card subscriptions.  Yes you can buy a gift card on Amazon, and redeem it on the provider's website.  That way you can manage your spending and won't have to worry about cutting off or suspending service while on vacation if you plan it carefully.  

Video Cassettes, Floppy Disks, and Mini 8s Oh My!

We're moving to the digitization nation

My trip to Oz began this summer in our entertainment cabinet.  I was looking for the television remote control.  While searching through a yellow basket I came across some old VHS tapes and cassette recordings filled with precious memories of my baby's first cry, dance recitals, birthday parties, and volleyball meets just sitting and collecting dust.  Why? because we can't play them anymore.  Our videotape player was recycled years ago.   Remember the box that played old home movies and Blockbuster videos now replaced with Internet, the "Cloud", DVDs, and Blue Ray players?  The videotape player lost it's popularity in the 90s thanks to the cellphone revolution. Cell phones came complete with built in digital movie cameras and photo editing software rapidly antiquating this technology.  These days, with the touch of a button and in a flash, media is uploaded into the cloud eliminating wasted space and clutter.

So what DO you do with the old technology of yesteryear?  Namely those old VHS tapes and floppy disks now that manufacturers have finally stopped making Videotape Cassette Recorder units.  To add insult to injury an additional dilemma is if the tapes are not converted after time they will become unplayable.  Many a tear has been shed due to improper care of VHS tapes resulting in damaged media which also tend to disintegrate over time if not properly stored.  Never fear, it's not too late to preserve those precious memories, today's technology can help you do just that and it's easier than you think.  
Here is what you'll need:  💾📼📀💻📹
VHS Cassette Tapes, Video Tape Player or recorder, Floppy Disks, Computer/laptop, Internet, and a VCR/VHS video tape converter to computer PC DVD.

Here's what you do:  Purchase a VCR/VHS video tape converter compatible with your computer system.  They are found for reasonable prices as low as $10.99 online.  Download the software follow the directions for hookup.  
If you do not have a video tape player you still have a few options.

• Borrow one for free from an older friend or relative. 
• Take tapes to a big box store photo center 📷video duplication kiosk.
• Call ahead to the store for a working machine, check pricing 💲, and turnaround time.📆
• Buy a used unit ;
• Salvation Army🔔 - Neighborhood thrift store.  Plug in unit at store to see if it works prior to purchasing.  
• Pros - Low prices and various localities.
• EBay - Online Auction Site that sells used equipment.  Read the description carefully for damaged non-working units.  Price usually does not include shipping.  
• Pros - lower prices at auction.  You can usually choose your preferred method of shipping depending on how fast you want it.
• Amazon📕 - Buy now Prices.  
• Pros - Free shipping with Prime Membership. 
• Pawn Shop💍 - They generally have some older technology for sale after the borrower defaults.  
• Pros - Usually require that items accepted are in working condition.

Prior to beginning your project always check the VHS/VCR unit with a test tape.  Take it slow and watch to see if there are any problems while recording. When it's all said and done while sitting on the couch enjoying your handwork you can truly say there's no place like home, videos that is.

Cash for Unused Electronic Clutter

Everything has value either to you or someone else. According to the old proverb "One man's trash is another man's treasure", a saying although gone through many variants has been around since 550 BC.
This was personally confirmed during my summer journey to declutter and downsize apartments.  While cleaning out my living room entertainment stand I came across a Wii video game console and several music CDs.  I thought of donating them but most gamers today use their cell phones, computers, or much newer equipment.  Then there was eBay my old trusted source but after the seller fees I'd net next to nothing.  Short of practically giving it away after some research I found that retail therapy is no further than your local shopping mall.

For this project you will need:  Cell Phone, Computer, Internet 📱💻
List of some retailers that will take your undamaged and working "trash" and turn it into cash.

1. Game Stop - Working Video Game Consoles with power cords, games, paddles.  Here's how it works - Download the Game Stop app on your cell phone.  Search for your video game system. Complete the form to find your value.  Go to the store with your equipment.  Collect the cash.
2. Best Buy - Working Video Game Consoles with power cords, games, paddles as well as a myriad of other electronic gadgets.  Go to the Best Buy Website search for "Trade In and Trade Up".  Click on your category or search to describe.  Select your model, bring it to the store and get a Best Buy Gift Card.  Drawbacks:  Won't take Wii Balance Boards.
3. FYE, For Your Entertainment Stores- Music CDs 💿.  Here's how it works - Use the app or go into the store.  Item is entered into computer system and a cash value is assigned.  Drawback if the CD is scratched they won't accept it.  They also don't take copyrighted videos a.k.a Disney.
4. Mom and Pop Used Book and Music Stores 👪- These are found in your local municipalities or towns.  They generally accept all books and music videos at better cash prices than big box stores.  Items in original unopened packaging is a plus.  No computer systems are generally used so anonymity is preserved and you get a receipt.

In all interactions I found that the older the video game system, less cash was offered.  Using the store apps may not guarantee you the same price when you arrive in the store.  Also call in advance to see if someone is there that handles this before you waste a trip.  Going during slow times is also a good idea to avoid a long wait.  The best financial advice for this project is, if you are searching for the latest gaming system for replacement is to buy on sale, used, and with store rewards where you'll get a bigger bang for your buck.

Cutting the Cord - Blue Ray Review

🎥Home Theatre Blue Ray Player Review

Blue Ray players today come with built in features for TV watchers.  This is an upgrade since they now perform multiple functions coupling improved picture and sound with non cable choices, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, iHeart radio and much more.

I reviewed the Sony BD RMT-VB100U
Pluses - Easy setup plug and play, great picture comparable to HD and sound.  Has multiple apps
Drawbacks - Blind Fast Forward and Rewind while viewing Amazon Prime.

Overall Blue Ray players are affordable and integrate nicely to the LED TV experience especially if you are a collector of DVDS.

For more reviews see the Consumer Reports article.

Organized Space in My Place🏡

I caught the spring cleaning bug sometime during the unseasonably warm weather in March.  So I rushed to the utility closet stubbing my toe on the fan attempting to reach for a mop.  As I rubbed my aching foot I pondered why is the ugliest place in the house the most painful?  Just the inspiration I needed for a new project, the 'Great Utility Room Redo'.

Time:  2 hours
Cost:  Free, borrowed to $60
Materials: Melamine or wood shelf, 2 brackets w/screws, drill, tape measure, pencil, drill, screw driver, wire shelves, liner, rubber mat
Directions:  

Sketch out a plan for your redo or use an app to measure your space and give you some ideas on layout.
Measure the wall the shelf will be installed on, Subtract 2 inches from the door.  Also measure your appliances for shelf height.
Purchase or find a melamine used reclaimed wooden shelf.  Mark the wall using a pencil and ruler.  Even out the brackets so that the weight of the shelf is balanced.
Install the shelf and anchor it to the brackets.
Screw the wire shelves to the shelf with cup hooks.
Line the shelf with paper and top with a clear rubber mat.
Load your appliances, baskets, and cleaning products.
Use command adhesives to the wall to hang brooms, ladders, etc.

Happy Spring Cleaning🀦

Tax Organizing Solutions Made Simple

Problem:

Each year using manila folders to organize tax documents and receipts for itemizing deductions.   Over time they get rather worn and discolored resulting in too much paperwork and cumbersome bulky folders. 
📂Solution:  

Purchase a 1" Plastic Zip Letter Size Envelope at Staples® on sale for a few dollars.  You can also get Jot Plastic Zip Envelopes at the Dollar Tree® if you can find them in stock.

Inside the folder place a plastic sleeve also found at Staples or the Dollar Tree labeled with the tax category.  Use left over sleeves with 3 rings and a label maker with tax categories placed across the tops.  Your accountant or tax professional will be very happy and avoid the shoe box blues.

The plastic folders will keep your documents safe and clean for years to come.  At the end of the current tax year, remove the documents from the sleeves, staple them together and store them in  zipped plastic sleeves to store in archive.   3 years later either scan the documents or store them in archive for 10 years, saving the sleeves and envelopes for the new tax year. 
💵