Comments on: Ten Financial Reasons To Turn Off Your Television – And Ten Things To Replace It With http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:06:21 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Diane http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-879861 Diane Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:15:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-879861 I'm not against TV, but I hate cable. I gave it up a year ago and except for Top Chef, have not missed it. I use hulu, netflix, and an OTA antenna. And I'm saving over $700/year. I’m not against TV, but I hate cable. I gave it up a year ago and except for Top Chef, have not missed it. I use hulu, netflix, and an OTA antenna. And I’m saving over $700/year.

]]> By: Lanita http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-759127 Lanita Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:39:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-759127 For some of those who are looking to cut their cable bill and save some money but don't want to miss out on the shows and movies they like to watch, check at your Public Library. Some libraries offer media you can check out. Instead of spending all that money on a monthly cable bill to get 200 channels you don't even watch, you can check out a season at a time for free!! :) Just a helpful suggestion. For some of those who are looking to cut their cable bill and save some money but don’t want to miss out on the shows and movies they like to watch, check at your Public Library. Some libraries offer media you can check out. Instead of spending all that money on a monthly cable bill to get 200 channels you don’t even watch, you can check out a season at a time for free!! :) Just a helpful suggestion.

]]> By: Jo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-754502 Jo Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:51:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-754502 I need to step in here to counter-point why watching the telly is not necessarily a bad thing. My SO and I do have the nicer channels such as: Discovery, the Science Channel, the History Channel, Animal Planet, NatGeo, and TLC. Those are our absolutely favorite ones, and yes, you do have to pay a good bit for it. But I have to say that educationally, along the way I have learned a lot about many different things. Science, the arts, the oceans, space, how things are made, et. al. And as a result, I am able to pass this knowledge on to others, especially children. We don't watch those silly sitcoms, which are, indeed, worthless IMO. So are the ridiculous commercials. Those go on mute while I attend to a quick chore or grab a snack. Yes, I know....my bad about the snack. Love those Bing cherries BTW, which are currently in season. But I digress.... My SO and I are not party-goers; nor do we go out much out of choice; this includes eating out. So, this said, we keep the telly "premium" channels and avoid other costly expenses. I need to step in here to counter-point why watching the telly is not necessarily a bad thing.

My SO and I do have the nicer channels such as: Discovery, the Science Channel, the History Channel, Animal Planet, NatGeo, and TLC. Those are our absolutely favorite ones, and yes, you do have to pay a good bit for it. But I have to say that educationally, along the way I have learned a lot about many different things. Science, the arts, the oceans, space, how things are made, et. al. And as a result, I am able to pass this knowledge on to others, especially children.

We don’t watch those silly sitcoms, which are, indeed, worthless IMO. So are the ridiculous commercials. Those go on mute while I attend to a quick chore or grab a snack. Yes, I know….my bad about the snack. Love those Bing cherries BTW, which are currently in season. But I digress….

My SO and I are not party-goers; nor do we go out much out of choice; this includes eating out. So, this said, we keep the telly “premium” channels and avoid other costly expenses.

]]> By: TV Les http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-745230 TV Les Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:13:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-745230 I just stopped my Sat TV service. I also quit smoking about 8 months ago. TV is just another bad habit that has to go. Some posters have talked about self control. In truth, we all have different levels of self control. Temptation is a real thing and should never be taken lightly. Those that can easily walk away from temptation need to understand that we are not all the same and weakness does not gain strength through ridicule. It gains strength through accomplishment. I have been weak but now find new strength. I just stopped my Sat TV service. I also quit smoking about 8 months ago. TV is just another bad habit that has to go. Some posters have talked about self control. In truth, we all have different levels of self control. Temptation is a real thing and should never be taken lightly. Those that can easily walk away from temptation need to understand that we are not all the same and weakness does not gain strength through ridicule. It gains strength through accomplishment. I have been weak but now find new strength.

]]> By: Karen A. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-717350 Karen A. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:21:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-717350 I am struggling with giving up my satellite programming. However, it will save me almost $80 a month. Due to this recession, and being retired, I need to start working part time. But I can work less days and hours by giving up my satellite/cable tv. First I'm going to downgrade to a lesser package, and then cancel altogether. Paying for 150 channels and only watching MSNBC, CNN, Home and Garden, Hallmark are just about all I really watch. Most of it is commercials anyhow. So, it really doesn't make sense to keep it. I am working on it -- and I SHALL SUCCEED! Thanks for all the great comments/thoughts. You've all been a great inspiration for me. I loveD this website. I am struggling with giving up my satellite programming. However, it will save me almost $80 a month. Due to this recession, and being retired, I need to start working part time. But I can work less days and hours by giving up my satellite/cable tv. First I’m going to downgrade to a lesser package, and then cancel altogether. Paying for 150 channels and only watching MSNBC, CNN, Home and Garden, Hallmark are just about all I really watch. Most of it is commercials anyhow. So, it really doesn’t make sense to keep it. I am working on it — and I SHALL SUCCEED! Thanks for all the great comments/thoughts. You’ve all been a great inspiration for me. I loveD this website.

]]> By: No_TV_for_2_years http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-698452 No_TV_for_2_years Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:06:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-698452 and oh by the way I am without TV for the past two years. Before that I was addicted to NFL. I completely stopped watching it. Its not worth it. and oh by the way I am without TV for the past two years. Before that I was addicted to NFL. I completely stopped watching it.

Its not worth it.

]]> By: No_TV_for_2_years http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-698233 No_TV_for_2_years Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:11:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-698233 awesome. TV is a big propaganda by the companies to make us buy their stuff (99% of it unnecessaty stuff), a big propaganda to keep us dumb and get dumber by the day, and a big propaganda to keep us where we are and not progress in life. Don't fall for it. awesome.

TV is a big propaganda by the companies to make us buy their stuff (99% of it unnecessaty stuff), a big propaganda to keep us dumb and get dumber by the day, and a big propaganda to keep us where we are and not progress in life.

Don’t fall for it.

]]> By: Paul http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-662926 Paul Fri, 15 May 2009 02:54:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-662926 You could say the same for the computer and/or car. How many zombies are glued to their computer screens all day/night long? It's all about self-discipline. It's not the TV that makes things bad, it's people's lack of common sense. You could say the same for the computer and/or car. How many zombies are glued to their computer screens all day/night long? It’s all about self-discipline. It’s not the TV that makes things bad, it’s people’s lack of common sense.

]]> By: Mirvana http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-644380 Mirvana Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:21:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-644380 What if you are too tired to do anything but watch tv? What if you do other productive activities while watching tv, like knitting? I don't watch that much tv, but for me, tv is how I relax at the end of the day and unwind so that I can fall asleep, esp. if my eyes are too tired to read. What if you are too tired to do anything but watch tv? What if you do other productive activities while watching tv, like knitting?

I don’t watch that much tv, but for me, tv is how I relax at the end of the day and unwind so that I can fall asleep, esp. if my eyes are too tired to read.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-607530 Sarah Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:48:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-607530 I have to agree about the television of today's society. As I am getting ready to move out on my own in a few months for the first time, I thought why not try and teach oneself to cut back on the television addiction? Well needless to say, 2 months later I haven't regretted giving up all the 100+ channels and have spent more time researching the Net for topics of Interest to me, which 9 times out of 10 usually lead to a book marathon, which not only expands one's mind but when around others, there is no mindless, but simply intelligent conversation. I have to agree about the television of today’s society. As I am getting ready to move out on my own in a few months for the first time, I thought why not try and teach oneself to cut back on the television addiction? Well needless to say, 2 months later I haven’t regretted giving up all the 100+ channels and have spent more time researching the Net for topics of Interest to me, which 9 times out of 10 usually lead to a book marathon, which not only expands one’s mind but when around others, there is no mindless, but simply intelligent conversation.

]]> By: AJ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-591083 AJ Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:09:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-591083 Did anyone happen to notice the rather ironic ad at the bottom of the blog? - TIME WARNER CABLE!! Did anyone happen to notice the rather ironic ad at the bottom of the blog? – TIME WARNER CABLE!!

]]> By: Dan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-585100 Dan Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:08:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-585100 I had a friend who called me up one day and was ecstatic about dropping his cable bill. I asked him, "Why are you excited about dropping your cable bill?" He said, "It's simple, bro. First, the internet has made it very easy to watch shows on demand. All I do is sign into Hulu.com and I have any show when I want it! I hooked up my laptop to my TV, and BINGO, free cable! Besides, the Ravens always play on regular stations, and most Orioles games are covered. Thanks to the new digital converter boxes, I can get the network stations (ABC, NBC, CBS) in full HD! Not only that, but I use Netflix at $9.95 per month and now I can stream movies and watch them on my TV. I can watch blu-ray movies if I want that cinematic experience as well. With Hulu, Netflix, and the new converter boxes, there really is no more any need for cable!" I had a friend who called me up one day and was ecstatic about dropping his cable bill. I asked him, “Why are you excited about dropping your cable bill?” He said, “It’s simple, bro. First, the internet has made it very easy to watch shows on demand. All I do is sign into Hulu.com and I have any show when I want it! I hooked up my laptop to my TV, and BINGO, free cable! Besides, the Ravens always play on regular stations, and most Orioles games are covered. Thanks to the new digital converter boxes, I can get the network stations (ABC, NBC, CBS) in full HD! Not only that, but I use Netflix at $9.95 per month and now I can stream movies and watch them on my TV. I can watch blu-ray movies if I want that cinematic experience as well. With Hulu, Netflix, and the new converter boxes, there really is no more any need for cable!”

]]> By: Dean http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-571846 Dean Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:03:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-571846 Here's a good article on TV and the amount of time society spends watching it, puts it into perspective. "Put another way, now that we have a unit, that's 2,000 Wikipedia projects a year spent watching television." - http://www.herecomeseverybody.org/2008/04/looking-for-the-mouse.html I've lived with TV and without TV. Now I'm just addicted to the internet instead. Here’s a good article on TV and the amount of time society spends watching it, puts it into perspective.

“Put another way, now that we have a unit, that’s 2,000 Wikipedia projects a year spent watching television.” – http://www.herecomeseverybody.org/2008/04/looking-for-the-mouse.html

I’ve lived with TV and without TV. Now I’m just addicted to the internet instead.

]]> By: noelle http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-535594 noelle Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:37:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-535594 Absolutely! Found myself single a few months ago and realized how much time I spent in front of the tv when I could have been cultivating the relationship better :-) When I was a child (back in the early 80s), I did not spend hours watching tv but was outside. I look at the children today and they are generally unhealthy because they spend so much time watching tv, playing video games, and in front of the computer (mm..much like I am doing now!)....speaking of which, time to get up and get some errands done! Absolutely! Found myself single a few months ago and realized how much time I spent in front of the tv when I could have been cultivating the relationship better :-)
When I was a child (back in the early 80s), I did not spend hours watching tv but was outside. I look at the children today and they are generally unhealthy because they spend so much time watching tv, playing video games, and in front of the computer (mm..much like I am doing now!)….speaking of which, time to get up and get some errands done!

]]> By: Johnny http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-508214 Johnny Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:15:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-508214 As a kid growing up in the age of cable, I probably spent at least 8 - 10 hours a day watching the tube (back when it was a tube). A few years ago I had the fortune of having my TV break on me and suddenly finding myself with all this time on my hands. Let's just say that I've used that time wisely since and haven't looked back. As a kid growing up in the age of cable, I probably spent at least 8 – 10 hours a day watching the tube (back when it was a tube). A few years ago I had the fortune of having my TV break on me and suddenly finding myself with all this time on my hands.

Let’s just say that I’ve used that time wisely since and haven’t looked back.

]]> By: EngineerMom http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-500771 EngineerMom Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:02:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-500771 This is a great post. Some people can responsibly handle TV and some cannot, just like some people can responsibly handle alcohol and some cannot. Just because you can, don't make the assumption that someone who can't is lazy or lacks self-control. I can't handle TV. If it's available, I'll waste hours per day, especially on the weekends, watching whatever. I knew that when I graduated from college, so I never bought a TV. Watching an episode or two of a favorite show on my computer via DVD was never an issue because at the end of the episode, the system automatically STOPS. When I got married, my husband brought a TV with him. We tried having it out in the living room for a couple of months, but my old bad habits of turning it on "just for one show", and then totally losing track of time for hours returned. We finally decided to just get rid of the TV. We watch movies on our computer (which, incidentally, has a much bigger screen!) on Friday and Saturday nights, and the rest of the week we don't even turn on the computer except for checking the weather or getting directions (we both have 'net access at work which makes it a relief to have zero screen time in the evenings). We have a 7-month-old son, and we've noticed he is completely entranced whenever we're watching a movie. It's a little creepy because he'll stop playing or even eating if there's something on the screen to watch. Simply because of that, we know that TV is permanently gone from our lives. The only thing that is missed is watching the Chicago Cubs (for my husband). I love the complete lack of commercials in our lives. Even on the radio, I only listen to two stations, a public radio station and a Christian music station, both of which are commercial-free. This is a great post. Some people can responsibly handle TV and some cannot, just like some people can responsibly handle alcohol and some cannot. Just because you can, don’t make the assumption that someone who can’t is lazy or lacks self-control.

I can’t handle TV. If it’s available, I’ll waste hours per day, especially on the weekends, watching whatever. I knew that when I graduated from college, so I never bought a TV. Watching an episode or two of a favorite show on my computer via DVD was never an issue because at the end of the episode, the system automatically STOPS.

When I got married, my husband brought a TV with him. We tried having it out in the living room for a couple of months, but my old bad habits of turning it on “just for one show”, and then totally losing track of time for hours returned. We finally decided to just get rid of the TV. We watch movies on our computer (which, incidentally, has a much bigger screen!) on Friday and Saturday nights, and the rest of the week we don’t even turn on the computer except for checking the weather or getting directions (we both have ‘net access at work which makes it a relief to have zero screen time in the evenings).

We have a 7-month-old son, and we’ve noticed he is completely entranced whenever we’re watching a movie. It’s a little creepy because he’ll stop playing or even eating if there’s something on the screen to watch. Simply because of that, we know that TV is permanently gone from our lives.

The only thing that is missed is watching the Chicago Cubs (for my husband).

I love the complete lack of commercials in our lives. Even on the radio, I only listen to two stations, a public radio station and a Christian music station, both of which are commercial-free.

]]> By: Jihan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-494006 Jihan Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:30:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-494006 Everyone here seems to be addicted to tv, that must be unfortunate! I am however, not addicted to tv. I use the computer very often to stream news or religious channels, but for a month, I probably watch tv for 10 minutes a day for the local news. I have nothing interesting to watch on tv anyway, I can live with regular channels and watch no movies. I already have all my favorite dvds too! Also the sex thing is kind of funny but true! I like your attitude lol! Everyone here seems to be addicted to tv, that must be unfortunate! I am however, not addicted to tv. I use the computer very often to stream news or religious channels, but for a month, I probably watch tv for 10 minutes a day for the local news. I have nothing interesting to watch on tv anyway, I can live with regular channels and watch no movies. I already have all my favorite dvds too!

Also the sex thing is kind of funny but true! I like your attitude lol!

]]> By: KED http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-474976 KED Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:45:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-474976 Couldn't agree with this article more! My husband of 9 years is definitely addicted to TV. At least 3 to 6 hours a night. Needless to say we have problems with communication amoung other things....I wonder if emailing him this link might spark an internal thought!?!?! Couldn’t agree with this article more! My husband of 9 years is definitely addicted to TV. At least 3 to 6 hours a night. Needless to say we have problems with communication amoung other things….I wonder if emailing him this link might spark an internal thought!?!?!

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-474608 Michael Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-474608 As with everything else in life, moderation is the key. I've been reducing the amount of tv I watch. If I do happen to watch a bit of tv, it's on Discover/History channels type of shows. If I'm going to be a couch potato might as be a smart one! As with everything else in life, moderation is the key. I’ve been reducing the amount of tv I watch. If I do happen to watch a bit of tv, it’s on Discover/History channels type of shows. If I’m going to be a couch potato might as be a smart one!

]]> By: vinnie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/comment-page-4/#comment-469364 vinnie Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:52:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/09/ten-financial-reasons-to-turn-off-your-television-and-ten-things-to-replace-it-with/#comment-469364 I dumped cable a year and 4 mos ago. Best thing I ever did. Also, tv is off most of the time...I watch about an hour of tv a week. Don't even miss it. For movies I go to Hulu. I know im saving a lot of money. I like to paint, so I do that a lot....pictures that is. And I get a lot of other things done. It's GREAT!!!! I dumped cable a year and 4 mos ago. Best thing I ever did. Also, tv is off most of the time…I watch about an hour of tv a week. Don’t even miss it. For movies I go to Hulu. I know im saving a lot of money. I like to paint, so I do that a lot….pictures that is. And I get a lot of other things done. It’s GREAT!!!!

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