A year ago, we made the bold decision to ditch cable, and let me tell you, the benefits have been rolling in — many of them quite surprising.
It became clear that cable was no longer a necessity. With our trusty Roku streaming device at our fingertips, we easily access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and a host of pay-per-view options. Plus, our HD antenna keeps us updated with the latest shenanigans on morning shows (RIP to the unforgettable Billy Bush). My favorite sports teams aren’t local anyway, which means I’m more than accustomed to catching the Dolphins games at a bar. And let’s be honest, my spouse wouldn’t let me watch baseball even if I wanted to!
Initially, we thought we’d miss our trusty DVR, but who needs it when everything is available for streaming?
Once we cut ties with the frustratingly outdated cable services, we found ourselves saving money despite subscribing to a few services that cater to our viewing needs. But the real hidden gem of going cable-free?
Remember those Saturdays as kids spent glued to the TV, watching cartoons and then pestering our parents for the latest toys advertised between shows? Well, with cable out of the picture, my kids are blissfully unaware of those relentless ads. Instead, they discover toys through friends on the playground or during trips to the store.
It’s quite liberating! Sure, my son still hears about toys from other sources—he’s not living under a rock—but it’s refreshing not to worry about him begging for the latest gimmicky toy after seeing a flashy commercial for it five times in a row.
Think back to your childhood and all those ads that made you rush to your parents, begging for the next big thing. I remember wanting this ridiculous remote-controlled truck called “The Claw.” The commercial was epic, but when I finally laid eyes on the actual toy, it was a total letdown. I can’t help but blame TV for that!
Now, with streaming, most of what we watch is ad-free. When we visit family and a commercial breaks, my son looks utterly confused. It doesn’t take long, though, for him to start wanting whatever ridiculously overpriced toy is being marketed—typically some loud, flashy, loosely Star Wars or superhero-related item. In those moments, I find myself saying “no,” and sometimes even raising my voice at family members, reaching for the bourbon instead!
Without cable, there’s a lot less chaos. Okay, maybe not chaos, but definitely less awareness of those annoying new toys. This is a significant upside: we not only save money by eliminating cable and paying for a few subscriptions, but we also decrease my son’s exposure to those silly toys he would inevitably lose interest in two weeks later.
Honestly, that’s probably what would’ve happened if my parents had given in to my plea for The Claw. I still kind of want it, though.
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post on the benefits of modern parenting here. And if you’re considering home insemination, visit Make A Mom for reliable at-home insemination kits. Also, for those curious about fertility and health, Science Daily offers great resources.
In summary, cutting the cord on cable has led to unexpected financial benefits and a notable reduction in my children’s exposure to relentless toy advertisements. These changes have not only lightened our budget but have also made our home a more peaceful place.