Your streaming bill is robbing you blind

September 27, 2025

By Kim Komando

On my national radio show, I mentioned that the average American spends $110 a month on streaming subscriptions. Add in $80+ for decent internet, and suddenly cable doesn’t look so evil.

My inbox exploded: “Kim, how do I lower my streaming bill?”

The short answer: You’re paying for stuff you’re not even watching. Let’s fix that.

🕵️ Start with a ‘streaming audit’

How many of these are you signed up for right now? Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Prime Video … and maybe a couple of sneaky ones like BritBox or Discovery+ you forgot about after a “free trial.”

Step 1: Check your bank or card statement for charges from:

• Google, Apple, Amazon (they love hiding subscriptions under friendly names).
• Random charges like “BILLINGSTREAMLLC” (actual scammy name I’ve seen).
• Pro tip: Use Rocket Money, they scan your accounts and flag forgotten or sneaky subscriptions.

Step 2: Open your smart TV or phone. Which apps are collecting digital dust? If it’s been more than a month since you watched something, unsubscribe. Most services save your watch history, so you can pick up where you left off later.

💸 Go full cheapskate (but in style)

You’d be shocked how good free streaming is these days. Yeah, there are ads, but you don’t get a bill.

• Tubi: Classic movies, thrillers and more ’90s vibes than a Delia’s catalog.
• Pluto TV: News, sitcoms, reality reruns and channels you didn’t know you missed.
• The Roku Channel: Solid flicks and weirdly addictive Roku originals.
• Plex: It started as a way to stream your own stuff, now it offers tons of free content.
• Kanopy & Hoopla: If you’ve got a library card, you’ve got access to tons of award-winning movies, docs and even binge-worthy TV. Free. Legit. No strings.

🎯 Question of the day

Which day of the week do people stream the most TV shows in the U.S.?

Think you know the answer? Click here to enter to win with your name, email address and your guess. It takes less than a minute, and you’ll be in the running to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card just for playing!

I’ll randomly choose 10 winners from all correct entries. If it’s you, that gift card could be in your inbox by this time next week. So don’t wait, get your answer in now!