How to make cable company deals and save $250-350 a year on your cable bill. And as usual, providing personal finance advice, real estate advice and consumer advice with Ilyce Glink on the Clark Howard Show December 29, 2011 on WSB Radio.

In 2001, the average American household spent $48 a month on their internet/phone/cable bill. Ten years later, at the end of 2011, the average is nearly three times that amount, coming in at $128 per family.

While trying to claw our way out of the Great Recession, our data and entertainment needs can put a major strain on the budget. But despite high prices, it is still possible to make cable company deals. We’ve all seen, and perhaps been on the receiving end, of three or six-month introductory promotions. Cable companies use these promos to get customers onboard before jacking up prices at the end of the offer period.

Well if you’re diligent and willing to cancel your service or switch providers (or at least threaten to do so), many cable companies will work with you on a new deal. This can save you $20-30 each month, perhaps more. Give it a try.

What else is going on in the world in the waning days of 2011?

  •  The U.S. Census Bureau announced that the country’s population will cross 313 million on New Year’s Day. We’re growing as a nation even as we struggle through a sluggish economic recovery.
  • First time unemployment claims are up 15,000 this week. We’re still below the 400,000 threshold, but why the uptick? Callers and I discuss.
  • Early Christmas season retail reports indicate that dollar volume sales were up, but profits were down. Black Friday sales, door busters and deeply discounted merchandise are the likely culprits.

You can get more personal finance advice, real estate advice and consumer advice by listening to this radio show and by listening to my other radio shows.  Simply download them to your phone or audio player. You can also read our articles on real estate, credit, and consumer advice articles as well.

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