Last year we cut our budget heavily in all areas, but entertainment took the hardest hit. After a lengthy family discussion, we agreed to keep the internet, which we all use more, and ditched the satellite, as well as movies in theaters, eating out, music subscription services, magazines, etc. 

We're fairly active and busy and we all love to read, butI won't lie to youwe like our tv in this house. But the standard signal is dismal here, so for a long time we saw satellite as a near essential.

Not any more. We hooked our computer up to our tv (having a techie-teenage son has its advantages, but it wasn't difficult--all you need is a cable that will conver the signal and a video card with a television tuner on it).  Most of our favorite shows have their own websites where we can watch the most recent  episodes and some of them offer entire seasons. Channels like "sci-fi" and Discovery are generous in this regard. AOL tv shows a lot of old and not-so-old reruns and there are others out there who have similar offerings.  You-Tube is fun for indies and music videos. We also invested in the $14.00 Netflix membership (Instant watch which allows subscribers to watch some of their movies online isn't bad). It's easily suspended without any kind of penalty when we have a short month (which has happened a couple of times).

Not long ago I asked our four boys if they'd like to have satellite back after the first of the year since we'll have paid off a big bill at that point and might be in a position to afford it. To my complete surprise, they announced that they preferred things the way they are.  Actually, I do too. No commercials is a big plus with this system and it's not nearly as difficult to weed out unacceptable material.  And because they have to make conscious choices as to what to watch instead of sitting blankly in front of it, the boys are more inclined to fill their time with other activities.