Michael Timmermann on Auditing Your 2026 Streaming Budget

Michael Timmermann, a personal finance journalist and cord-cutting expert from the Michael Saves channel, provides a strategic look at how to audit your viewing habits to avoid the "bundle trap" in 2026.

[YouTube]

The video highlights a common mistake for cord-cutters: trading expensive cable packages for equally costly live TV streaming bundles. Michael Timmermann suggests auditing viewing habits by listing specific shows and sports rather than just channels to determine if a large bundle is truly necessary. He recommends a DIY approach, such as combining an indoor antenna for local stations with more affordable standalone services like ESPN Unlimited, NFL Plus Premium, and Peacock Premium. This strategy can save around $40 per month compared to a standard $94/month YouTube TV plan by prioritizing cost savings over the simplicity of a single app.

I saw the video recently and while I've shared much of the same information, it is worth another look. Michael Timmermann's video is a good summary of tips for new cord-cutters. I have found him to be generally reliable, and my experience often aligns with his advice. My Streaming Life is built on these types of intentional choices that balance cost with the specific content I want to see on my own screens.