100 best money moves you can make
Our annual guide to the best stocks and funds, credit cards, career moves, retirement strategies, and much more.
32-34. Best things to cancel and replace
With that: PlayOn, a $40 computer app that lets you stream TV shows and movies from Hulu.com, Netflix, and more to your TV. (You'll also need broadband Internet and a media-streaming or gaming device such as Xbox.)
...and save this much in the first year: $5121
Replace this... Your landline calling plan, which probably costs you about $48 a month
With that: Vonage, a service that lets you make unlimited phone calls across the U.S. and Canada, plus 60 other countries, via broadband Internet. Cost: $15 a month for the first six months; $26 a month thereafter.
...and save this much in the first year: $3302
Replace this... Your home's old thermostat
With that: A programmable thermostat such as the Lux Products TX9000TS ($82). It lets you control your home's heating and cooling systems via a touchscreen, lowering your energy bill when you're at work or asleep, for example.
...and save this much in the first year: $983
NEXT: 35. Best new health gizmo
Last updated May 12 2010: 10:39 AM ET
Source: Centris, Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Money estimates
Notes: 1Assumes you already have broadband Internet service and own a media-streaming device and that you'll spend $300 a year on paid movies, TV shows, and other programming. 2Assumes you already have broadband Internet. 3A programmable thermostat saves the typical household $180 a year.
Notes: 1Assumes you already have broadband Internet service and own a media-streaming device and that you'll spend $300 a year on paid movies, TV shows, and other programming. 2Assumes you already have broadband Internet. 3A programmable thermostat saves the typical household $180 a year.
