I stopped making New Year’s resolutions a few years ago when I was able to stretch my most ardent effort for change for a grand total of three months before I caved. Hey, that was an accomplishment! And no, I don’t actually remember what I was resolving to do. So instead, I have tried to make relatively small changes in some habits and behaviors each January.

Many Americans are making their own plans, and they often include finding ways to lower their monthly spending. Services like the Internet and mobile phones are considered essential for most of us, especially those who’ve had to work from home since March. A company called Review.org has released a study showing the average American will spend $107,066 on these services during their lifetime, and $29,030 of that will be spent on streaming services.The report says that cancelling a single streaming service could save the average American more than $7,200 in their lifetime.

Here are some of the findings from the Review.org report:

In 2021, the average American will spend the following each month:

• The average internet bill is $57.25/month

• The average mobile (cell phone) bill is $50.17/month

• The average American subscribes to four streaming services, totaling an average cost of  $39.96/month

• The average American will spend a combined $147.38/month on these services in 2021. 

The total cost of these services (combined) will cost Americans $1,770 over the course of 2021. 

Over the course of a lifetime, these services will cost the average American a whopping $107,069! 

• The lifetime cost of Internet is $41,591. 

• The lifetime cost of cell phone bills is $36,445.

• The lifetime cost of streaming is $29,030. 

Unfortunately, the recent stimulus payment of $600 likely won’t cover Internet and mobile costs for long, after considering rent payments and other bills that are due or in some cases, overdue.

It’s one of the challenges we’ve been presented from the year just past. We search for anything that provides comfort – from food to entertainment. We just need to endure until the time when we can get out of our homes once again, visit with friends and family, and stay off of the screens. I’m as guilty as the next person with this obsession, and I RESOLVE to overcome my technology addiction soon. Right after I watch this next show on Netflix.