Streaming was supposed to save us from expensive cable bills — but have you checked your monthly subscriptions lately? Between Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and a handful of other services, the average American household is now spending nearly $70 a month just on streaming. Sound familiar? In this episode of Tech Talk with Refresh Computers, David Leavitt and Adam Littlefield break down why streaming costs are spiraling, how to audit your subscriptions, why now is the perfect time to buy a refurbished computer, and more.
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Streaming Is the New Cable — And You’re Paying for It
Remember why you cut cable in the first place? Too many channels you didn’t watch and a bill that kept climbing. Well, streaming has quietly brought us right back to that same problem — just spread across multiple apps instead of one cable box.
Here’s what’s happened in 2026 alone:
- Netflix raised its standard ad-free plan to $19.99/month — the second price hike in just over a year.
- Disney+ has more than doubled its original launch price.
- Spotify Premium went from $12 to $13 per month.
- Max (HBO Max) now charges $18.50 for standard or $22.99 for premium.
- Amazon Prime Video costs $9/month with ads or $14 without.
The average U.S. household now spends about $69 a month on streaming services. That’s starting to look a lot like the cable bill you cut to get away from all this.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
The era of streaming companies grabbing market share at any cost is over. These companies spent billions on exclusive content to lure subscribers, and now they need to turn a profit. One of the sneakiest tactics? Weekly episode releases. Services like Netflix and HBO Max have stopped dropping entire seasons at once. Instead, they release one episode per week — which means a 10-episode season keeps you subscribed for two to three months. No more binge-watching a series in a weekend and canceling.
The Ad-Supported Trick
Here’s something most people don’t realize: streaming services actually make more money from viewers on the cheaper ad-supported plans than from premium subscribers. A viewer watching 40+ hours a month on a $9 ad-supported plan can generate more revenue than someone paying $20 for ad-free. That’s why these companies are quietly pushing you toward ad tiers — and it’s also why ad blockers won’t work on their websites anymore.
How to Audit Your Subscriptions and Stop the Bleeding
Small charges are the easiest to miss. That $8.99 here and $12.99 there doesn’t feel like much on its own, but it adds up fast. Here’s what David and Adam recommend:
- Turn on credit card text notifications. Most credit card companies let you receive a text alert every time your card is charged. This is the simplest way to catch recurring charges you’ve forgotten about.
- Switch to ad-supported tiers if you can stomach the ads. Netflix with ads is $9/month instead of $20 — that’s $132 saved per year on just one service.
- Check your cell phone carrier for free bundles. T-Mobile includes Netflix and MLB TV with some plans. Verizon offers streaming perks too. You might already be paying for services you could get for free through your carrier.
- Ask yourself: do I really need another service just to “save” on a bundle? Bundling Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max might save a few dollars, but do you actually need all three?
Streaming companies are hoping you forget about that small monthly charge and just let prices creep up over time. Don’t let them win — enable text notifications on your credit card today.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Refurbished Computer
Summer is here, and the back-to-school rush is right around the corner. If you or someone in your family needs a computer — whether for college, work, or everyday use — right now is the smartest time to buy a refurbished machine before prices go up and inventory gets tight.
At Refresh Computers, refurbished means remanufactured. Every machine goes through a full inspection — not once, not twice, but three times. These aren’t random old computers thrown in a box. They’re business-class models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo — the best machines these manufacturers make.
What Makes a Refresh Computer Different?
- Fresh CPU thermal paste — This prevents overheating down the road and is one of the most important (and most overlooked) steps in refurbishing. Many other sellers skip it because it takes extra time.
- Brand new CMOS battery — That little clock battery on the motherboard can cause blue screens and strange errors when it dies. Refresh replaces it on every single machine.
- No bloatware — Unlike a brand-new computer, you won’t have to spend an hour uninstalling programs you never asked for.
- Free shipping on orders over $300 — currently available at refreshcomputers.net.
A refurbished business-class computer at around 70% of the cost of a new one will do everything you need — and last just as long, if not longer.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Worth the Hype?
Apple is finally entering the foldable phone market, with a launch expected this September alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. Rumors put the price between $1,800 and $2,500, with a 7.8-inch inner display that opens like a book.
Adam, who previously owned a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, shared some honest real-world experience. That visible crease in the middle of the screen? It drove him crazy. Sand getting into the hinge — especially in Florida — made the phone crunch every time he opened it. And there’s no dust rating on foldable phones because that hinge is a major vulnerability.
Version one of any new hardware means you’re essentially a beta tester. If you’re thinking about Apple’s foldable iPhone, consider waiting for version two when the bugs have been worked out.
Apple is reportedly expecting to sell 10 million of these devices — many to people who already have a perfectly good iPhone 16. Before you jump in, ask yourself: is a folding screen really solving a problem you have, or is it just shiny and new?
Florida’s Road That Charges Your EV While You Drive
Florida is building a 4.4-mile stretch of highway that can wirelessly charge electric vehicles as they drive over it. The project is estimated to cost around $500 million and aims to deliver up to 200 kilowatts of charging power. At highway speeds, that’s roughly four minutes of charging — enough for perhaps 20 to 30 miles of range.
It’s clearly a proof-of-concept at this stage, not a practical solution for everyday drivers. But it’s a fascinating glimpse of what future road infrastructure could look like — and a smart move to work out the bugs on a short stretch before scaling up.
Windows 11 Update Warning: Don’t Force a Restart
The May 2026 Windows update is a big one, and it’s taking longer than usual to install. That’s because Windows is often repairing itself in the background during the update process. If your screen seems stuck — even at 99% — do not force a restart.
Forcing a restart during a Windows update can corrupt your installation and leave your computer unbootable. Be patient, even if it seems frozen. Let it finish.
If you do end up with a corrupted update, the team at Refresh Computers sees this regularly and can get you back up and running.
Need Tech Help? Refresh Computers Has You Covered
Whether you need help auditing your subscriptions, finding the perfect refurbished computer for back-to-school season, or fixing a Windows update gone wrong, the team at Refresh Computers is ready to help. Visit refreshcomputers.net to browse their inventory, take advantage of free shipping on orders over $300, or call their free tech support hotline at 407-478-8200. You can also stop by the store in Longwood at 820 E. State Road 434, open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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