Save money with TiVo

Sometimes I get very tired of being the subject of endless advertising. Don't get me wrong, I'm completely capitalist at heart, but I see advertisements everywhere and it's occasionally a bit overwhelming. From those local ads that come every day in the mail, to popup ads on so many websites, I wish I had the ability to turn it off at times. That's why I love the idea of TiVo service; not necessarily the service itself, along with its costs, but I do love the concept embodied by TiVo.

When I think about TiVo and its ability to let you skim past the commercials, I wonder just how much less I would spend if I could cut advertisements out of my life. Even if it were just television advertisements that I snipped, here's how I think things would change:

1. I'd probably stop going to see movies.
2. I wouldn't buy "new and improved" ways to clean my apartment (Swiffer).
3. I'd miss out on the $300 Dell computer systems, and not even regret it.
4. Late-night informercials would have no ability to sway me.
5. I wouldn't "have to buy" the newest model car.
6. I'd save time that could be used for more worthwhile, profitable activities.

The list keeps going. I think it applies even more if you have kids. Imagine it: no more demands for Frosted Flakes (they're Grrrrrreat!), because your kids wouldn't know any different. No more begging for a GameBoy Advance, because your kids are having fun with the Apple IIc games that you've had since 1985.

Of course, I'm oversimplifying the whole issue. If I shut off TV commercials, I'll still get advertisements from every side. That makes TiVo just a crutch, not a solution for my lack of resistence to compelling ads. I guess I've just got to learn to stand up for my money, and defend it from those who make constant demands for it.

Here's a question for you: How much are advertisements costing you?