Example 1 — Cable TV vs. streaming in Mobile, AL (36618)
The problem (Example household)
A West Mobile family has had Xfinity cable TV plus internet for years. Their promo ran out long ago, so they now pay Xfinity's everyday prices. They want to know if they can keep watching TV and pay less.
What the AI checks
- Who serves 36618? FCC-based listings for 36618 show Xfinity (cable) at about 99.9% of homes and AT&T Fiber at about 97.2% (EarthLink also resells fiber there). Fixed wireless and satellite are listed too. Coverage changes from street to street, so you have to check your own address. [S1][S2][S3]
- What the family pays now (everyday pricing):
- Xfinity Internet 300 Mbps: $75/mo everyday price in Mobile. New customers get $45/mo with the 5-Year Price Guarantee. That requires autopay from a stored bank account and paperless billing, or it costs $10/mo more. [S2]
- Xfinity TV Plus (125+ channels): $105/mo everyday price. With Xfinity Internet it is $95/mo. Xfinity says the Broadcast TV and Regional Sports fees, plus the first 4K TV box, are now included in the package price. [S4][S5][S6]
- Streaming prices (published list prices, not short promos):
- YouTube TV main plan (100+ channels, includes local channels, unlimited DVR): $82.99/mo. [S7]
- YouTube TV Entertainment plan (no sports channels, includes locals): $54.99/mo regular price. [S7]
- Sling Orange (30+ channels, 1 screen): $45.99/mo. Sling's price can vary by ZIP. Sling Orange does not include local ABC/NBC/FOX. [S8][S9]
- Hulu + Live TV (with Disney+ and ESPN): $99.99/mo. [S10]
- DIRECTV (streaming) Entertainment: $89.99/mo standard price. DIRECTV's own page shows promos and "w/ req'd fees" amounts that vary by ZIP. [S11][S12]
- Lower-cost internet? AT&T Fiber "Internet 300" is $50/mo after the $10 autopay and paperless discount (bank account). Taxes and fees are extra, and an installation fee of up to $99 may apply. This is only an option if fiber is available at your address. [S13]
Before vs. after (monthly)
| Internet | TV | Monthly total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before: Xfinity 300 Mbps + TV Plus | $75.00 | $95.00 | $170.00 |
| Option A: keep Xfinity Internet + YouTube TV (main) | $75.00 | $82.99 | $157.99 |
| Option B: keep Xfinity Internet + Sling Orange | $75.00 | $45.99 | $120.99 |
| Option C: AT&T Fiber 300 + YouTube TV (main) (if fiber at address) | $50.00 | $82.99 | $132.99 |
| Option D: AT&T Fiber 300 + YouTube TV Entertainment (no sports) | $50.00 | $54.99 | $104.99 |
Yearly savings (math shown)
- Option A: $170.00 − $157.99 = $12.01/mo × 12 = $144.12/yr
- Option B: $170.00 − $120.99 = $49.01/mo × 12 = $588.12/yr (add an antenna for local channels; antenna price not included)
- Option C: $170.00 − $132.99 = $37.01/mo × 12 = $444.12/yr (first year: subtract any AT&T install fee, up to $99)
- Option D: $170.00 − $104.99 = $65.01/mo × 12 = $780.12/yr (first year: subtract any AT&T install fee, up to $99)
Things to watch: Taxes are extra on all of these. Streaming services use your internet and do not need a cable box. Channel lineups differ, so check that your must-have channels (local news, SEC football, etc.) are included. Promo prices such as YouTube TV's "$59.99 first months" offer (ends Nov 16, 2026) go back to the regular price, so we used regular prices. [S7]
Sources (checked Oct 26, 2026)
- [S1] ISPReports, "6 Best Internet Providers in 36618, AL" (FCC BDC data as of Dec 31, 2025). https://ispreports.org/internet-service-providers-36618/
- [S2] Xfinity, "Internet Service Provider Mobile, AL" (300 Mbps $45 special / $75 everyday). https://www.xfinity.com/local/al/mobile
- [S3] FindBetterInternet, "AT&T vs Xfinity in Mobile" (ZIP 36618 coverage). https://findbetterinternet.com/alabama/mobile/att-vs-xfinity/
- [S4] Xfinity, X1 TV plans (TV Plus $105/mo; box included). https://www.xfinity.com/learn/digital-cable-tv/x1
- [S5] Comcast press release, Dec 10, 2025 (TV Plus $105 everyday / $95 with Xfinity Internet; all-in pricing). https://markets.financialcontent.com/wedbush/article/bizwire-2025-12-10-comcasts-xfinity-launches-national-video-plans-the-best-entertainment-experience-for-one-simple-price
- [S6] Xfinity, "Bill Changes" (Broadcast TV / RSN fees included in new packages). https://www.xfinity.com/billchanges
- [S7] YouTube TV, "Compare plans" (main $82.99; Entertainment $54.99 regular; promo terms). https://tv.youtube.com/learn/explore-plans/
- [S8] Sling TV, "Compare plans" (Orange $45.99/mo). https://home.sling.com/service/compare-plans
- [S9] Tom's Guide, Jan 23, 2026 (Sling prices vary by ZIP). https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/sling-tv/sling-tv-is-getting-a-price-hike-with-no-rhyme-or-reason-and-what-youll-pay-next-month-depends-on-where-you-live
- [S10] Hulu, "Hulu + Live TV" ($99.99/mo). https://www.hulu.com/live-tv
- [S11] DIRECTV, Streaming packages. https://www.directv.com/packages/
- [S12] Streaming Price Tracker, DIRECTV STREAM (Entertainment $89.99, Oct 2026). https://streamingpricetracker.com/directvstream/
- [S13] AT&T, "Home Internet in Mobile, AL" (Internet 300 $50/mo w/ autopay & paperless; up to $99 install). https://www.att.com/local/internet/alabama/mobile
Example 2 — Cell phone plan: big carrier vs. prepaid on the same network
The problem (Example household)
(a) A retiree in Mobile has one line on AT&T's Extra 2.0 unlimited plan. (b) A family of four is on the same plan. Both are happy with AT&T's coverage and want to keep it.
What the AI checks
- Current plan price: AT&T Extra 2.0 is $70/mo for 1 line and $160/mo for 4 lines. These prices are with autopay, and taxes and fees are extra. [S14] AT&T's own site confirms the Extra 2.0 plan name and that unlimited plans "start at $30 per month per line" (Value 2.0 with credits). [S15]
- Same network, lower price: Cricket Wireless runs on the AT&T network ("Nationwide 5G on the AT&T network"). [S16]
- Cricket Select Unlimited: $35/mo for one line with Auto Pay ($40 without). [S16]
- Cricket Select Unlimited, 4 lines: $100/mo. [S17]
- Trade-offs Cricket publishes: new lines only, video is limited to standard-definition (SD), data may slow when the network is busy, hotspot is a $10 add-on, and stores charge a $25/line activation fee. [S16][S17]
- Another option (Verizon network): Visible costs $25/mo per line with taxes and fees included. Visible+ is $35/mo regular. Check coverage at your address first. [S18]
Before vs. after (monthly)
| Before (AT&T Extra 2.0) | After (Cricket Select Unlimited) | Monthly savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 line | $70.00 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Family of 4 | $160.00 | $100.00 | $60.00 |
Yearly savings (math shown)
- 1 line: $35.00 × 12 = $420/yr
- Family of 4: $60.00 × 12 = $720/yr
- (First year: subtract up to $25/line activation if you sign up in a Cricket store.)
Sources (checked Oct 26, 2026)
- [S14] CNET via Yahoo Tech, "AT&T Just Reshuffled Its Unlimited Lineup," updated May 3, 2026 (Extra 2.0: $70 for 1 line, $160 for 4 lines, autopay pricing). https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/articles/t-just-reshuffled-unlimited-lineup-110100270.html
- [S15] AT&T, Wireless plans FAQ. https://www.att.com/plans/wireless/
- [S16] Cricket Wireless, Monthly phone plans (Select Unlimited $35 w/ Auto Pay; $40 broadband label). https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phone-plans
- [S17] Cricket Wireless, Unlimited Data Plan FAQs (Select Unlimited 4 lines $100/mo). https://www.cricketwireless.com/support/plans-and-features/unlimited-data.html
- [S18] Visible, Plans ($25/mo taxes & fees included; Visible+ reg. $35). https://www.visible.com/plans/
Example 3 — Electric bill (Alabama Power, Mobile)
The problem (Example household)
A Mobile household served by Alabama Power has an electric bill equal to the 2024 Alabama average: $173.50/month (1,143 kWh at 15.18¢/kWh, from the U.S. Energy Information Administration). [S19] Most of Mobile is in Alabama Power's Mobile Division. [S20] Some areas near Mobile are served by co-ops, so check whose name is on your bill.
What the AI checks (published guidance only)
- Thermostat: U.S. Dept. of Energy: "You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in the fall and winter; turn it up in the spring and summer." DOE adds that heat-pump homes should not do this without a smart or programmable thermostat made for heat pumps. [S21]
- Smart thermostat: ENERGY STAR says a certified smart thermostat can cut heating and cooling bills "by more than 8%," which is about $50/yr on average. It also says "almost half" of the average American household's annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling. [S22]
- Lighting: ENERGY STAR says replacing your 5 most-used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified lights can save about $40/yr. [S22]
- Filters and lint trap: DOE says to clean or replace furnace filters regularly. [S21] ENERGY STAR says cleaning the dryer lint trap before every load "can save you up to $34 each year." [S22] (We did not count this one below.)
Before vs. after (monthly)
Assumption (clearly labeled): we assume that half of this example bill ($86.75/mo) goes to heating and cooling. We based this on ENERGY STAR's national "almost half" figure, but it is not a measured number for this home.
| Monthly | |
|---|---|
| Before: Alabama 2024 average bill | $173.50 |
| Thermostat setback, up to 10% of the assumed $86.75 heating/cooling share | − up to $8.68 |
| 5 LED bulbs/fixtures, ~$40/yr ÷ 12 | − about $3.33 |
| After (estimate) | about $161.49 |
Yearly savings (math shown)
- Thermostat: $86.75 × 10% = $8.675/mo × 12 = up to $104.10/yr
- Lighting: about $40/yr (ENERGY STAR figure)
- Total: up to about $144.10/yr, before the cost of the bulbs or thermostat (not priced here)
These are "up to" and "about" figures from DOE and ENERGY STAR. They are not promises. Your savings depend on your home, your system, and the weather.
Sources (checked Oct 26, 2026)
- [S19] U.S. EIA, "2024 Average Monthly Bill – Residential," Table 5A (Alabama: $173.50; 1,143 kWh; 15.18¢). https://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/pdf/table_5A.pdf
- [S20] Alabama Power, Divisions map (Mobile Division). https://www.alabamapower.com/content/dam/alabama-power/pdfs-docs/company/external/Divisions.pdf
- [S21] U.S. DOE, Energy Saver guide (PDF on energy.gov; thermostat 7°–10°F / 8 hrs / up to 10% quote; filters). https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/energy-saver-guide-2022.pdf . The DOE web page that used to say the same thing (energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats) now returns "not found." An archived copy dated June 28, 2026 exists: https://web.archive.org/web/20260628214732/https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
- [S22] ENERGY STAR, "Low- to No-Cost Tips for Saving Energy at Home." https://www.energystar.gov/products/recent_program_updates/low-no-cost-tips
Example 4 — Car insurance: shopping around in Alabama
The problem (Example household)
A 35-year-old Mobile driver with a clean record and good credit has full coverage on a 2023 Toyota Camry LE. They are paying about the Alabama average and have not compared quotes in years.
What the AI checks
NerdWallet's October 2026 analysis of Alabama full-coverage rates used this exact profile: 35-year-old, clean record, good credit, 2023 Camry LE, 12,000 miles/yr, and $1,000 deductibles. [S23] - Alabama average, full coverage: $2,259/yr (about $188/mo) - Lowest-priced company in that study (Travelers): $1,199/yr (about $100/mo) - NerdWallet's tip is to get quotes from three or more companies. [S23]
Before vs. after
| Yearly | Monthly (NerdWallet's rounding) | |
|---|---|---|
| Before: Alabama average | $2,259 | ~$188 |
| After: lowest-priced in the study | $1,199 | ~$100 |
Yearly savings (math shown)
$2,259 − $1,199 = $1,060/yr (≈ $88/mo)
These are study averages and medians for one driver profile. Your own quote will be different. Keep the same coverage limits when you compare, so it's apples to apples. Never drop below Alabama's legal minimum coverage. [S23]
Sources (checked Oct 26, 2026)
- [S23] NerdWallet, Alabama car insurance rates for October 2026, updated Oct 2, 2026. https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/cheap-car-insurance-alabama
Example 5 — Subscription audit (cancel what you don't watch)
The problem (Example household)
A couple pays for four streaming apps but mostly watches only Netflix.
What the AI checks (current published prices)
| Service | Plan | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Standard (no ads) | $19.99/mo | [S24] |
| Netflix | Standard with ads | $8.99/mo | [S24] |
| Apple TV | Monthly | $14.99/mo | [S25] |
| Peacock | Premium (with ads) | $12.99/mo | [S26] |
| Paramount+ | Premium | $13.99/mo | [S27] |
Before vs. after (monthly)
- Before: Netflix Standard $19.99 + Apple TV $14.99 + Peacock Premium $12.99 + Paramount+ Premium $13.99 = $61.96/mo
- After: keep Netflix Standard only = $19.99/mo
- (Optional: switch Netflix to Standard with ads, $8.99, to save another $11.00/mo = $132/yr.)
Yearly savings (math shown)
$61.96 − $19.99 = $41.97/mo × 12 = $503.64/yr
Tip: You can re-subscribe for a single month when a show you want comes out, then cancel again. Check each app's cancellation terms.
Sources (checked Oct 26, 2026)
- [S24] Netflix Help Center, "Plans and Pricing" (US). https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926
- [S25] Apple, Apple TV ($14.99/mo after free trial). https://www.apple.com/apple-tv/
- [S26] Xfinity (Comcast, Peacock's parent company), deals page: "Peacock Premium (with ads) (currently $12.99/mo. value)." https://www.xfinity.com/learn/deals/internet-and-tv
- [S27] Paramount+, plan picker (Premium $13.99/mo; Essential $8.99/mo). https://www.paramountplus.com/
Numbers we could NOT verify (left out on purpose)
- Auto parts (brake pads) across AutoZone / O'Reilly / Advance / Walmart / RockAuto: we did not pull live prices, so we did not include a car parts example. Retail parts sites need a specific vehicle and store, and they often block automated reading. We would need to check by hand for one specific car.
- Exact Xfinity bill for a specific address: taxes, extra TV boxes, and any leftover legacy fees on older plans vary by account and are not shown.
- Sling price in 36618 specifically: Sling says prices vary by ZIP. We used Sling's national compare-plans price ($45.99).
- AT&T Extra 2.0 prices come from CNET (May 2026). AT&T's own plans page did not show the per-line prices when we read it today.
- Verizon's current unlimited plan prices were not used. Verizon's plan page was showing a changed lineup we couldn't read clearly.
- Hulu + Live TV: CableTV.com lists $88.99 (with ads), but Hulu's own page says $99.99/mo. We used Hulu's own number.
- Antenna, LED bulb and smart-thermostat purchase prices were not priced. Savings above do not subtract them.
- Peacock Premium price comes from Comcast/Xfinity's page, not Peacock's own plan page (which didn't load).