Two days ago, I spent 15 minutes on hold to talk to someone at Shaw "to change or discontinue services". After I explained that I wanted to cancel my television service, they transfered me to another gangrenous sarlacc, where I expended a further 45 minutes of my existence on hold.
This was all fine, of course, because I have an enjoyable cell phone plan that allows me unlimited long distance regardless of my location in Canada.
Long story short, Shaw recently changed all of their television and cable options and pricing, while continuing to charge all of their unaware customers the older, grandfathered packages at higher prices (check your bill).
This, of course, is counter-productive to my constant seeking of non-rage-inducing activities.
Cancelling my cable will save me approximately $1,000 per year.
The next natural step was to come up with an idea to both utilize this money to my advantage, while simultaneously pursuing a passive-aggressive form of sweet, delicious revenge.
B-class Shaw stock currently trades on the TSX (SJR.B) with a dividend yield of around 4.6%.
If, instead of paying Shaw for their terrible services, I invest the $1,000 into their stock, I stand to make an annual income of $46 ignoring taxes and any capital gains or losses.
This is good.
What's better, is that my Netflix subscription costs me just under $96 a year.
I can now subsidize my Netflix subscription with this $46 income, knowing that I am aiding a competing provider that uses its competitions' own infrastructure to reduce its market share, and thus overall revenue and profitability.
Happy new year, everybody!
