How to Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions and Save More

April 2nd, 2025

Let’s be honest – we all love convenience. Streaming services, meal kits, online courses, workout apps… the options seem endless, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of subscribing to something and then promptly forgetting about it. But those seemingly small monthly charges can add up fast. It’s a surprisingly common culprit when it comes to overspending.

I recently did a deep dive into my own finances, and I was genuinely shocked to see how much money I was wasting on subscriptions I hadn’t touched in months. It wasn't until I really looked at where my money was going that I realized I needed to take control. And I wanted to share what I learned – hopefully, it can help you too!

1. The Audit – Where’s Your Money Going?

The first step is brutally honest assessment. Here’s how to do it:

Gather Your Records: Pull out your bank statements, credit card bills, and app invoices. Seriously, all of them.
Categorize Your Subscriptions: Make a list of every single recurring payment you have. Be specific - don’t just write “Streaming” – list Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.
Note the Monthly Cost: Figure out exactly how much each subscription costs per month.
Rate Your Usage: This is crucial. Honestly rate how often you actually use each service on a scale of 1-5 (1 being ‘rarely’ and 5 being ‘multiple times a week’).

2. Identify the ‘Maybe’ Subscriptions

Once you’ve mapped out your subscriptions, look for the ones you rated a 1 or 2. These are your prime targets. Ask yourself:

Have I used this in the last 3-6 months? If not, it’s a strong indicator you don’t need it.
Do I really need this? Are you relying on it for something specific, or are you just holding onto it “just in case”?
Is there a cheaper alternative? Could you borrow a book from the library instead of subscribing to a reading app?

3. Cutting the Cord (and the Subscriptions!)

Okay, you’ve identified the culprits. Now what?

Cancel Immediately: Don't delay! The moment you realize you’re not using something, cancel it. Most services make this incredibly easy.
Look for Free Trials: Before committing to a new subscription, always check if they offer a free trial period. This allows you to test the service before you’re locked in.
Negotiate: It’s rare, but sometimes you can negotiate a lower rate with a service, especially if you've been a loyal customer.

4. Prevent Future Subscriptions

The 30-Day Rule: Before signing up for anything new, give yourself 30 days to consider whether you really need it.
Don’t Subscribe on Impulse: Avoid signing up for subscriptions when you're feeling emotional or pressured.
Automate Cancellation Reminders: Set up calendar reminders to check your subscriptions every 6 months and cancel anything you're not using.

Cutting unnecessary subscriptions isn't about deprivation; it's about being mindful of your spending and reclaiming your financial freedom. Even small savings add up over time, and who knows – you might be surprised at how much extra money you have for something you actually want!