How to Save Money on Your Monthly Subscription Services

Paying too much to binge watch? Learn how to save some money in this article.

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Subscription services refer to the practice of paying a recurring fee to access a product or service, typically on a monthly or yearly basis. Examples of subscription services include streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, online storage services like Dropbox, and meal kit delivery services like Blue Apron.

Saving money on subscription services is important because these fees can add up quickly and become a significant expense over time. By being mindful of the subscription services you sign up for and regularly evaluating whether they are worth the cost, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and redirect those funds towards other financial goals, such as saving for retirement or paying off debt. Additionally, reducing your subscription spending can help you achieve more financial flexibility and reduce stress related to money management.

Evaluate your subscriptions

Take inventory of all subscriptions

The first step in evaluating your subscriptions is to take inventory of all the services you are currently subscribed to. This includes not only digital services like streaming platforms and cloud storage, but also physical subscriptions like magazines or newspapers. Make a list of all the subscriptions you pay for on a regular basis, along with their associated costs.

Determine which subscriptions are necessary 

After you've created a comprehensive list of your subscriptions, it's time to determine which ones are necessary. Ask yourself: do I use this service frequently? Does it provide value that justifies the cost? If the answer to these questions is no, then consider cancelling the subscription.

Decide which subscriptions can be cancelled or consolidated 

For the subscriptions that you've determined are not essential or provide minimal value, consider cancelling or consolidating them. Canceling a subscription altogether is the most straightforward approach, but if you still find some value in the service, consider downgrading to a less expensive plan or sharing the account with family or friends to split the cost. Consolidating subscriptions can also be an effective way to save money. For instance, instead of paying for multiple streaming services, you could switch to a single platform that offers a wider range of content.

Consolidate subscriptions

Shared accounts or family plans

Shared accounts or family plans are a great way to consolidate subscriptions and save money. Many subscription services offer family plans, which allow multiple users to access the service under a single account with a discounted price. For example, Spotify Family Plan allows up to six people to share one account for a lower monthly fee than six individual accounts.

Grouping similar subscriptions for discount

Grouping similar subscriptions for discount is another effective way to consolidate your subscriptions. For instance, if you enjoy reading magazines, consider subscribing to a magazine service that offers multiple publications at a discounted rate. Another option is to bundle your digital subscriptions. Some internet providers offer packages that include streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, which can be a more cost-effective alternative than subscribing to each service separately.

Look for discounts

Promotions and deals for new customers 

Many subscription services offer promotions and deals for new customers, which can be a great way to try out a service at a lower cost. For example, some streaming platforms may offer a free trial period or a discounted rate for the first few months of the subscription. Keep an eye out for these types of offers and take advantage of them when possible.

Discounts during certain times of the year

Discounts during certain times of the year can also help you save money on your subscriptions. For instance, some companies may offer discounts during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, or during back-to-school season. If you're considering subscribing to a service or renewing a subscription, it's worth checking if there are any upcoming sales that could help you get a better deal.

Rewards program

Rewards programs can also provide savings on subscription services. Some credit card companies offer cashback or rewards points for purchases made with their card, which can be redeemed for discounts or statement credits. Additionally, some subscription services themselves offer rewards programs, where you earn points or discounts for using the service or referring friends.

Taking advantage of discounts and rewards programs can be an effective way to save money on subscription services. Be sure to read the fine print and understand any terms and conditions before signing up for a promotion or rewards program to ensure you're getting a good deal.

Cancel unused subscriptions

A. Identify subscriptions that aren't used often 

One of the easiest ways to save money on subscription services is to identify subscriptions that you aren't using often. This can include services that you've signed up for but rarely or never use, or those that have been replaced by other options. Take a look at your list of subscriptions and determine which ones you could do without.

B. Cancel subscriptions that have been abandoned 

Another way to save money on subscription services is to cancel subscriptions that have been abandoned. This might include services that you once used frequently, but no longer find useful or enjoyable. For example, if you used to enjoy reading print newspapers, but find that you prefer getting news online, consider cancelling your newspaper subscription.

C. Put money saved towards needed subscriptions

Once you've cancelled any unused or abandoned subscriptions, take the money you're saving and put it towards needed subscriptions. This might include subscriptions that you've determined are essential or provide significant value. By reallocating funds from unnecessary subscriptions to those that you rely on regularly, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your money.

Overall, regularly evaluating your subscription services and cancelling those that are unused or abandoned can help you save money and make more conscious financial decisions. Remember to take advantage of the savings you're generating by redirecting funds towards subscriptions that you truly need or value.

Set a budget

Determine an amount to spend monthly

Setting a budget for subscription services is an important step in managing your finances and ensuring that you're not overspending. To determine an appropriate amount to spend monthly on subscriptions, consider the following steps:

Start by reviewing your current list of subscriptions and their associated costs. Add up the total amount you're currently spending on subscription services each month.

Evaluate your monthly income and expenses to determine how much discretionary income you have available to spend on subscriptions. This might include looking at your monthly budget and identifying areas where you can cut back in order to allocate more funds towards subscriptions.

Consider what types of subscription services are most important to you and prioritize those when setting your budget. For example, if you rely heavily on streaming platforms for entertainment, you might choose to allocate a larger portion of your budget to these services.

Set a monthly budget for subscription services based on your income and priorities. Be sure to factor in any savings generated from cancelling unused subscriptions, consolidating services or taking advantage of discounts.

Regularly evaluate your subscriptions and adjust your budget as needed. If you find that you're consistently overspending on subscriptions, revisit your budget and make necessary changes.

By setting a budget for subscription services, you can ensure that you're being mindful of your spending habits and making smart financial decisions.

Stick to the budget by making adjustments as needed

Once you have set a budget for your subscription services, it's important to stick to it in order to avoid overspending. Here are some tips for staying within your budget:

1. Evaluate your subscription services on a regular basis to ensure that they are still providing value and are worth the cost. If you find that you're not using a service as much as you thought you would, consider cancelling or downgrading the subscription.

2. Be mindful of any automatic renewals or price increases for your subscription services. Keep track of when your subscriptions are set to renew and make sure you're aware of any changes to the subscription fees.

3. Take advantage of discounts and rewards programs to save money on your subscription services. This can help you stay within your budget without sacrificing access to the services you need.

4. Consider consolidating similar subscriptions or sharing accounts with family or friends to reduce costs.

5. If you find that you're consistently overspending on subscription services, reevaluate your budget and make adjustments as needed. This might involve cutting back on certain services or finding ways to increase your income.

Overall, sticking to your subscription services budget requires ongoing effort and evaluation. By making adjustments as needed and being mindful of your spending habits, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your subscriptions without breaking the bank.

Negotiate with providers

Negotiating with subscription service providers can be an effective way to save money on your subscriptions. Here are some tips for negotiating better deals:

A. Discuss better deals with customer service

Start by reaching out to customer service and asking if there are any promotions or discounts available for your subscription service. Explain that you're looking to reduce your spending and see if they are willing to offer a better deal.

B. Explain loyalty to service

If you've been a loyal customer of a subscription service for some time, use this as leverage in your negotiation. Explain the value you've received from the service over the years and ask if they can offer any rewards or loyalty discounts.

C. Keep notes and keep track of negotiations

Keep notes and keep track of your negotiations with the subscription service providers. This can help you keep track of who you spoke with and what was discussed during the negotiation process. It can also serve as a reference point for future negotiations.

Remember to be polite and courteous during your negotiation, as this can go a long way in building a positive relationship with the customer service representative. Be prepared to provide details about your usage and the value you receive from the service, as this can help the provider understand why you're looking to negotiate a better deal.

Negotiating with subscription service providers can be an effective way to save money on your subscriptions. By being proactive and persistent in your negotiations and keeping notes of your interactions, you can increase your chances of getting a better deal.

Use free trials wisely

Using free trials wisely can be a great way to try out subscription services without committing to a long-term cost. Here are some tips for making the most of your free trials:

A. Verify terms and conditions 

Before signing up for a free trial of a subscription service, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the offer. You should understand how long the trial period lasts, what features are included in the trial, and what happens at the end of the trial period.

Pay close attention to any requirements or restrictions associated with the free trial, such as providing credit card information or being automatically enrolled in a paid subscription after the trial ends if you don't cancel. Make sure you understand how to cancel the trial if you decide not to continue with the service, including when and how to submit your cancellation request.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the customer support options offered by the subscription service provider, particularly the process for cancelling your subscription or free trial. Some subscription services may make it difficult to cancel or require you to navigate through several pages of their website to find the cancellation option. Knowing how to reach customer support and how to cancel your subscription can help you avoid unwanted charges and ensure that you're only paying for the services you actually want to use.

By taking the time to carefully review the terms and conditions of a free trial offer and understanding the process for cancelling and customer support, you can make the most of your free trial and minimize the risk of any unwanted charges or hassles.

B. Set reminders for cancellation 

If you decide that the subscription service is not worth the cost after the free trial period, it's important to cancel the service before you're charged. Most subscription services require a credit card or other payment information when you sign up for a free trial, and if you don't cancel before the trial period ends, you will automatically be charged for the subscription.

To avoid unwanted charges, set a reminder on your calendar or phone to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends. This can help you avoid any lapse in memory or forgetfulness that could lead to unwanted charges.

When cancelling a subscription service, make sure you follow the instructions provided by the provider. Some subscription services may require you to cancel through their website, while others may require you to call customer support or send an email. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the subscription and follow the steps provided to ensure that your cancellation request is processed correctly.

It's also a good idea to keep a record of your cancellation request, as well as any confirmation emails or messages that you receive from the subscription service provider. This can help you dispute any incorrect or unauthorized charges that may appear on your billing statement.

By being proactive about cancelling subscription services that aren't worth the cost, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your budget under control.

C. Use trial periods to evaluate services 

Using the free trial period to thoroughly test out a subscription service is essential in determining whether or not the service is worth the long-term cost. It's important to take full advantage of the trial period and explore all aspects of the service to make an informed decision about whether to continue with the subscription.

During the trial period, be sure to use the service frequently and track how often you are using it. This can help you evaluate the value the service provides and determine if it will be useful to you over an extended period of time. If you find that you are not using the service as much as you thought you would, or if the service does not meet your expectations, it may not be worth the long-term cost.

It's also a good idea to explore all features and options provided by the subscription service during the trial period. This can help you understand the full range of services available and whether they meet your needs. Take note of any limitations or restrictions associated with the subscription service, such as data caps, usage limits, or device restrictions.

Finally, consider reaching out to customer support during the trial period to test their responsiveness and helpfulness. This can give you an idea of the level of support you can expect should you need assistance in the future.

Use a separate E-mail and Card

Consider using a separate email address or credit card for free trials to avoid accidentally being charged for a service that you're no longer interested in. This can help you keep your finances organized and prevent unexpected charges down the line.

Using a separate email address can also help you better organize your inbox and avoid cluttering your primary email with promotional messages and reminders from subscription services. You can create a dedicated email address specifically for sign-ups and free trial offers, making it easier to track and manage your subscriptions.

Similarly, using a separate credit card for free trials can help you keep track of which services you are currently subscribed to and can make it easier to cancel unwanted subscription services. It can also help you avoid potential fraud by limiting the number of places where your financial information is stored online.

If you do decide to use a separate email address or credit card for free trials, be sure to keep track of which services are associated with each one. This can help you remember which subscriptions you have signed up for and when they are set to end, allowing you to take action before any unwanted charges occur.

Overall, using a separate email address or credit card for free trials can be a useful strategy for managing your subscriptions and avoiding unwanted charges. By keeping your finances organized and staying on top of your subscriptions, you can make informed decisions about which services are worth the cost and which ones should be cancelled.

Final Words

Managing subscription costs is an important step in maintaining a healthy financial life. Here are some ways to save money and keep subscription costs under control:

A. Set a budget for your subscription services and regularly evaluate which services are worth the cost. Negotiate with providers, use free trials wisely, and consider sharing accounts or consolidating similar subscriptions to save money.

B. I encourage readers to implement these tips and start taking control of their subscription costs. By being proactive and mindful of their spending habits, they can save money and make more informed decisions about which subscription services are worth the cost.

C. It's important to keep subscription costs under control because they can easily add up over time and become a significant portion of one's monthly expenses. By setting a budget, evaluating usage, and being proactive in negotiating with providers and cancelling unwanted subscriptions, readers can keep their finances organized and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Remember to keep track of your subscriptions and regularly evaluate which ones are providing value and which ones aren't. By following these tips, you can save money, reduce stress, and maintain control over your financial life.