20 Tips for Cutting Subscription Costs and Saving Big

Streaming services, gym memberships, and premium apps add up fast. Many of us are paying for things we don’t even use. By auditing your subscriptions, negotiating better deals, and using free alternatives, you can save hundreds each year without sacrificing what you love.

1. Review All Your Subscriptions

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Start by listing every subscription you pay for. Check your bank statements and app store purchases to catch sneaky recurring charges. Many people forget about old subscriptions they no longer use. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for is the first step to saving money.

2. Cancel What You Don’t Use

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If you haven’t used a subscription in the last month, you probably don’t need it. Be honest with yourself about whether it’s worth the cost. Companies rely on people forgetting to cancel. Cutting unnecessary subscriptions frees up cash for things you actually enjoy.

3. Use Free Trials Wisely

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Many services offer free trials, but they count on you forgetting to cancel before the charges kick in. Set a calendar reminder a few days before the trial ends. If you really want to test a service, use a virtual card that blocks auto-renewals. That way, you’ll never get charged accidentally.

4. Share Accounts When Possible

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Many streaming and music services allow multiple users. Split the cost with family or trusted friends to save big. Just make sure you’re following the service’s rules on account sharing. Paying half (or less) is always better than paying full price.  

5. Downgrade to a Cheaper Plan

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Many services offer multiple pricing tiers. If you’re paying for premium but only using basic features, switch to a lower-cost plan. For example, Spotify and YouTube have free versions with ads. A few minor inconveniences could mean big savings.  

6. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

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If you use a subscription long-term, switching to an annual plan can save you money. Many services offer discounts for paying upfront. Just make sure it’s a subscription you’ll actually use for the full year. Otherwise, you could end up wasting money instead.

7. Negotiate a Better Rate

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You’d be surprised how many companies are willing to give you a discount if you ask. Call customer service and say you’re thinking about canceling due to cost. They may offer you a lower price, a temporary discount, or a free trial extension. It never hurts to try.

8. Use Student, Military, or Senior Discounts

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Many subscription services offer special discounts for students, military personnel, and seniors. If you qualify, take advantage of these savings. Even if you’re not eligible, check if your employer or school offers any group discounts. Every little bit helps.  

9. Rotate Streaming Services Instead of Subscribing to All

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Instead of paying for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max all at once, subscribe to just one at a time. Watch everything you want, then cancel and switch to another. This way, you always have fresh content without paying for multiple services simultaneously.

10. Look for Free Alternatives

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Many paid services have free competitors that offer similar features. Instead of paying for Audible, check out free audiobooks from your library. Swap Photoshop for free programs like GIMP or Canva. You’d be surprised how many great free options are out there.

11. Take Advantage of Family Plans

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Some services let you add family members for a lower per-person cost. If you’re paying for individual accounts, see if switching to a family plan makes sense. Even if you don’t live together, some services let you split costs with extended family.

12. Watch for Hidden Fees

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Some subscriptions sneak in extra charges for add-ons or premium features. Check your statements for unexpected price increases. If a service keeps raising prices, it might be time to switch to a cheaper alternative.  

13. Unsubscribe from Subscription Boxes

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Subscription boxes for beauty products, snacks, and clothes seem fun but often aren’t worth the cost. If you’re getting more than you can use, cancel or pause them. You can always buy the items you actually love separately and save money.

14. Bundle Services to Save Money

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Some companies offer discounts for bundling multiple services. For example, some phone carriers include streaming services in their plans. If you already pay for multiple subscriptions, see if bundling them under one provider saves money.

15. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

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Some credit cards offer cashback or points on subscription purchases. If you must keep a subscription, use a card that gives you a percentage back. It’s a small way to reduce costs while still enjoying your favorite services.

16. Check If Your Employer Offers Free Subscriptions

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Some workplaces provide free or discounted subscriptions to learning platforms, fitness apps, or streaming services. Check with your HR department to see what perks you might be missing. Taking advantage of employer benefits is an easy way to save.  

17. Set Up Subscription Alerts

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Use a budgeting app to track and alert you about upcoming subscription payments. Some apps can even cancel unused subscriptions for you. Keeping an eye on your spending helps prevent unwanted charges.

18. Cancel Auto-Renewal and Decide If You Still Need It

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Turning off auto-renewal forces you to actively decide whether a subscription is worth keeping. When the service expires, ask yourself if you really miss it. If not, you just saved yourself another payment.

19. Use Gift Cards to Control Spending

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Instead of linking your credit card to subscriptions, buy a gift card for the service. This limits how much you can spend and prevents surprise charges. It’s a great way to control spending on entertainment subscriptions.

20. Prioritize What You Actually Use

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At the end of the day, the best way to save is to only pay for what brings you real value. If you can’t imagine life without a particular service, keep it. But if you barely use something, cut it and enjoy the extra money in your budget.

• Tags:
• Subscriptions
• savings
• money
• Finance