Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Emma Sterling
Evaluate Your Streaming Services
Okay, let’s be real. How many streaming services are you actually using? It’s easy to sign up for everything when a new show drops, but those monthly fees add up fast. Time to take a hard look at your viewing habits and see where you can trim the fat.
Are You Watching Enough Content?
This is the big one. Are you getting your money’s worth? I know I’m guilty of subscribing to a service for one specific show and then forgetting about it for months. Take a look at your watch history and be honest with yourself. If you’re only watching a couple of things a month, it might be time to cancel. I like to keep a little excel spreadsheet to track my usage.
Consider Free Alternatives
Don’t forget about the free options out there! YouTube has a ton of content, and there are services like Tubi that offer a surprisingly good selection of movies and shows without costing you a dime. You might be surprised at what you can find. I know I was! It’s worth investigating what’s actually on YouTube before you commit to another paid subscription.
Bundle Options That Save Money
Lots of companies offer bundles that can save you money if you’re already paying for multiple services. For example, some cell phone plans include streaming subscriptions, or you might be able to bundle your internet and TV services. It’s worth checking out what’s available to see if you can save some cash. We were paying for Paramount Plus, but it turned out our subscription came with other benefits. Always look for other benefits that come with your subscriptions.
I’ve found that setting a reminder on my phone to review my subscriptions every few months helps me stay on top of things. It’s easy to forget about those recurring charges, so a little reminder can go a long way.
Ditch Unused Fitness Subscriptions
So, you signed up for that gym membership in January, full of motivation, right? It’s May now. Be honest, how many times have you actually gone? Fitness subscriptions are a huge money pit for many. Let’s see if we can save you some cash.
Are You Actually Going to the Gym?
This is the big question. If you’re not using your gym membership at least a couple of times a week, it’s probably time to cancel. I know, I know, you plan to go. But plans don’t burn calories. Track your visits for a month. If the numbers are low, it’s time to cut the cord. Think of all the lattes you could buy with that money!
Explore Free Workout Resources
You don’t need a fancy gym to get fit. There are tons of free workout resources available. YouTube is packed with workout videos for every fitness level. Many parks offer free fitness classes. Even just going for a run or doing bodyweight exercises at home can make a big difference. Don’t underestimate the power of a good walk!
Here are some ideas:
- YouTube workout channels
- Running/walking outdoors
- Bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, planks)
- Free community fitness programs
Try a Class Pass Instead
If you like variety, or you’re not ready to commit to one gym, a class pass might be a better option. You can try different studios and classes without being locked into a long-term contract. It’s a great way to find what you really enjoy before committing to a specific gym or activity.
I used to pay for a yoga studio membership that I barely used. Then I switched to a class pass and started trying different types of workouts. Turns out, I love kickboxing! I never would have known if I hadn’t tried something new. Now I’m actually excited to exercise, and I’m saving money too.
Reassess Your Meal Kit Deliveries
Meal kits seemed like such a great idea at first, right? Everything pre-portioned, recipes included… But let’s be real, things change. Maybe you’re eating out more, or your cooking habits have shifted. It’s time to take a hard look at those meal kit subscriptions and see if they’re still serving you.
Are You Cooking Enough at Home?
This is the big one. Are you actually using the meal kits every week? Or are they piling up in your fridge, only to be tossed out later? If you’re consistently skipping weeks or throwing away ingredients, it’s a major red flag. Be honest with yourself about your cooking habits. Life gets busy, and sometimes cooking just isn’t a priority. That’s okay, but don’t let those meal kits go to waste.
Check for Hidden Fees
Beyond the advertised price per meal, are there any sneaky fees lurking in your subscription? Shipping costs can add up, and some services charge extra for certain meal options or premium ingredients. Take a close look at your billing statements to see exactly where your money is going. You might be surprised at how much those "convenience" fees are costing you. Also, some companies will automatically charge you if you don’t skip a week, so make sure you are on top of your deliveries.
Consider Grocery Delivery Services
If you enjoy cooking but find meal kits too restrictive or expensive, grocery delivery might be a better fit. You can still get the convenience of having groceries delivered to your door, but you have complete control over what you buy and what you cook. Plus, you can often find better deals and a wider selection of ingredients. Services like Instacart or even Amazon Fresh can be great alternatives. You can even look into meal delivery services that offer prepared meals if you want to skip cooking altogether.
I used to love meal kits, but I realized I was spending way more than I needed to. Switching to grocery delivery and planning my own meals saved me a ton of money, and I actually enjoy the flexibility of choosing my own recipes.
Cut Back on Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions
Do You Read Them Regularly?
Okay, be honest with yourself. Do those magazines and newspapers actually get read, or do they just pile up, gathering dust? I know, I know, you intend to read them, but life gets in the way. If you’re tossing them out unread week after week, it’s time to reconsider. Think about how much space they take up and the money you’re spending on something you’re not even using. It’s like paying for a gym membership and never going!
Switch to Digital Versions
Consider making the switch to digital subscriptions. You’ll save paper, reduce clutter, and often save money. Most major publications offer digital versions that you can read on your tablet, phone, or computer. Plus, you can usually access back issues and search for specific articles easily. It’s a win-win!
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Print Version | Digital Version |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Clutter | Yes | No |
| Portability | Limited | High |
| Environmental Impact | High | Low |
Explore Free Online Resources
Before you renew that subscription, explore free online resources. Many libraries offer free access to digital magazines and newspapers through services like Libby or PressReader. You can read the latest issues without paying a dime. Also, many news websites offer a surprising amount of free content. You might find that you can get most of the information you need without a paid subscription. If you want to cancel a digital subscription, it’s usually pretty easy to do online.
Think about all the money you could save by cutting back on these subscriptions. That extra cash could go towards something you actually enjoy, like a weekend getaway or a new hobby. It’s all about prioritizing what’s important to you.
Review Your Software and App Subscriptions
It’s super easy to forget about those monthly or yearly charges for software and apps. We sign up for a free trial, forget to cancel, and boom – we’re paying for something we barely use. Time to take a look and see what’s actually worth keeping.
Are You Using All the Features?
Seriously, think about it. Are you paying for the premium version of an app just to use, like, one extra feature? I know I’ve been guilty of this. Sometimes the basic version is all you really need. It’s worth downgrading and saving some cash.
Look for One-Time Purchase Options
Subscription models are everywhere, but sometimes you can find a one-time purchase option. It might seem pricier upfront, but in the long run, it could save you a ton of money. For example, instead of a subscription management software, maybe a one-time license for a similar program is a better fit. I did this with a photo editing software and it was a great decision.
Consider Free Alternatives
There are tons of free software and apps out there that can do almost the same thing as the paid ones. Don’t be afraid to explore! You might be surprised at what you find. Here are some examples:
- Office Suites: Instead of Microsoft Office, try LibreOffice or Google Docs.
- Photo Editing: GIMP is a great free alternative to Photoshop.
- Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve has a free version that’s surprisingly powerful.
It’s easy to get locked into subscriptions because they’re convenient. But taking a few minutes to explore free alternatives can really add up to significant savings over time. Plus, you might discover some new favorite tools!
Audit Your Memberships and Clubs
Time to take a hard look at those memberships and clubs you signed up for. Are you really getting your money’s worth, or are they just draining your bank account each month?
Are You Attending Events?
Be honest with yourself: how often do you actually participate in the activities offered by your memberships? If you’re paying for a social club but haven’t attended an event in months, it might be time to reconsider. Sometimes we sign up with the best intentions, but life gets in the way.
Check for Local Alternatives
Before you automatically renew that expensive membership, see if there are cheaper, local alternatives. Maybe there’s a community center offering similar activities for a fraction of the price. Or perhaps a local group hosts events that align with your interests. You might be surprised at what you find!
Evaluate the Value You Get
Think about what you’re truly getting from your memberships. Is it the networking opportunities? The access to facilities? The sense of community? If the benefits don’t outweigh the costs, it’s time to cut ties. Consider using membership management software to keep track of your memberships and their associated costs. It’s easy to forget about those recurring charges, so a little tracking can go a long way.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you should keep a membership because you might use it someday. But if that day never comes, you’re just throwing money away. Be ruthless in your evaluation and don’t be afraid to cancel memberships that aren’t serving you.
Streamline Your Online Shopping Subscriptions
Are You Using Prime or Other Services?
Okay, let’s be real. How many online shopping subscriptions do you have? Amazon Prime is the big one, of course, but there are others like Walmart+, Target Circle, and even smaller services from specific retailers. The key question is: are you really using them enough to justify the cost? I know I signed up for a free trial of one of those grocery delivery services, and then totally forgot about it until I saw the charge on my credit card. Don’t be like me!
- Take a look at your order history. How often are you actually ordering from these places?
- Calculate the cost per order. Is the "free" shipping and other perks actually saving you money, or are you just buying more stuff you don’t need?
- Consider whether you could get the same benefits by just paying for shipping on the occasional order.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re saving money with these subscriptions, but sometimes, the convenience factor just leads to more spending. Be honest with yourself about your shopping habits.
Consider Pay-Per-Use Options
Instead of committing to a monthly or annual subscription, explore pay-per-use options. For example, some retailers offer a discounted shipping rate if you spend a certain amount, even without a subscription. Or, you could use a service like Instacart or Shipt for grocery delivery only when you need it, rather than paying a monthly fee. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience and cost. You can use a subscription inventory to keep track of all your subscriptions.
Look for Discounts on One-Time Purchases
Before you automatically subscribe to something, see if you can find discounts on one-time purchases. Many retailers offer coupons or promo codes that can significantly reduce the cost of individual items. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to just buy what you need when you need it, rather than paying for a subscription that you might not fully utilize. Plus, you avoid the hassle of remembering to cancel the subscription later!
Time to Take Action!
Alright, folks, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle that subscription list. Seriously, take a moment to look at what you’re paying for each month. You might be surprised at how many services you’ve forgotten about or don’t even use anymore. Canceling those subscriptions can free up some cash and declutter your life a bit. Plus, it feels pretty good to take control of your finances. So, go ahead, hit that unsubscribe button, and enjoy the extra space—both in your wallet and your inbox!