How to Organize Your Subscriptions to Save Money

A $15 bill here, a $35 bill there — it all sounds affordable until you go to pay your bills and realize there’s less left over than you thought there would be. Sure, subscriptions are not the only reason for that, but they’re certainly not helping, especially if you’re not actually getting the most out of them.

According to a recent survey by C+R Research found Americans believe they're spending about $86 a month on subscriptions but it's really $219/month on average. Over the course of the year, that adds up to more than $2,600, an amount we’re sure could be used elsewhere, like a credit card bill, a car payment, or even just a rainy-day fund. Even reducing that monthly amount a little can make a difference, and here’s how to do it.  

1. Start with a subscription audit  

Any problem can only be solved once you know what the problem actually is. Pull up your bank or credit card statements from the past three to six months and make a list of every recurring charge. The total may shock you.  

2. Categorize your subscriptions  

Once you’ve identified them, split your subscriptions into three buckets:  

• Must-haves: Essentials you truly use daily (cloud storage, your go-to entertainment options). 

• Nice-to-haves: Fun, but not essential — like less-used entertainment subscriptions.  

• Forgotten: The ones you may have truly forgotten about (should be pretty self-explanatory what to do with those).

3. Cut back  

Here comes the actual work: Start cancelling the subscriptions you don’t absolutely need.

If it feels like you’re using every single one regularly, and you can’t bring yourself to cancel, here are some other helpful tips:  

• Bundle subscriptions: Look for bundling opportunities (more commonly offered with media subscriptions), such as Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN, allowing you to cancel any other subscriptions that fulfilled those needs.  

• Look for discounts: Many services offer student or family plans that are cheaper per person. 

• Share accounts where possible: We know that many (mostly video streaming) providers are cracking down on this, but if it’s possible to share with someone in your household, don’t be afraid to ask! Chances are, they’re also looking to save more money.
• Turn on subscriptions only as needed: If you’re only keeping Netflix because you like to watch "Love Is Blind," don’t keep it bloating your budget during offseason. Cancel it after the show's season is done, and sign up again when the next one comes on. Reality is, most of the content on a streaming platform is disposable and you can live without it. But if you’re really set on a couple of shows or movies, just adjust your subscription status as needed and save for the rest of the year.  

4. Do a quarterly check–in 

Every few months, repeat the audit process and cancel anything that doesn’t feel needed anymore.  

Even if you just end up saving $5 or $10 here and there, you’ll be surprised how quickly that can add up, and how much it can start freeing up in your monthly budget. Pair those savings with others, like switching to a $0/month phone service, and you'll be on your way to much less budget stress.