How to Stop Subscription Creep and Keep More Money in Your Pocket
Subscriptions have become a normal part of life—streaming services, cloud storage, software, memberships, and more. They offer coxnvenience, but they also have a sneaky way of piling up over time, slowly increasing in cost and draining money from your account without you even realizing it. This is what’s known as subscription creep.
The problem isn’t that subscriptions are bad—many offer great value. But when you’re paying for things you don’t use or unknowingly getting charged for services you forgot about, you’re wasting money that could be put to better use. The good news? There are simple steps you can take to track, evaluate, and optimize your subscriptions so that you’re only paying for what truly adds value to your life.
Step 1: Identify Where Subscriptions Are Hiding
The first step to stopping subscription creep is to find all of your recurring charges. Many subscriptions aren’t always obvious, as they can be spread across different platforms and payment methods. Here’s where to look:
Apple Subscriptions (iOS, Mac, iCloud, Apple TV+, etc.)
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap [Your Name] at the top.
Select Subscriptions to see all active and expired Apple-related subscriptions.
Cancel anything you no longer need or use.
Google Subscriptions (Android, Google Play, YouTube Premium, etc.)
Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap on your profile icon (top-right corner).
Select Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions to manage them.
Unsubscribe from anything unnecessary.
Checking Your Bank & Credit Card Statements
Log in to your bank’s website or app and search for recurring transactions.
Look at charges from the last few months to spot any subscriptions you forgot about.
Make note of anything you don’t recognize or use anymore.
Checking PayPal for Subscriptions
Log in to your PayPal account.
Go to Settings (gear icon) > Payments > Manage Automatic Payments.
Review and cancel subscriptions you no longer need.
Other Places to Check
Amazon (for Prime, Kindle Unlimited, Audible, etc.)
Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
Cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive)
Software and apps (Adobe, Microsoft 365, security software, etc.)
Memberships and clubs (gym, digital magazines, Patreon, etc.)
Step 2: Evaluate Your Subscriptions
Now that you have a list of your subscriptions, ask yourself these questions:
Do I use this regularly? If not, cancel it.
Is there a cheaper alternative? Look for more affordable plans or bundled deals.
Do I still need this service? If you signed up for something for a free trial but forgot about it, it’s time to cancel.
Step 3: Optimize the Subscriptions You Keep
Once you’ve cut the waste, maximize savings on the subscriptions you want to keep:
1. Switch to Annual Billing
Many services offer a discount for paying annually instead of monthly. If it’s something you know you’ll use long-term, this can save you anywhere from 10–30% per year.
2. Take Advantage of Family Plans
Streaming services, music apps, and cloud storage often have family plans that let multiple users share an account at a lower cost per person.
3. Use Cash Back or Discounted Gift Cards
Some services allow you to pay with discounted gift cards or offer cashback through your credit card rewards program.
4. Negotiate or Look for Promotions
Some companies offer retention discounts if you ask about lowering your price or if you threaten to cancel. You can also check for promo codes and special deals.
5. Bundle Services Together
Many companies bundle multiple services together at a discount (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). Check if you’re subscribed separately and switch to a bundle for savings.
6. Set Reminders for Free Trials
If you sign up for a free trial, set a calendar reminder to cancel before it renews automatically.
Final Thoughts: Be Intentional with Your Money
Subscription creep happens to almost everyone, but it doesn’t have to be a drain on your finances. The goal isn’t to eliminate all subscriptions—it’s to make sure you’re only paying for what truly benefits you. By taking a little time to review, cancel, and optimize your subscriptions, you’ll keep more money in your pocket while still enjoying the services that bring real value to your life.
By being mindful of where your money is going, you can free up extra cash to put toward savings, investments, or other financial goals. Small changes like this add up, helping you build wealth over time. Happy saving!
