Subscription services are more popular than ever, but they’re also a hidden drain on your finances. From streaming platforms to meal kits, it’s easy to sign up for services you rarely use. The result? Subscription fatigue and hundreds of dollars wasted each year. The good news is that you can save money on subscriptions by identifying and canceling the ones you don’t need. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cancel unused subscriptions, conduct a subscription audit, and find free alternatives to paid subscriptions.
What Is Subscription Fatigue?
Subscription fatigue is the overwhelming feeling of being burdened by too many recurring payments. With the rise of subscription-based business models, it’s easier than ever to sign up for services—but harder to keep track of them. Here’s why it happens:
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
The fear of missing out drives many of us to subscribe to multiple services. Whether it’s the latest streaming show or a trendy fitness app, FOMO can lead to unnecessary spending. - Difficulty Tracking Subscriptions:
With so many services available, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re paying for. Studies show that the average household subscribes to seven services, and many people forget about dormant subscriptions that continue to drain their bank accounts. - Silent Financial Erosion:
Small monthly fees add up over time. A 10subscriptionmightseeminsignificant,butoverayear,that’s10subscriptionmightseeminsignificant,butoverayear,that’s120—money that could be better spent elsewhere.
To combat subscription fatigue, it’s essential to regularly evaluate your subscriptions and prioritize your needs over wants. Let’s dive into how you can do that.
How to Conduct a Subscription Audit
A subscription audit is the first step to cutting subscription costs. Here’s how to identify which services to cancel:
1. Review Your Bank Statements:
Go through your bank and credit card statements for the past three months. Look for recurring charges and make a list of all your subscriptions.
2. Assess Usage:
Ask yourself: How often do I use this service? If you haven’t used a subscription in the last 30 days, it’s likely a candidate for cancellation.
3. Prioritize Value:
Determine which subscriptions provide the most value. For example, if you only watch one streaming platform, consider canceling the others.
Common Subscriptions to Reconsider:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
- Fitness apps and gym memberships
- Meal delivery kits
- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
By identifying and canceling unused subscriptions, you can free up significant funds each month.
Best Subscriptions to Cancel in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the top subscription categories and why you might want to cancel them:
1. Streaming Services:
With so many platforms available, it’s easy to subscribe to more than you need. If you’re only using one or two services, cancel the rest. For example, if you primarily watch Netflix, consider dropping Hulu or Disney+.
2. Fitness Apps and Gym Memberships:
If you’re not using your gym membership or fitness app regularly, it’s time to cancel. Free workout videos on YouTube or community fitness classes can be just as effective.
3. Meal Delivery Kits:
While convenient, meal kits can be expensive. Switching to home cooking can save you hundreds of dollars each month.
4. Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions:
Many publications offer free content online. If you’re not reading your subscriptions, cancel them and explore free alternatives.
Free Alternatives to Paid Subscriptions
Canceling subscriptions doesn’t mean giving up the services you enjoy. Here are some free alternatives to paid subscriptions:
1. Streaming Services:
- Bundled Benefits: Many companies provide free streaming services as part of your membership. For example, Amazon Prime includes Amazon Prime Video, amongst many other free services. Check your credit cards or other membership services you have to maximize the benefits of any streaming services (such as Max, Hulu, Disney+, and so on) they include with membership.
- Public Libraries: Stay with me here – but many libraries offer free access to movies, TV shows, and documentaries through platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla.
- Free Trials: Take advantage of free trials for streaming services when you want to watch something specific.
2. Fitness Apps and Gym Memberships:
- Community Classes: Check out free or low-cost fitness classes at local parks or community centers.
- YouTube Workouts: Channels like Yoga with Adriene and Fitness Blender offer free workout videos.
3. Meal Delivery Kits:
- Meal Planning Apps: Use free apps like Mealime to plan budget-friendly meals.
- Bulk Cooking: Prepare meals in bulk and freeze them for later use.
4. Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions:
- Digital Archives: Many publications offer free access to select articles or archives.
- Free News Apps: Apps like Google News aggregate content from multiple sources for free.
Tips for Cutting Subscription Costs
Here are some additional tips to help you save money on subscriptions:
- Set Reminders for Free Trials:
If you sign up for a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before you’re charged. - Bundle Services:
Some providers offer discounts for bundling services. For example, you might save by combining internet and streaming services. - Negotiate Rates:
Contact your subscription providers and ask for a discount. Many companies are willing to offer lower rates to retain customers. - Share Subscriptions:
Share subscription costs with family or friends. For example, many streaming services allow multiple users on one account.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Subscriptions
Subscription fatigue is real, but it doesn’t have to control your finances. By identifying unused subscriptions, canceling unnecessary services, and exploring free alternatives to paid subscriptions, you can save hundreds of dollars each year. Start by reviewing your bank statements, assessing your usage, and prioritizing value.
Remember, the goal isn’t to deprive yourself but to make intentional choices about where your money goes. With a little effort, you can enjoy the services you love without the financial burden. Take control of your subscriptions today and start saving!