Are you paying for subscriptions you don’t use? Here’s how to take back control
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Have you ever checked your credit card statement and thought, “Wait, what’s this $9.99 charge for?”
You’re definitely not alone.
From streaming platforms and grocery delivery to dog treats and fitness apps, it seems like everything now comes with a monthly fee.
These subscriptions may feel small at first—but over time, they can quietly add up.
As costs rise and budgets tighten, more Americans are reviewing their subscriptions, trimming the ones they don’t use, and asking a simple but powerful question: Is this still worth it?
It wasn’t long ago that most people paid for just cable, maybe a newspaper, and a couple of magazines.
Today, nearly every company that sells directly to consumers offers a subscription option.
In fact, Harvard Business School reports that about 75% of those businesses use the subscription model—and not just for digital services, but for everything from pet food to razor blades.
Why? Because for companies, subscriptions mean steady income and long-term customers.
But for consumers, the convenience can be a double-edged sword—especially when we forget we’re even paying.
Here’s a figure that might surprise you: the average American spends over $1,000 a year on subscriptions.
And according to a recent CNET survey, about $200 of that goes toward services people aren’t using at all.
Think about it: a few dollars for music, another for fitness, maybe three different streaming platforms—and before you know it, there are half a dozen recurring charges every month.
As one subscriber, Cassandra Navarro from Arizona, said, “It just all adds up so much. When you have so many subscriptions at once, you start to feel like you don’t have control of your life anymore.”
Subscriptions can make sense for things you use regularly, like a favorite news site, gym membership, or go-to streaming service.
But companies have gotten creative.
There are now subscriptions for snacks, socks, skincare, vitamins—even lightbulbs.
Sometimes, those recurring deliveries are helpful.
Other times, they become clutter—on your shelves and in your budget.
Marketing experts caution that not every product should be a subscription.
And with economic uncertainty on the rise, many consumers are asking themselves: “Do I really need this every month?”
If you’ve ever tried to cancel a subscription and ended up stuck in a maze of pop-ups or phone calls, you’re not imagining it.
Many companies make it intentionally difficult to leave.
That’s why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced the new “click to cancel” rule—a policy that would require businesses to make canceling a subscription as easy as signing up.
No more jumping through hoops or sitting on hold for half an hour.
While legal challenges have delayed implementation, the rule is expected to go into effect soon, giving consumers more power and fewer headaches.
If you’re ready to simplify your budget, here are six practical ways to cut back without losing the things you enjoy:
1. Do a subscription audit
2. Use tech tools wisely
3. Watch for price increases
4. Rotate and prioritize
5. Don’t forget the library
6. Negotiate or downgrade
This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about feeling more in control of your life.
Many people say that canceling unused subscriptions brings a sense of relief.
Fewer bills to track, less clutter in your inbox, and more confidence in where your money is going.
Read next: Discover the 6 Money Drains This Retiree Avoids Like the Plague–You Should Too!
Have you reviewed your subscriptions lately? Found a sneaky charge or discovered a way to save? We’d love to hear your tips, stories, or questions. Your experience could help someone else take the first step toward a simpler, more intentional financial life!
You’re definitely not alone.
From streaming platforms and grocery delivery to dog treats and fitness apps, it seems like everything now comes with a monthly fee.
These subscriptions may feel small at first—but over time, they can quietly add up.
As costs rise and budgets tighten, more Americans are reviewing their subscriptions, trimming the ones they don’t use, and asking a simple but powerful question: Is this still worth it?
As subscription costs rise, more Americans are reviewing monthly charges and cutting services they no longer use. Image Source: Pexels / crazy motions.
When everything comes with a monthly charge
It wasn’t long ago that most people paid for just cable, maybe a newspaper, and a couple of magazines.
Today, nearly every company that sells directly to consumers offers a subscription option.
In fact, Harvard Business School reports that about 75% of those businesses use the subscription model—and not just for digital services, but for everything from pet food to razor blades.
Why? Because for companies, subscriptions mean steady income and long-term customers.
But for consumers, the convenience can be a double-edged sword—especially when we forget we’re even paying.
Also read: Block spam forever with this easy phone setting trick!
How much are we really spending?
Here’s a figure that might surprise you: the average American spends over $1,000 a year on subscriptions.
And according to a recent CNET survey, about $200 of that goes toward services people aren’t using at all.
Think about it: a few dollars for music, another for fitness, maybe three different streaming platforms—and before you know it, there are half a dozen recurring charges every month.
As one subscriber, Cassandra Navarro from Arizona, said, “It just all adds up so much. When you have so many subscriptions at once, you start to feel like you don’t have control of your life anymore.”
Also read: Save big in 2025: Delete shopping apps & rethink subscriptions now
When subscriptions work—and when they don’t
Subscriptions can make sense for things you use regularly, like a favorite news site, gym membership, or go-to streaming service.
But companies have gotten creative.
There are now subscriptions for snacks, socks, skincare, vitamins—even lightbulbs.
Sometimes, those recurring deliveries are helpful.
Other times, they become clutter—on your shelves and in your budget.
Marketing experts caution that not every product should be a subscription.
And with economic uncertainty on the rise, many consumers are asking themselves: “Do I really need this every month?”
Also read: Slash your bills instantly with these 60 genius tips you wish you knew sooner!
New rule aims to simplify cancellations
If you’ve ever tried to cancel a subscription and ended up stuck in a maze of pop-ups or phone calls, you’re not imagining it.
Many companies make it intentionally difficult to leave.
That’s why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced the new “click to cancel” rule—a policy that would require businesses to make canceling a subscription as easy as signing up.
No more jumping through hoops or sitting on hold for half an hour.
While legal challenges have delayed implementation, the rule is expected to go into effect soon, giving consumers more power and fewer headaches.
Also read: Gmail’s game-changing move to tackle spam—say goodbye to junk mail!
A step-by-step guide to subscription clean-up
If you’re ready to simplify your budget, here are six practical ways to cut back without losing the things you enjoy:
1. Do a subscription audit
- Look at your latest credit card and bank statements.
- Make a list of all recurring charges.
- Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I still want it?
2. Use tech tools wisely
- Apps like Rocket Money and Truebill can help you track and cancel unused subscriptions.
- Just be aware—some of these apps charge fees of their own.
3. Watch for price increases
- Subscription services often raise prices quietly.
- Set calendar reminders to review subscriptions before auto-renewal dates.
Also read: Is Your Target Membership Worth It? How One 'Rude' Employee's Refusal to Help Exposed a Bigger Issue!
4. Rotate and prioritize
- Try focusing on one or two streaming services at a time.
- Some phone or retail memberships (like Walmart Plus) include bundled subscriptions—check for freebies!
5. Don’t forget the library
- Public libraries offer free access to books, movies, music, and magazines—no monthly fee required.
6. Negotiate or downgrade
- When canceling, some companies offer discounts or smaller plans.
- Don’t be afraid to ask—you might be surprised at what they’ll offer to keep your business.
This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about feeling more in control of your life.
Many people say that canceling unused subscriptions brings a sense of relief.
Fewer bills to track, less clutter in your inbox, and more confidence in where your money is going.
Read next: Discover the 6 Money Drains This Retiree Avoids Like the Plague–You Should Too!
Have you reviewed your subscriptions lately? Found a sneaky charge or discovered a way to save? We’d love to hear your tips, stories, or questions. Your experience could help someone else take the first step toward a simpler, more intentional financial life!
