Subscriptions may not feel like a big deal month to month, but they stack up quick. As more people tighten their budgets, they’re going through their charges and asking what’s actually worth it. A lot of the usual ones are getting the boot. Here are nine common subscriptions people are cutting to save money.
Streaming Services
Streaming services are one of the first things people cut when they’re trimming their budget. With so many platforms and rising prices, it’s easy to pay for more than you actually use. Dropping a few or rotating them every couple of months helps keep costs down without giving up what you enjoy.
💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET
Meal Kit Deliveries
Meal kits once felt like a fun way to make dinner easier, but lots of people are dropping them now. The price per meal often ends up being higher than just buying ingredients at the store. Plus, with grocery prices already high, many are choosing to plan simple, affordable meals at home instead.
Premium Apps
That fitness app, language program, or editing tool may have seemed like a good idea at first. But when the monthly charges hit and the app rarely gets used, it’s an easy cut. People are realizing that free versions or one-time purchase alternatives can work just as well without the ongoing cost.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes for beauty products, snacks, or clothes were all the rage for a while. But now, many shoppers are cancelling them to focus on buying only what they really need. The surprise factor doesn’t feel worth it when budgets are tight, and unused items often just pile up.
Cloud Storage Upgrades
Extra cloud storage sounds useful, but for a lot of people, it turns into one more forgotten charge. With better free options and more space built into devices, paying for upgrades doesn’t always make sense. Clearing out old files usually frees up enough room to skip the added cost.
Audiobook and E-Book Subscriptions
Book and audiobook subscriptions can be great—if you’re actually using them. But if the downloads are sitting untouched, the cost starts to feel unnecessary. That’s why a lot of people are canceling and switching to free options through library apps or borrowing from friends. It’s a simple way to save without giving up what you enjoy.
Online Shopping Memberships
Memberships that promise free shipping or extra discounts don’t always pay off if shopping habits change. Many people are skipping these plans, especially if they’re buying less or choosing local stores. They’re weighing the fee against actual savings and deciding it’s not worth it.
Specialty Food and Drink Clubs
Wine clubs, coffee subscriptions, and other food memberships feel fun at first, but they can become an easy target when cutting back. People are cancelling these services and buying what they want locally instead. It’s often cheaper, and there’s no waiting for deliveries or dealing with items that don’t fit their taste.
Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions
A lot of people sign up for news subscriptions with good intentions—but never really use them. After a while, paying for articles you don’t read just feels like wasted money. That’s why more folks are turning to free news sources that still keep them updated, minus the monthly charge.
Small Cuts That Help Big Goals
These cancelled subscriptions show how people are making thoughtful choices to protect their budgets. Dropping a few services can free up real cash each month—and that money can go toward bigger goals that matter more in the long run.
This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.