10 Subscription Services You’re Probably Wasting Money On Right Now

Subscription services are easy to forget about, but they can quietly eat away at your budget. Think about the ones you’re paying for—how many do you actually use? If you’re like most people, it’s probably more than you think. Here’s a list of 10 common subscriptions that might be costing you too much and tips to help you save.

Streaming Services

As there are so many options now available, most people sign up for multiple streaming platforms, from Netflix to Hulu to Disney+. But how often do you actually use all of them? Many of us pay for these services even though we only watch the same two shows or forget we’re subscribed altogether. If your “watch later” list keeps growing but your free time doesn’t, it’s time to reconsider how many platforms you really need.

Gym Memberships

Everyone starts strong in January, but how often do you actually go to the gym? Gym memberships are one of the most commonly wasted expenses. If you’re hitting the treadmill three times a year, you’re better off sticking to free workouts on YouTube or outdoor activities. Canceling a membership you rarely use could save you hundreds annually.

Meal Kit Deliveries

Meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron are awesome—they do most of the heavy lifting for you, right? But with their hefty price tags, they’re rarely as cost-effective as grocery shopping. Plus, if life gets busy and you’re skipping meal prep altogether, those kits just pile up and waste food. Save yourself the guilt (and cash) with simple meal planning apps or budget-friendly recipes.

Music Subscriptions

Spotify Premium, Apple Music, YouTube Music—it’s easy to sign up for them all. But do you really need ad-free streaming or access to huge libraries you barely use? If you’re not listening all that often, free options like Pandora with ads or even your local library’s music collection could work just fine. Save the monthly fee for something you’ll actually use.

Book and Audiobook Subscriptions

Audible might sound great if you love books, but are you actually finishing the books you download? If not, you’re probably wasting money. Instead, check out free audiobooks from your library using apps like Libby. It’s a simple way to keep up with your reading without spending anything.

Beauty Subscription Boxes

Beauty subscription boxes can be exciting at first, but let’s be honest—how many samples do you really use? Most of them probably end up sitting in a drawer, forgotten. A better (and cheaper) option is creating a beauty routine with products you know you’ll actually use.

Gaming Subscriptions

Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus seem like a great deal, but do you actually use them enough to get your money’s worth? If your console is just collecting dust, those subscriptions are a waste. For casual gamers, sticking to free-to-play games or buying individual titles you know you’ll enjoy makes more sense.

Cloud Storage Plans

Are you paying Google, Apple, or Dropbox monthly just to store photos, files, or documents you barely look at? Most people don’t come close to using the full storage they’re subscribed to. Consider free options like Google’s lower-tier plans or external hard drives for a one-time investment that eliminates monthly fees.

Magazine and News Subscriptions

Sure, online publications and print magazines are informative and entertaining, but if you only read one or two articles per month, they’re not worth the subscription price. Public libraries offer digital access to many magazines and newspapers for free, so check there first before paying.

Online Learning Platforms

Subscription-based learning apps like MasterClass, Skillshare, and Coursera offer tons of content, but how much of it are you realistically consuming? If you’re not consistently taking courses or finishing projects, you’re throwing money away. Free educational resources like Khan Academy or YouTube tutorials can be just as effective without the recurring costs.

Tracking Your Subscriptions Matters

Subscriptions often start out feeling useful, but they quickly turn into background charges you barely notice. Over time, these small expenses add up, taking money away from things you actually need or enjoy. By reviewing your subscriptions regularly, you can cut out what’s not adding value and take back control of your budget.

Save Your Wallet With Smarter Choices

Subscriptions often start out feeling useful, but they quickly turn into background charges you barely notice. Over time, these small expenses add up, taking money away from things you actually need or enjoy. By reviewing your subscriptions regularly, you can cut out what’s not adding value and take back control of your budget.

9 Simple Mind Tricks to Actually Enjoy Spending Less

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11 Things People Overspend on Just To Impress Others

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