If you’ve ever signed up for a “free trial” in July and realized in October you’ve been paying $12.99 a month for a streaming service you forgot you had, you’re not alone. Subscriptions are sneaky little "vampires"—quietly draining your account each month while you’re distracted. Here's how to do a Halloween-inspired sweep of those subscriptions you may not be aware of.
Do a Sweep of Subscriptions
- Dig into your past 90 days of transactions. Pull up your mobile banking app and search for recurring charges—those small, repeat amounts that you may not be aware of.
- Sort them into three piles:
Keep (things you actually use and love—like your favorite streaming service).Maybe (you use it, but not often).
(subscriptions you didn’t even remember you had).
- Toss the unused charges. Cancel unused or “meh” subscriptions immediately. Most companies make it tricky—dig into settings, find the fine print, and don’t be afraid to unsubscribe.
TIP! Set a calendar alert the day before each auto-renewal date. That way you can make a clear-headed decision in daylight, instead of realizing too late that another year-long subscription has risen from the grave.
Canceling just two $9.99 subs frees nearly $240 a year. That’s a weekend getaway, a chunk toward holiday shopping, or other items you need.
Why This Matters
Little monthly charges may not seem like a big deal, but they add up quickly. Treat them like cobwebs in your budget—clear them out regularly, and you’ll have more room for the things that really matter!
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
