How to Track and Cut Subscriptions

The average person spends $200-300/month on subscriptions — many they've forgotten about. Here's how to find and cut them.

The Subscription Problem

Subscriptions are designed to be invisible:

• Small monthly charges don't trigger pain
• Auto-renewal means you never actively choose
• Free trials convert to paid silently
• Spread across multiple cards = hard to track

Common Hidden Subscriptions

Streaming ($50-100/month)

• Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu
• Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium
• Often have multiple services doing the same thing

Software ($20-100/month)

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Microsoft 365
• App subscriptions you tried once

Services ($50-200/month)

• Gym memberships (unused)
• Cloud storage (over your needs)
• News/magazine subscriptions

India-Specific

• Hotstar, Netflix, Prime — often multiple
• Gaana, Spotify — pick one
• Zomato/Swiggy memberships

How to Find All Subscriptions

Step 1: Check App Store

• iPhone: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
• Android: Play Store > Payments & Subscriptions

Step 2: Bank/Card Statements

Go through last 3 months. Look for recurring charges on the same day.

Step 3: Email Search

Search for: "subscription", "renewed", "billing", "recurring"

Step 4: Create a List

Spreadsheet or note with: Service, Monthly cost, Last used

Decision Framework

For each subscription, ask:

1. When did I last use this?
2. Would I pay for this again today?
3. Can I get this free/cheaper elsewhere?

Keep If:

• Used weekly
• No free alternative
• Saves more time/money than it costs

Cancel If:

• Haven't used in 30+ days
• Free alternative exists
• Duplicate of another service

Sample Subscription Audit

Savings: $58/month = $696/year

Tips to Prevent Subscription Creep

1. Track all subscriptions in your expense app
2. Set calendar reminders before free trials end
3. Use virtual cards that expire after trial period
4. Quarterly audit — review every 3 months
5. One-in-one-out — new subscription means cancel another