What is a subscription audit?

A subscription audit is a systematic review of all your recurring monthly or annual payments to identify, evaluate, and decide whether to keep, cancel, or modify each service. Its purpose is to gain control over your spending and eliminate unnecessary expenses.

How often should I perform a subscription audit?

Financial experts recommend performing a deep-dive subscription audit at least once a year. However, it's beneficial to do a quick check every few months or whenever you notice your spending creeping up.

What are the best tools to help track my subscriptions?

Several apps can help track subscriptions, including Rocket Money (formerly Truebill), Mint, and dedicated subscription trackers like Bobby or Subscriptions. Many banking apps also offer features to categorize and identify recurring payments.

How can I find subscriptions I've forgotten about?

To find forgotten subscriptions, review all bank and credit card statements from the past 12-24 months, check your email for keywords like "renewal" or "subscription," and look at your purchase history on app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play) or digital wallets (PayPal).

Is it better to pay for subscriptions monthly or annually?

Generally, paying for subscriptions annually is cheaper than monthly, as many companies offer a discount for yearly commitments. However, if you're unsure about long-term usage, starting with a monthly plan allows for easier cancellation.

What should I do if I can't cancel a subscription?

If you're having trouble canceling a subscription, first try contacting the company's customer support directly. If that fails, and the charge is unauthorized or you've been denied a legitimate cancellation, you may need to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.

How much money can I realistically save by optimizing subscriptions?

The amount you can save varies greatly depending on your current spending habits. Many individuals find they can save anywhere from $20 to $100+ per month by canceling unused services, downgrading tiers, or finding better deals. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.

Subscription Overload: Audit & Optimize Spending | One…