7 Simple Ways to Cut Subscription Costs in 2025

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

Do you know how much you’re really spending on subscriptions each month? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t. And the bad news is that those small charges add up fast, and before you know it, you’re paying for things you barely use. But not to worry – I’ve got you! In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven simple strategies to help you cut unnecessary costs, keep only what you need, and save money without giving up what you love. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!

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7 Simple Ways to Cut Subscription Costs in 2025

Well, hey there! Welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and today we’re tackling a sneaky budget drain—subscription costs.

Have you ever signed up for a free trial and totally forgotten to cancel? Or maybe you realized you’re paying for three different streaming services but barely using any of them? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you!

I’m breaking it down into seven simple steps to help you take control of your subscriptions.

Now, this topic came up recently when I was chatting with a group of moms at an event. So many of them mentioned that subscriptions are really what bring down their budget. One mom even said that she hadn’t realized how many subscriptions they actually had until they went to watch the Super Bowl and nothing they subscribed to allowed them to stream it. She said that even people she knew in other countries were able to watch, but she – in the United States – couldn’t watch with a single subscription service she paid for.

Needless, to say, that conversation made me realize that we need some strategy around when to cut subscriptions, how to manage the ones you keep, and how to save money going forward.

So, without further ado, let’s just jump right into these seven tips I have for you today.

Step 1: Identify Your Subscriptions

Alright, first things first—we need to know exactly what we’re paying for each month. The tricky thing about subscriptions is that they tend to hide in plain sight. A few dollars here, ten bucks there, and before you know it, you’re paying for way more than you actually use!

So, let’s do a deep dive and track them all down.

  • Start by checking your bank and credit card statements for any recurring charges. Sometimes, subscriptions sneak in, and we forget about them.
  • Then, take some time to look at any app store subscriptions you might have—whether it’s Apple, Google Play, or another platform. These often renew automatically, and those “free trials” can turn into charges before you even realize it.
  • Next, make sure to review digital payment accounts like PayPal or Venmo—some services charge through these instead of directly hitting your bank account, making them easy to miss.

As you go through this process, make a list of every single subscription you find—this includes streaming services, cloud storage, fitness apps, meal kits, gaming memberships, and anything else that comes out of your account every month.

I promise, you might be shocked at what you find! Maybe it’s that audiobook membership you signed up for but never use, or a fitness app you meant to start using but didn’t. And don’t feel bad—we’ve all been there! The good news is, once you have everything written down, you’re in control. From here, we can start deciding which subscriptions actually bring value and which ones you can cut without a second thought.

So, grab a notebook, open your bank app, and start digging!

Step #2: Categorize Your Subscriptions

Once you’ve got your list of subscriptions, it’s time to sort them out—because not all subscriptions are created equal! Some are absolutely worth keeping, while others might be quietly draining your budget without giving you much in return.

To make this process simple, let’s break everything down into three categories:

  • Essential – These are the subscriptions you can’t live without. They’re critical to your daily life or work—like cloud storage for important documents, a necessary software subscription, or something your family relies on regularly.
  • Nice-to-Have – These are subscriptions that bring you joy or convenience, but aren’t absolutely necessary. Maybe it’s a streaming service you love, a meal kit that saves you time, or a fitness app you actually use. These can stay—if they fit within your budget and you’re getting enough value from them.
  • Unused/Unnecessary – Here’s where we get real. These are the subscriptions you rarely or never use. Maybe it’s an app you forgot about, a magazine subscription you don’t read, or a streaming service you barely watch. If a subscription lands in this category, it’s a sign that it’s time to let it go.

This is where things start to click—you can actually see where your money is going each month. If you have several subscriptions sitting in that “Unused” category, think about how much money you could save just by canceling them! Even small amounts—$5 here, $10 there—can really add up over time.

So, take a few minutes, go through your list, and be honest with yourself. Which subscriptions are truly worth it, and which ones can you live without?

Step #3: Cancel Unused or Unnecessary Subscriptions

Alright, now comes the fun part—cutting out those unnecessary subscriptions and keeping more money in your pocket! This is where you take back control and stop paying for things you don’t actually use.

Here’s a few tips I recommend:

  • If you haven’t used it in the last two months, cancel it. Be honest with yourself—if you’re not using it regularly, you don’t need it. Those “maybe I’ll use it later” subscriptions? They’re just eating away at your budget. Let them go!
  • Check for duplicate services. Do you really need Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video all at once? Probably not. Pick one or two and rotate them throughout the year instead of paying for everything all the time.
  • Set calendar reminders for renewal dates. Some subscriptions renew automatically without warning, and before you know it, you’re locked in for another month (or year). Set a reminder a few days before each renewal so you can decide if it’s still worth it.
  • Unsubscribe from marketing emails. Ever noticed how companies try to pull you back in with “special discounts” after you cancel? Those emails can be tempting, so remove the temptation altogether—unsubscribe!

Every dollar saved here is a dollar you can put toward something more meaningful—whether it’s paying off debt, building savings, or just having extra cash for fun experiences.

So, take a deep breath, start canceling, and feel the instant relief of freeing up your budget!

Step #4: Optimize the Subscriptions You Keep

Now, just because you’re keeping a subscription doesn’t mean you should pay full price for it! There are plenty of ways to lower your costs and still enjoy the services that matter most to you.

So, I have a few strategies that we’ve used over the years to help us get the best deal:

  • Switch to family or shared plans. Many streaming, music, and cloud storage services offer family or group plans that let you share access for a lower per-person cost. If you’re on an individual plan, check if upgrading to a shared option would save you money.
  • Look for discounts. Are you a student? Military member? Senior? Many companies offer exclusive discounts, but they don’t always advertise them—so ask! Even certain employers or organizations provide discounts for popular services.
  • Consider annual billing. If a service offers a discount for paying annually, and you know you’ll use it all year, it might be worth the upfront cost. Just be sure it’s truly saving you money and not locking you into something you won’t need later.
  • Rotate entertainment subscriptions. Instead of paying for multiple streaming services at the same time, switch them out seasonally. Binge your favorite shows on one platform, then pause or cancel it and subscribe to a different one for the next few months. This way, you’re always watching fresh content without overpaying.

A little tweaking here and there can lead to big savings over time! So before you hit that “renew” button, take a moment to see if you can lower your costs and keep more cash in your pocket!

Step #5: Explore Free or Low-Cost Alternatives

Before you pay for another subscription, ask yourself: Is there a free or lower-cost option that works just as well? You might be surprised at how many great resources are available for free—you just need to know where to look!

Here are some smart ways to save without sacrificing what you love:

  • Check out your local library. Libraries aren’t just for books anymore! Many offer free audiobooks, digital magazines, and even streaming services—all included with your library card. It’s an easy way to cut costs on entertainment and learning.
  • Use YouTube for workouts. Instead of paying for a fitness app or gym membership, explore free workout programs on YouTube. Whether you need yoga, strength training, or full-body workouts, there are endless options that won’t cost you a dime.
  • Try meal planning instead of meal kits. Those meal kit subscriptions are super convenient, but they’re also expensive. Instead, try DIY meal planning—you’ll save money, cut waste, and still enjoy delicious, well-planned meals.
  • Use free-tier versions of apps. Many paid apps offer free versions that include essential features. Before upgrading to a premium plan, test out the free tier and see if it meets your needs.

There are so many ways to cut costs without feeling deprived—you just need to know where to look. So before hitting that “subscribe” button, take a second and ask: Can I get this for free? Chances are, you can!

Step #6: Negotiate Lower Rates

This step is gold! Companies don’t want to lose you as a customer, and that puts you in a position to save big—if you just ask. A simple phone call could put extra cash back in your pocket every month!

Here’s how to use this to your advantage:

  • Call customer service and ask for a discount. Many companies have promotional rates or loyalty discounts, but they don’t always advertise them. Just ask, “Are there any discounts or promotions available for existing customers?” You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes!
  • Mention that you’re thinking about canceling. If you’re on the fence about keeping a subscription, let the company know. They might offer you a special rate, bonus months, or a lower-tier plan to keep you on board. This works especially well with streaming services, phone plans, and internet providers.
  • Use cashback apps and rewards programs. Even if you keep a subscription, you can offset the cost with cashback apps or credit card rewards. Some services even offer discounts if you pay with a certain card or through a rewards program.

A five-minute phone call or a little research could save you $5, $10, or even $20 per month. That’s real money you can put toward something more important—so don’t be afraid to ask!

Step #7: Set Up a Subscription Review System

Cutting unnecessary subscriptions is a great start, but the real key is keeping them under control moving forward. Without regular check-ins, those sneaky charges can creep right back into your budget!

Here’s how to stay in charge of your subscriptions:

  • Schedule a quarterly audit. Every few months, take a few minutes to review your subscriptions and make sure they’re still worth it. If you haven’t used something in a while, it might be time to cancel!
  • Set reminders before renewal dates. Some subscriptions renew automatically, locking you in for another month—or even a full year—before you realize it. Set calendar alerts a few days before renewal so you can decide if you still need it.
  • Think before you subscribe. Before signing up for anything new, ask yourself: Do I truly need this? Will I use it enough to justify the cost? If the answer isn’t a solid yes, it might not be worth it.

By making subscription reviews a regular habit, you’ll stay in control of your spending and keep more money in your pocket—where it belongs!

How Will You Cut Subscription Costs in 2025?

Alrighty, there you have it! My seven ways to cut subscription costs this year.

  1. Identify Your Subscriptions
  2. Categorize Your Subscriptions
  3. Cancel Unused or Unnecessary Subscriptions
  4. Optimize the Subscriptions You Keep
  5. Explore Free or Low-Cost Alternatives
  6. Negotiate Lower Rates
  7. Set Up a Subscription Review System

Subscription costs add up fast, but the good news is, you’re in control! By following these seven simple steps, you can cut unnecessary costs, take charge of your budget, and still enjoy the services that truly add value to your life—without overpaying.

And if today’s episode helped you, would you do me a quick favor and share it with a friend? Not only will it help them take control of their budget, but it also helps more people discover the podcast so we can all save smarter together!

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!

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