There are now so many subscription services that it’s hard to keep track. Not only are there tons of passwords and accounts to oversee, but each digital subscription comes with a cost. That means staying up-to-date with payment plans and plenty of services emailing you when the prices increase. 

When they pile up, it becomes harder to work out which ones are worthwhile and deliver value for money. Research shows that the average American now pays around $1,000 per year for subscriptions. It’s clearly a good place to look if you need to make some savings, and this guide will tell you where to start. 

Assess Your Current Subscriptions

To work out where you can make savings, you’ll need a list of your digital subscriptions. Making a list will give you the opportunity to identify any services you can do without. Once you’ve spotted any obvious opportunities, it’s time to do your second review.

Look at the cost and how often you use the service to see if it’s providing value for money and fits in your budget. Sort them into yes, no, and maybe. For anything that’s on the ‘no’ list, you can use a data removal tools like Incogni to get rid of your information from their databases after unsubscribing. It’s noted that 88% of subscribers read reviews on services when deciding to unsubscribe. 

Bundle and Save

There are further savings to be made from the services that made the cut. Explore whether there are bundled subscription plans. They get you the access you need to multiple services at a lower cost. For larger expenses, it’s also worth checking family plans or shared subscriptions, where you can split the costs with others.

Utilize Free Alternatives

Not everything can be cut or made into a bundle or shared subscription. However, there might be a free alternative. In step one, you’ll have worked out how often you use the service and what you need it for. Now, you can look for free options, such as open-source software or a resource from a public library.

 

It’s unlikely that they’ll be a direct replacement. However, what matters is whether the quality is good enough and whether they meet your needs. Evaluate what’s on offer and check out reviews to see if these options could work for you.

Negotiate and Cancel

When the time comes to cancel, it’s likely that the company will offer you a discount so you stay with them. You can also directly start the negotiations by contacting them and telling them you’re thinking of leaving because of the costs. Eighty percent of consumers say they will likely subscribe if the experience is personalized. 

 

Consider the deals and discounts they offer to see if they match your aims for cutting costs. You can use budgeting apps to help make decisions. If you decide to cancel, go ahead and notify the company straight away. You should be notified of your last bill date and when the service will end.

Data Privacy and Subscription Services

Your subscription services review of your outgoings is also the ideal time to see who has your data. These companies will keep certain information on file, so ensure you check the privacy policy to understand how it's being handled.

 

As mentioned above, a data removal service can help. Other ways to ensure your privacy is to use ad-blockers and browsers that don’t track your activity.