Practical Guidance for Managing and Reducing Subscriptions
One of the intentions that I’ve set has been to embrace my luddite tendencies and get away from electronics and social media to the greatest degree possible without moving backward into the dark ages. It feels like a difficult balancing act these days. When I first became a life coach, I struggled with the realities of needing a web presence and using social media to increase awareness of my practice (and this blog). To feel in control, it’s been critical for me to decide how e-connected I want to be. I’ve also had to accept that chat apps will forever be a part of my life in the 21st Century.
In my journey of simplicity, I’ve also become a huge fan of micromanaging my $$$. I have thorough insight into my personal finances and can tell you where every dollar is (or isn’t) any given day of the week. This helps me sleep at night. (I’m a Taurus, security is important to me. 😁) So, when I see a random charge in my bank account, I’m on it, tracking it down within seconds of becoming aware of it.
I’ve discovered that when you are on top of your finances, companies are more willing to remove charges if you catch them right away. Every now and then though, you get stuck with one and have to cancel so that you don’t incur the charge next time. This kind of sucks, because in truth, the reason you forgot about it is because you aren’t using that thing that you just paid for anyway. This makes it ever more important to stay on top of your subscriptions. Yes, another thing to manage. Sigh.
There are also times when you discover something running in the background, an app or product that you aren’t sure you need so you don’t know what to do. For example, I just received a $70 charge from GoDaddy. I had to reach back into the recesses of my very cobwebbed brain to figure out where the hell it came from. I had a vague and foggy recollection of setting up a GoDaddy account as a basis for the platform used for my website, which is through SquareSpace. Now the investigation begins into whether it’s safe to cancel or will my website crash if I do? Don’t even get me started on how many layers of things you have to pay for when you have a website … I’m convinced it’s a racket. And don’t even get me started on built-in obsolescence. But, I digress.
I thought I might offer some practical guidance for managing and reducing subscriptions on the way toward simplifying your life. Especially as these services add up financially and can feel overwhelming to track. So, here’s how you can review, manage, and reduce subscriptions through your phone or computer, plus tips on requesting reimbursements.
1. Review Your Current Subscriptions
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions.
Here, you’ll see all active and expired subscriptions associated with your Apple ID. This includes streaming services, apps, and other purchases billed via Apple.
On Android:
Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap on your Profile Icon > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.
You’ll find a list of active subscriptions, their renewal dates, and pricing.
On Your Computer:
Bank/Credit Card Statements: Log in to your online bank or credit card account and check recent statements for unfamiliar or recurring charges.
Email Search: Type “subscription,” “renewal,” or “receipt” into your email search bar to find automated billing statements.
Third-Party Apps: Consider using an app like Truebill or Rocket Money to scan your statements and identify recurring payments. Many of these apps offer features to cancel subscriptions directly or even negotiate lower rates.
2. Evaluate and Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
Ask yourself:
Is this still useful to me? Subscriptions can often be signed up impulsively, and their utility fades over time.
How often am I using it? If you’re not using the subscription at least monthly, it’s likely not essential.
Is there a cheaper alternative? Sometimes free or lower-cost options can meet your needs.
To Cancel on iPhone:
Go to Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions.
Tap on the subscription you want to cancel, then choose Cancel Subscription.
Confirm cancellation. You’ll typically still have access to the service until the end of your billing period.
To Cancel on Android:
Open the Google Play Store app.
Go to Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.
Select the subscription you want to cancel and tap Cancel Subscription. Follow the prompts to confirm.
To Cancel on the Web:
If the subscription is not managed through Apple or Google, log in directly to the service’s website.
Look under Account Settings or Billing for the option to cancel. Many websites will prompt you to confirm your cancellation.
3. Request Reimbursement for Unauthorized Charges
If you notice a charge for something you don’t recognize, don’t assume you’re stuck with it. Often, companies are willing to issue refunds for accidental charges or forgotten subscriptions.
On Apple:
Visit the Apple Report a Problem page in your browser: https://reportaproblem.apple.com.
Sign in and find the purchase you didn’t authorize.
Click Report or Request a Refund and select Didn’t mean to buy this or Didn’t recognize this.
Follow any additional prompts.
On Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap on Profile Icon > Help & feedback.
Tap Request a refund and fill out the requested information.
Direct from the Vendor:
If the charge came from a third-party vendor (not Apple or Google), reach out directly to their support team via email or customer service phone number.
Have your billing statement and subscription details ready, and clearly explain your situation. Many companies issue refunds within 30 days if requested promptly.
4. Reduce Subscription Fees: Additional Tips
Consider Annual Subscriptions: Many services offer a discount if you commit to a year up front. However, only do this if you’re certain you’ll use the service consistently.
Bundling: Services like Spotify, Hulu, and Disney+ offer bundles at a discounted rate. Look into bundle options if you already use multiple services.
Family Sharing Plans: Sharing plans with family members can reduce individual costs without sacrificing features.
Trial and Reminder Apps: Apps like Unroll.Me or TrackMySubs help you track when free trials end. They alert you before billing starts, so you have time to cancel without paying.
5. Automate Subscription Reviews
Monthly or Quarterly Check-ins: Set a calendar reminder every few months to review subscriptions.
Use a Dedicated Payment Method: If possible, dedicate one specific card to subscription services only. This keeps all recurring charges in one place for easier tracking.
Turn Off Auto-Renew: Many subscription services allow you to turn off auto-renewal while still keeping your service active until the current period expires.
By staying on top of your subscriptions and reviewing them periodically, you can prevent unnecessary charges, save money, and support a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. This method not only reduces financial stress but also clears the clutter in your digital and mental space.
If you’ve found this blog helpful, please let me know. Thank you.
I acknowledge the assistance of ChatGPT to help me write this blog (I’m not a complete luddite).