Image licensed via Adobe Stock
Most of us are spending far too much on unnecessary subscriptions. Follow our tips on how to slim things down.
Let’s be honest; it’s astonishingly easy to sign up for subscription services. From streaming platforms and fitness apps to meal kits and premium software, many of us find our bank statements littered with recurring charges.
These often start as a free trial offer and might even get us free or discounted stuff in the process. We tell ourselves we’ll cancel before we have to pay anything. But then life gets in the way. And anyway, you think you enjoy the service, and it only costs a few pounds a month.
Those “few pounds” can really start to add up over time, though. And if you’re not paying attention, all those subscriptions can quietly drain your finances and time.
So why not start 2025 by cancelling all your unnecessary subscriptions, as an important step toward reclaiming control over your schedule and mental bandwidth? In this article, we’ll offer tips to help you kill the subscription beast.
How to stop procrastination
The biggest obstacle to cancelling your subscription is procrastination, which is something our brain does when we, deep down, don’t want to do something. Rather than facing up to our feelings, though, we tell ourselves things like “I’ll do it tomorrow”, “I’ll wait till I’m at the office”, or “I’ll do it when I’m on top of my freelance work” (i.e. never).
The best way to overcome these feelings is to properly run over the benefits of cancelling in your mind. These will typically include:
1. Financial freedom
Subscriptions, with their seemingly small monthly fees, can quickly add up. A £10 Netflix subscription, a £5.99 meditation app, and a £8.99 fitness plan might not seem like much individually, but together, they amount to over £30 a month or £360 annually. Multiply that by other services, and the financial impact becomes even more stark.
So do the maths, write it all down on a piece of paper, and work out what you could do with the money saved. (Holiday? Debt paydown? Gift for a loved one?) That’ll give you far more motivation than just the abstract thought of ‘saving money’ (yawn).
2. Minimising digital overwhelm
Every subscription often comes with its own set of apps, logins, and emails, which can lead to a hugely cluttered digital experience. Reducing your subscriptions can help declutter your devices and inbox, giving you greater control over your digital life.
3. Reclaiming your time
Subscriptions don’t just cost money; they demand attention. From binge-worthy shows to relentless notifications, many services compete for your time and focus. By reducing the number of subscriptions, you can simplify your life, spend more time on what matters, and enjoy moments of true rest.
4. Promoting conscious consumption
Subscription models often lead to passive consumption. Ask yourself: do you stream shows because you’re paying for them or because you genuinely enjoy them? Cancelling subscriptions encourages a more mindful approach to consuming content and services.
How to go about it
Once you’ve plucked up the motivation to cancel unnecessary subscription services, how do you actually go about it? Follow this step-by-step plan, and you’ll soon be counting your extra cash.
1. Audit your subscriptions
Start by identifying all the subscriptions you’re currently paying for. There are probably more than you think, so thoroughly check your bank statements, credit card statements, app store accounts and emails for receipts or recurring charges. Some subscriptions, especially annual ones, might be easy to forget, so be thorough in your audit. You may well uncover a subscription you never even knew you had.
2. Evaluate each one carefully
For every subscription on your list, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I use this service regularly?
Does it add meaningful value to my life?
Is there a free or cheaper alternative?
Can I (legally) share this subscription with someone else to split costs?
If a subscription fails to justify its cost or use, it’s time to consider cancelling it.
3. Find free or cheap alternatives
Often, we cancel subscriptions because no free or cheap alternative is available. Over time, though, that can change, so put the work into finding other options for your current subs.
For example, if you subscribe to Creative Cloud but only use Photoshop, you might find Affinity Photo (available for a small, one-off fee) just as good. In which case, I’d suggest you take out a free trial and give it a go. Of course, make sure, if necessary, that you cancel in good time, lest you compound the problem!
Similarly, for streaming video, it’s worth investigating the content on the numerous ad-supported streaming channels. You might find the same shows you’re paying for on Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV, Paramount, or Amazon are actually available for free elsewhere: either on platforms run by national broadcasters such as My5TV or newer services such as Pluto, Tubi or Samsung TV Plus.
4. Schedule regular subscription reviews
Make it a habit to review your subscriptions every three to six months. This ensures that you’re not accumulating unnecessary services over time. Setting calendar reminders or automating the review process with apps can help here.
5. Opt for pay-as-you-go
Instead of subscribing to services, consider pay-as-you-go options. For example, instead of maintaining a gym membership, you could pay for individual classes or use free resources like outdoor workouts or YouTube tutorials. Similarly, if you’re keen on a TV show or movie, it’s usually possible to rent it, buy it on DVD, or head out to the cinema, all of which will make watching it more of an occasion.
6. Put the effort in
While some subscriptions are easy to cancel, others can be more challenging. Some services make it intentionally difficult to unsubscribe, which you can understand from a business point of view, but from a humanity point of view, it can make you want to punch someone. Don’t be discouraged, though: there’s always a way. Rather than tearing your hair out, treat it as a fun challenge, like completing a cryptic crossword.
Read cancellation guides thoroughly. Contact customer service if necessary. Look up cancellation discussions online. Ask for help on social media. Most importantly, persist until the job is done. Otherwise, well, the bad guys will have won.
Conclusion
In 2025, subscriptions have become ubiquitous, but their convenience often comes at the cost of financial and mental well-being. By taking a deliberate approach to cancelling, you’ll save money, reclaim time, and live a more intentional life.
Yes, it’s an effort, but the rewards—from financial freedom to a simpler digital existence—are well worth it. So start your audit today and take the first step toward a more empowered future.
Ultimately, when you actively choose the services you engage with, you’re likely to feel more satisfied with them. Cancelling subscriptions allows you to align your spending and time with your true priorities, and once you achieve this, it feels so good.
