Subscription Savings Calculator

You might be paying too much for your subscriptions, such as streaming and music services, without realizing how much you’re actually spending. Use our subscription savings calculator to find out how much you can save if you cancel some of those services. Add as many subscriptions as you want, and the calculator will give you a monthly and yearly breakdown. The results can be shocking and a wake-up call.

How to Use the Subscription Savings Calculator

Enter Your Subscription Details:
Start by adding the name of each subscription, its monthly cost, and how frequently you use it (daily, weekly, or rarely). For example, input “Netflix,” “$15,” and “daily” if you use Netflix regularly.

Add Multiple Subscriptions:
Add as many subscriptions as you’d like. The calculator allows you to track all your subscriptions in one place.

Review Your Subscriptions:
Once you’ve added all your subscriptions, you’ll see a list summarizing the name, cost, and usage frequency for each service.

Calculate Your Savings:
Click the “Calculate Savings” button to generate a detailed breakdown of your total monthly and yearly subscription costs.

Analyze the Results:
Review the results, which include a line-by-line cost breakdown for each subscription, your total monthly spending, and the annual cost. Use this information to decide which subscriptions to keep, pause, or cancel.

Take Action:
If the total cost is higher than expected, consider canceling unused or rarely used subscriptions to save money. The calculator helps you identify where you can cut back.

How to Manage Your Subscriptions: The 12-Step Guide

Subscriptions are a common part of modern digital life, offering convenient access to a variety of services and content. However, they can accumulate quickly and strain your budget if not managed wisely. It’s important to periodically review your subscriptions and identify those you can live without. To help you reduce your spending on subscriptions, follow these tips:

1. Evaluate Your Current Subscriptions
   Take an inventory of all your current subscriptions. Review each one and ask yourself if you’re actively using and benefiting from it. It’s easy to accumulate subscriptions and forget about them, especially expensive yearly ones. Don’t hesitate to cancel monthly subscriptions you don’t use—remember, “just $10” per month adds up to $120 a year.
2. Prioritize Essential Subscriptions
   Identify the subscriptions that are essential and add value to your daily life. These may include streaming platforms for entertainment, music services, or work-related software. Make a list of these essentials, and if you’re on a tight budget, stick to just one or two entertainment options. Fully explore the content they offer to maximize their value.
3. Eliminate Unused or Duplicate Subscriptions
   Cancel subscriptions that you rarely or never use. If you have multiple streaming services, consider consolidating to one or two that provide the content you enjoy most. Also, look for duplicates offering similar services and choose the best one for your needs. Do you really need more than one or two TV subscriptions?
4. Take Advantage of Free Alternatives
   Explore free versions of paid services. Many platforms offer limited-feature free plans or ad-supported options. For example, use free streaming services, free cloud storage, or productivity tools like Google Docs instead of expensive office suites. Visit your local library for free books, audiobooks, DVDs, and even access to streaming services like Kanopy or Acorn.
5. Share Subscriptions
   Share subscriptions with family or friends whenever possible. Many streaming platforms offer family plans that allow multiple users to share access at a reduced per-person cost. This is an ideal solution for families, roommates, or groups of friends.
6. Negotiate or Seek Discounts
   Contact your subscription providers to inquire about discounts or promotions. Some services offer student discounts, loyalty rewards, or discounted annual plans. Be proactive and ask for a better deal—it never hurts to try. If you’re planning to cancel a subscription, it’s worth negotiating first.
7. Monitor and Track Your Subscriptions
   Regularly review your bank or credit card statements to identify recurring charges. Set reminders to reassess your subscriptions every few months or annually. This habit ensures you stay informed about your spending and usage, so you’re not surprised by large automatic charges for annual subscriptions.
8. Consider Temporary Pauses
   If you’re not actively using a subscription but plan to return to it later, check if the service allows temporary pauses. This helps you avoid paying for unused services while retaining access when needed. Don’t hesitate to cancel if you’re not using something—it’s usually easy to re-subscribe.
9. Bundle Services
   Some providers offer bundle deals that combine multiple services at a discounted price. For example, telecommunications companies may offer packages including internet, cable TV, and streaming platforms. Bundling can be more cost-effective than subscribing to each service separately.
10. Set a Subscription Budget
    Establish a monthly or yearly budget specifically for subscriptions. Determine the maximum amount you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Write down all your subscription costs and compare them to your budget. This practice sets clear limits and helps you prioritize.
11. Utilize Trial Periods
    Before committing to a paid subscription, take advantage of trial periods. Use this time to evaluate the service and decide if it’s worth paying for. Always set reminders to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue. Trial periods are helpful but are also designed to hook you into paying.
12. Consider Alternatives to Subscribing
    Subscribing can seem affordable since you pay small amounts over time, but sometimes buying outright is cheaper. Check local stores for used books or DVDs instead of subscribing to streaming or audiobook services. You can often get enough to enjoy for just a few dollars a month.

By applying these strategies, you can effectively reduce your subscription expenses while maximizing enjoyment. Regularly reassess your needs and make adjustments to ensure you stay within your budget. We hope that our subscription savings calculator will help you save.