11 Subscriptions You Should Probably Cancel Right Now

Are you paying for subscriptions that you barely use or no longer need? Many people sign up for services and forget about them, only realizing months later that they’ve been draining their bank accounts. Whether it’s streaming, fitness, or even digital storage, there are plenty of subscriptions that are easy to cancel and save you money.

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Streaming Services You Rarely Use

It is easy to accumulate several streaming services, especially with so many options available, from Netflix and Hulu to HBO Max and Disney+. However, if you have not used certain platforms in weeks or months, you may be paying for something that is no longer necessary. It’s common to sign up for streaming services during a specific time of year, like when a new series drops, but once the content is consumed, the subscription might not be worth continuing. The charges can really add up when you are paying for several streaming services at once, and you can easily overlook the recurring payments.

If you find that you watch the same handful of shows or movies across one or two services, it may be a good idea to cancel the ones that you barely use. With many services offering free trials or shared family plans, you might even be able to share the cost with others or consolidate your subscriptions to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Gym Memberships You Never Use

Gym memberships are one of the easiest things to sign up for and one of the easiest to forget about. Many people join gyms at the start of a new year or after a specific fitness goal, only to find that they stop going after a few weeks. If you have not set foot in the gym for weeks, it is probably time to cancel that membership. Paying for a gym you no longer use is a waste of money, especially when fitness apps and at-home workout options have become so popular and affordable.

Moreover, the pandemic showed that many people could get a great workout from home, negating the need for an expensive membership. Look for pay-per-use gyms or local fitness studios that might offer more flexibility. If you miss the social aspect, many online fitness communities offer virtual workouts with a similar feeling of camaraderie without the hefty price tag.

Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions

With digital news sources dominating the landscape, print magazine and newspaper subscriptions can quickly become irrelevant. If you are still holding onto a physical subscription, take a moment to assess if you’re actually reading it or simply allowing it to pile up. Print subscriptions are costly and often come with outdated content, while digital alternatives are far more affordable and up-to-date. Many newspapers and magazines offer free or low-cost digital subscriptions that allow you to access articles on your tablet or phone.

If you are using online sources for your news, canceling your print subscriptions can save you a lot of money in the long run. Additionally, many publishers offer student or senior discounts for their digital editions, making it even more affordable for those who still want to support the industry.

Music Streaming Services You Do Not Listen To

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to end up with multiple music streaming subscriptions, especially if you use different services to listen to your favorite playlists or discover new artists. But if you find that you’re paying for multiple services, like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, and only using one or two regularly, it’s time to cancel the ones you no longer need. These subscriptions often come with overlapping features, and you can easily consolidate your music listening into one service.

Furthermore, many music streaming services now offer free versions with ads. If you’re not concerned about ad interruptions, you can save money by switching to a free version or even finding alternatives that cater to your specific music needs without requiring a subscription. Cancelling unused services will free up funds for something more beneficial.

Food Delivery Subscription Boxes

Meal kit delivery services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Freshly can seem convenient, especially if you’re looking for quick meal prep without the hassle of grocery shopping. However, if you have fallen out of the habit of using these services, or if you have started to rely more on fast food or home-cooked meals, it might be time to cancel. The cost of meal delivery services can add up quickly, and there are often cheaper alternatives available. Many grocery stores now offer ready-to-eat or frozen meals, which can provide the same convenience without the added subscription fee.

If you’re trying to save money, consider cooking with grocery store ingredients or using less expensive meal services. You can also explore online recipes or download meal planning apps that give you flexibility without committing to a recurring cost.

Cloud Storage Subscriptions

Many people sign up for cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to store important documents, photos, or videos. However, if you are paying for a larger storage plan and using only a small portion of it, you may be overpaying. It’s worth evaluating how much storage you really need and determining whether the premium plan is necessary. Cloud storage companies often offer a free version that is sufficient for most users’ needs, and you can always upgrade later if your storage requirements increase.

If you have multiple cloud storage accounts, it may be worthwhile to consolidate your files into one account, avoiding redundant subscriptions. With the ability to access free cloud storage and cheaper options available, canceling an unnecessary plan can be a smart move to save money.

Online Course Subscriptions

Online learning platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, and MasterClass offer a great opportunity to learn new skills, but they often come with a monthly or yearly fee. If you find that you signed up for these services but haven’t used them in a while, it might be time to cancel. Many people sign up with the intention to learn a new hobby or gain professional skills, but find they never actually follow through. With free resources available on YouTube, free courses from universities, and other platforms, you may not need to continue paying for online courses.

Consider whether you have benefited from these platforms in the past and if they align with your current goals. If not, canceling subscriptions could help you avoid ongoing fees, allowing you to focus on resources that better fit your needs.

Mobile App Subscriptions

Mobile app subscriptions, from fitness trackers to premium photo editing apps, can be sneaky in terms of how they add up. Many users sign up for a free trial, get hooked, and then forget to cancel before the paid subscription kicks in. If you find yourself paying for apps you no longer use or have multiple apps that offer similar services, it is worth canceling the subscriptions. For example, if you are paying for multiple meditation apps or photo editing tools, consider consolidating or finding free alternatives.

Be mindful of the fact that app subscriptions often auto-renew unless you manually cancel them. By going through your apps and canceling the ones that are no longer useful, you can save significant amounts over time.

Software or Antivirus Programs

If you have software or antivirus subscriptions that you have not used recently or rely on free alternatives, it may be time to cancel them. Many people sign up for antivirus software with the intent of protecting their devices, but forget to update the subscription when it renews. Free antivirus software like Avast or Windows Defender provides basic protection and may be enough for your needs. Likewise, many software programs offer free versions that will work just fine for everyday tasks.

Before renewing any software or antivirus program, consider whether you are using it enough to justify the cost. Cancelling unnecessary subscriptions can free up funds that can be better spent on services that add more value.

Video Game Subscriptions

If you’re subscribed to services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online, but rarely use them, consider canceling. While these services provide great value for gamers who play frequently, they may not be worth the cost if you only play games sporadically. Video game subscriptions can be especially costly when combined with other entertainment subscriptions like streaming services.

If you are not consistently playing new games or participating in online gaming features, canceling the subscription for a few months could be a good way to save money. You can always resubscribe later when you’re ready to use the service more actively.

Premium News Apps

If you’re subscribed to a premium news app like The New York Times, Washington Post, or a local newspaper app, but find that you only read headlines or visit the site occasionally, it might be time to cancel. These subscriptions can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per month, which adds up over time. Many reputable news outlets offer free articles or a limited number of free views each month, making a full subscription unnecessary for those who don’t rely on constant updates.

You can also explore alternatives like news aggregators or free apps that provide a broad selection of news stories without the need for a paid subscription. This could give you the information you need at no extra cost.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.