As the seasons change, many of us take the opportunity to declutter our homes and organize our lives. But what about our finances? Spring is the perfect time to review your subscriptions and make some changes to save money and simplify your spending.
Why You Should Check on Your Subscriptions
It's easy to forget about subscriptions you signed up for months ago, especially if they automatically renew. Over time, these small monthly charges can add up, and you might find yourself paying for services you no longer use or need. By regularly reviewing your subscriptions, you can identify and cancel those that are no longer valuable, freeing up money for other priorities.
Review Your Subscriptions
Take some time to review all of monthly and annual your subscriptions, including:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.)
- Music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.)
- Software and app subscriptions (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, antivirus software, etc.)
- Gym memberships and fitness apps
- Monthly delivery services (meal kits, beauty products, pet supplies, etc.)
- Online storage and backup services (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc.)
- Store memberships (Costco, Amazon Prime, Sam's Club, etc.)
- News and magazine subscriptions (digital and print)
- Gaming subscriptions (Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus, game-specific subscriptions)
- Educational subscriptions (online courses, language learning apps, etc.)
- Health and wellness subscriptions (vitamin delivery, meditation apps, etc.)
- Subscription boxes (clothing, snacks, books, etc.)
- Charity donations (monthly contributions to various causes)
Cut Back on Unnecessary Spending
As you review your subscriptions, ask yourself:
- When was the last time I used this service?
- Do I really need this subscription? Is it truly necessary?
- Can I replace this subscription with a free or lower-cost alternative?
Be honest with yourself and cancel any subscriptions that don't bring value to your life. Calculate how much you would spend annually to help you determine the true value of your subscriptions.
Bundle and Save
Many companies offer discounts when you bundle multiple services together. For example:
- Phone and internet providers often offer discounted rates for bundling services.
- Insurance companies may offer discounts for bundling auto and home insurance.
- Some software companies offer discounts for bundling multiple products.
Take advantage of these deals to save money and simplify your payments.
Open a Credit Card to Help Pay for Subscriptions
Consider opening a credit card specifically for your subscriptions. This can help you:
- Earn rewards points or cashback on your subscription payments.
- Keep your subscription payments separate from your everyday spending money.
- Take advantage of credit card benefits, such as purchase protection and travel insurance.
- Sensibly build your credit.
American State Bank Credit Cards: A Smart Choice
At American State Bank, we offer a range of credit cards that can help you manage your subscriptions and earn rewards. Our credit cards feature:
- Competitive interest rates and fees
- Online account management and our mobile banking app
By following these tips and using an American State Bank credit card, you can simplify your finances, save money, and enjoy the benefits of responsible credit card use. Happy spring cleaning! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions or stop in one of our branches, we are happy to help.
March 20, 2025 by American State Bank
