How to sort out your digital subscriptions (without the stress or spreadsheets)

Chances are you’ve signed up for more than you realise. Between music and streaming services, fitness apps, meal deliveries, and cloud storage, those small monthly charges can add up fast.

May 22, 2025

But the good news? Giving your subscriptions a quick tidy-up is easier (and quicker) than you think.

Locate all your subscriptions on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Digital subscriptions are sneaky little things. One day it’s a free trial, and the next you’re being charged quietly in the background while completely forgetting why you signed up in the first place.

Start by making a list of everything you think you’re subscribed to, such as:

  • Streaming platforms (Netflix, Stan, Prime, Max)
  • Music and podcast apps
  • Online shopping perks
  • Fitness and wellness subscriptions (yoga, meditation, gym apps)
  • Meal kits and delivery services (HelloFresh, Menulog, Uber Eats)
  • Cloud storage, antivirus or VPN services

To jog your memory, have a close look at your bank and credit card statements, PayPal history, and subscriptions in your phone settings.

Once you have your list, ask yourself:

  • Do I use this?
  • How often?
  • Is it worth what I’m paying?
  • Would I miss it if it disappeared tomorrow?

And remember, needs change! You might love a footy streaming app during the season but forget all about it in summer. Subscriptions don’t have to be forever – rotate them as preferences change. You can always wait until every episode of a show has ‘dropped’ before subscribing so you don’t have to wait. Or – you can subscribe for a month and then unsubscribe straight away – you’ll get your month of viewing, but it won’t rollover to the next month if you forget to cancel at the end of it.

Cancelling isn’t the only option

Sometimes a little tweak can make all the difference. Here are a few clever tricks:

  • Drop to a cheaper tier – Don’t pay for bells and whistles you never use.
  • Pause instead of cancelling – Perfect for services you want to revisit later.
  • Rotate streaming services – Binge that show or film that you love, cancel, then switch to something new.
  • Bundle up – Some telcos throw in streaming or cloud storage as part of your plan.
  • Pay annually if it works out cheaper – Great if you can cover the upfront cost.

Even changing just one or two things can save you a tidy sum over the year.

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