Money Matters: Are subscriptions quietly eating into your budget?
From streaming your favourite television series and listening to your favourite artists and podcasts to meal boxes and mobile phone apps, subscriptions have become part of everyday life for many of us.
But while each one might only cost a few pounds per month, they can soon add up without us even realising.
In this week’s Money Matters column, we look at how you can review your subscriptions to make sure you’re not paying for services you’re no longer using.
If your money feels a little tighter than usual, taking just 15 minutes to look at your subscriptions could be a simple way to free up some extra cash.
Start by taking stock of what you’re paying for. Have a look through your bank statements over the last couple of months and make a list of any regular payments. You might be surprised to find subscriptions you’ve forgotten about.
If you’re signed up for a free trial or only wanted a service for a short time, make sure you switch off auto-renew as soon as you sign up. You’ll usually be able to use the service until the end of the trial or billing period but you’ll avoid being charged unexpectedly.
This might sound really simple – but only pay for what you’re using. Ask yourself, do you really need every streaming service all year round? Many subscriptions can be cancelled and restarted whenever you want, so consider dipping in and out rather than paying every month. Watching one series before cancelling could save you money over the course of the year.
It might feel out of your comfort zone but don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal. If you're considering cancelling, before you do start the cancellation process, it’s worth being aware that some companies will offer a discount or a cheaper deal to encourage you to stay. It doesn't happen every time but it's definitely worth checking.
It’s also important to keep track of everything. Whether it's a notebook, a calendar reminder or a spreadsheet, having a full list of your subscriptions, when the payment is due and how much they cost can make it much easier to stay on top of your budget. Most banking apps can also help identify regular subscription payments.
It's true what they say – every little helps. Saving £5 here and £9.99 there might not seem like much but if you cancel just a few subscriptions you no longer use, it could leave you with extra money each month for household bills, food or building up a small emergency fund.
If you’re a Housing Plus Group customer, our Money Matters team can support you with advice such as managing debt, benefit checks and support with budgeting.
16th July 2026