How to audit your subscriptions in thirty minutes

Subscriptions are designed to be forgotten. A yearly audit usually pays for itself many times over.

1. Gather the evidence

Scan three months of bank and card statements for recurring charges. Look for the same amount and merchant repeating.

2. List what each costs per year

Multiply the monthly figure by twelve. A small monthly charge looks different as an annual total.

3. Ask whether you used it this month

If you cannot recall the last time you opened it, it is a candidate to cancel.

4. Cancel, do not just pause

Cancel directly with the service, not by ignoring the app. Note the confirmation.

5. Set a calendar reminder

Repeat the audit every six months. New subscriptions creep in constantly.