Over time do you find yourself subscribing to numerous online services?

From streaming platforms to fitness apps, online courses, and magazine subscriptions; how does one keep track of all these subscriptions?

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First, you get so excited about the convenience and possibilities these services offered. You sign up for free trials and introductory offers without much thought. However, as time goes on, you realize that managing and keeping track of all your subscriptions becomes very overwhelming.

Your email inbox becomes flooded with subscription confirmation emails, promotional offers, and renewal reminders. If you are like me, you try to maintain a mental list of your subscriptions but often forget about them amidst your busy schedule and other responsibilities. As a result, you begin to lose track of the services you have signed up for and the associated costs.

Then one day, you receive a notification from your bank about an unexpected charge. Somewhat confused, you check your account statement and discover a subscription renewal for a service that you haven’t used in months. You get frustrated for not being more organized and for wasting money on services you no longer need, right?

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Keeping your paid online subscriptions organized can help you manage your expenses and ensure that you're getting the most out of the services you subscribe to.

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Here are some suggestions to help you stay organized

Create a subscriptions list: (I created a spreadsheet) Make a comprehensive list of all the subscriptions you currently have. Include the name of the service, the subscription cost, the billing cycle (monthly, annually, etc.), and the renewal date. This list will serve as a reference point to keep track of your subscriptions.

Set up reminders: Use a digital calendar or reminder app (I use my cell phone) to set up notifications for upcoming subscription renewals. Set reminders a few days before the renewal date to give yourself enough time to evaluate whether you want to continue with the subscription or cancel it.

Monitor your bank statements: Regularly review your bank statements or credit card bills to check for any unexpected or unauthorized charges. This will help you identify any subscriptions that you may have forgotten about or need to cancel.

Use budgeting apps: Consider using budgeting apps or personal finance tools that allow you to track your expenses and categorize them. Many of these apps have features specifically designed to manage and monitor subscriptions, providing insights into your spending patterns.  Here’s a few suggestions:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/best-budget-apps

Consolidate billing dates: If possible, try to align the billing dates of your subscriptions. Having all your subscriptions renew on the same day or within a few days of each other can make it easier to manage your payments and keep track of upcoming renewals.

Sign up for email alerts: Many subscription services send email notifications when your renewal date is approaching or when there are changes to your subscription. Ensure that you have email alerts enabled for these services so that you receive timely reminders and updates.

Evaluate your subscriptions periodically: Regularly review your list of subscriptions and assess whether you're still getting value from each service. Consider canceling subscriptions that you no longer use or find beneficial. This practice will help you optimize your expenses and prevent unnecessary payments.

Use password managers: I’m a big advocate for using a password manager.  It has saved my life!  Use a password manager application to securely store your login credentials for each subscription service. This will make it easier to access and manage your accounts, especially if you have multiple subscriptions.

Take advantage of free trials and introductory offers: Many subscription services offer free trial periods or promotional pricing for new customers. Keep track of these trial periods and cancel before they convert into paid subscriptions if you're not interested in continuing.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a clear overview of your paid online subscriptions, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make informed decisions about the services you want to keep or cancel.

Here's a couple of tips on how to unsubscribe from paid subscriptions that you signed up for online.

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Identify the subscriptions: Make a list of all the subscriptions you want to unsubscribe from. This could include streaming services, online magazines, software subscriptions, or any other recurring paid services you've signed up for.

Review terms and conditions: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of each subscription. Pay attention to the cancellation policy, notice period, and any fees or penalties for early termination. This information is usually available on the service provider's website or in the confirmation emails you received when you initially subscribed.

Visit the subscription provider's website: Go to the website of each subscription service you wish to cancel. Look for an "Account," "Settings," or "Billing" section on their website. These sections often include options to manage your subscription.

Log in to your account: Sign into your account using the credentials you used when signing up for the subscription. If you can't remember your login details, look for a "Forgot password" option on the login page.

Locate your subscription settings: Once you're logged in, navigate to the subscription settings or account management section. Look for options related to subscription management, cancellation, or billing.

Cancel the subscription: Follow the provided instructions to cancel your subscription. The process may vary depending on the service provider. Some services may require you to click on a "Cancel "button, while others may ask you to fill out a cancellation form. Follow the prompts and provide any required information to proceed with the cancellation.

Confirmation: After canceling, the service provider should provide you with a confirmation message or email indicating that your subscription has been successfully canceled. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Verify the cancellation: To be sure your subscription is canceled, check your bank statements or credit card bills in the following months. Ensure that you're no longer being charged for the service you canceled. If you notice any continued charges, contact the subscription provider's customer support immediately to resolve the issue.

Repeat the process: Repeat these steps for each subscription you wish to unsubscribe from until you've canceled all the desired services.

Remember, it's essential to cancel your subscriptions before their renewal dates to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle. Additionally, some subscriptions may offer a trial period or promotional pricing, so be aware of any potential charges if you cancel before the agreed-upon period ends.

If you're unable to find the cancellation option on the service provider's website or encounter any difficulties during the process, reach out to their customer support for assistance.

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