12 Monthly Subscriptions You Might Not Need And What to Do Instead

Cashback and reward points are often treated like bonuses — nice to have, but rarely optimized. Many people accumulate these benefits without a real plan, letting points expire or spending them on low-value redemptions. But when used strategically, cashback and reward points can become powerful tools for cutting costs and improving your financial health.

With a bit of intention, these perks can go far beyond small discounts. Whether you’re saving for travel, reducing your bills, or boosting your emergency fund, you can turn everyday purchases into meaningful savings.

In this article, we’ll explore eight clever ways to use cashback and reward points more efficiently — and unlock their full potential.Monthly subscriptions are convenient — until you realize how many are draining your bank account without offering real value. From streaming platforms to fitness apps, what starts as a $5 or $10 charge can snowball into hundreds spent every month on services you barely use.

In the age of digital everything, it’s easy to lose track of recurring charges. Many people sign up for free trials and forget to cancel, or continue paying for services out of habit rather than necessity. By identifying and cutting unnecessary subscriptions, you can instantly reduce your expenses without making major lifestyle sacrifices.

In this article, we’ll break down 12 common subscriptions you might not need — and offer smarter, cost-effective alternatives. It’s time to clean up your financial ecosystem and keep your money working for what really matters.

1. Streaming Services You Rarely Use

How many streaming platforms are you subscribed to — and how many do you actually watch regularly? Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV… the list keeps growing.
What to do instead: Stick with one or two platforms at a time. Rotate services every few months depending on what content you’re interested in. Cancel the rest.

2. Multiple Music Apps

Paying for Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Premium all at once is overkill unless you truly need all three.
What to do instead: Choose your favorite and cancel the others. Many offer family plans or free ad-supported versions that still provide great value.

3. Unused Gym Memberships

If you haven’t visited your gym in weeks (or months), that $30–$80 a month is going to waste.
What to do instead: Switch to free home workout apps, YouTube channels, or pay-per-class models. You only spend when you actually exercise.

4. Meal Kit Deliveries You Don’t Finish

Meal kits are convenient, but if you’re constantly skipping weeks or wasting food, they’re not worth the price.
What to do instead: Plan your meals manually and shop with a list. You’ll spend less and reduce food waste.

5. Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions You Don’t Read

Print or digital, many people pay for news they don’t consume regularly.
What to do instead: Use free versions of major news sites or public libraries that offer digital access.

6. Cloud Storage Beyond Your Needs

Extra iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive storage may be unnecessary if you’re not using it actively.
What to do instead: Clean up your files and downgrade to a free or lower-tier plan.

7. App Subscriptions You Forgot About

It’s easy to sign up for premium app features and forget about them.
What to do instead: Review your app store subscriptions monthly. Cancel anything you haven’t used in the past 30 days.

8. Meditation or Wellness Apps (When Free Versions Exist)

Calm, Headspace, and similar apps offer great tools — but the free versions are often enough for casual use.
What to do instead: Use the basic versions or find free alternatives like Insight Timer or YouTube channels.

9. Multiple Product Delivery Boxes

From beauty boxes to snacks and socks, subscription boxes are fun — but rarely necessary.
What to do instead: Choose one to keep (if you truly enjoy it) and cancel the rest. Or turn it into a quarterly treat instead of a monthly cost.

10. Premium Versions of Free Tools

Tools like Canva, Grammarly, and Zoom offer solid free plans for most users.
What to do instead: Downgrade if you’re not using the premium features regularly. Save the upgrade for when you genuinely need the extras.

11. Language Learning Apps You’ve Abandoned

If Duolingo Plus or Babbel isn’t part of your weekly routine, you’re paying for something you’re not using.
What to do instead: Stick to the free version or explore free online resources until you’re ready to commit again.

12. Extra Streaming Add-Ons (HBO, Starz, Sports, etc.)

Premium add-ons through cable or streaming often go unused after the initial binge phase.
What to do instead: Cancel and re-subscribe only when there’s a show or season you’re ready to watch.

Conclusion: Audit Your Subscriptions and Take Back Control

Cutting unnecessary subscriptions doesn’t mean stripping away all your comforts — it means realigning your spending with what you truly use and value. Most of us are paying for convenience we no longer benefit from, often without realizing it.

Take 30 minutes to audit your recurring charges. Ask yourself: when was the last time I used this? If the answer isn’t recent, it’s time to cancel. Free alternatives are more accessible than ever, and you can always return if the need arises.

By trimming even a few of these 12 monthly subscriptions, you could free up $50 to $200 or more every month — money that could go toward savings, investments, or experiences that actually matter.