We’re all trying to cut our monthly bills to make ends meet. And you could find some extra money right now if you take a look at your credit card statements. Why? Because you may be one of the many who have forgotten monthly subscriptions.
If you’re tired of paying for those you no longer use but can’t quite figure out how to cancel, Consumer Reports says you can do these things:
1. Identify all your subscriptions.
Check your credit card statements for recurring payments.
“One easy way to do this is use a subscription tracking tool, such as Rocket Money or OneMain Trim, which finds and then helps you cancel subscriptions you no longer want,” said Margot Gilman with Consumer Reports.
2. Opt out!
For example, to see a list of apps you’re currently paying for through Apple Pay, open the app store on your phone, click “account,” then “subscriptions.” From there, click cancel on those you’re done with. These steps are similar for the Google Play store.
3. Track your trial periods.
Get organized and keep track of discounted or free trial periods. When you cancel, sometimes you get a “don’t go” offer for a free extension or discount. If you accept, set a calendar alert for two or three days before the end date of the promotion. The same goes for any free trial subscription you might sign up for.
Setting an alert for when you need to cancel will help you juggle multiple trials at a time, and your future-self will thank you!
BONUS: Free digital housecleaning.
If you want to take your digital housecleaning a step further, check out Permission Slip by Consumer Reports. It’s a free app that lets you control what data you share with companies you do business with.
FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” proposal
It could soon be easier to end unwanted subscriptions. The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a “click-to-cancel” provision that would require companies to let you cancel subscriptions as easily as you were able to sign up.
For more ways to save money, check out our Making Ends Meet page.