Stop the Subscription Bleed: Reclaim Your Money in 2026
Are you paying for monthly subscriptions you simply aren’t using? You’re not alone. These forgotten expenses can quickly add up, especially with streaming service and software prices steadily increasing, as seen with recent adjustments from Disney and netflix.
A recent 2025 CNET report revealed the average U.S. adult spends $17 each month on unused subscriptions - totaling over $200 annually.Even a more conservative estimate from Self Financial ($10.57 per month) still amounts to over $120 wasted each year.
If you want to stop throwing money away in 2026, taking control of your subscriptions is crucial. Here’s a practical guide to quickly identify and cancel those unneeded charges.
track Down your Forgotten Subscriptions
It’s surprisingly common to discover subscriptions you’ve been paying for,for months or even years,without realizing it. This is literally money down the drain. Fortunately, the digital trail of your payments can help you uncover these hidden costs.
Here’s how to find them:
* Review Bank & Credit Card Statements: Look for recurring charges from the same vendor. This is ofen the clearest sign of a forgotten subscription.
* Check In-App Purchases: Many subscriptions are initiated through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Both platforms offer easy ways to view your recurring subscriptions:
* iPhone Subscriptions
* Explore App Account Settings: Check the settings within each app you use. Many services allow you to manage subscriptions directly within the app itself.
* Examine Third-Party Platforms: You might be paying for streaming channels (like Hallmark+ or Crunchyroll) through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.Review your subscriptions on these platforms:
* Amazon Prime Video Subscriptions
* YouTube subscriptions
These steps aren’t exhaustive,but thay’ll help you locate the majority of your subscriptions.
