The start of a new year is a fine time to review subscriptions
Subscriptions in the digital age are beautiful. It’s so convenient to sign up for them, and even better to enjoy them. From a financial standpoint, however, it’s easy to forget these are charging your account month after month. So this week, I’ve got some subscriptions pointers for you ahead of the New Year.
Subscription boxes
They now make subscription boxes for almost everything. What started out with clothing has now evolved into craft beer and vintage finds. My suggestion is to ask yourself if you’re still truly getting enjoyment and use out of it.
Are your kids’ experiment boxes piled up, for example? Some of these companies will allow you to cancel your subscription if you’re no longer using it, so if that’s the case, be sure you’re not continuing to pay for something you’re not excited to receive monthly.
TV streaming services
I have a love/hate relationship with streaming services. It’s so awesome to have a variety of options when my family and I are ready to binge some TV, but I also feel like when we don’t get to watch much TV — during a busy sports season, for instance — it ends up being expensive without the benefit. One of the best ways to save in this area is to purchase streaming from a premium channel for a specific show, buy it while the season is airing and then cancel your subscription.
Audio
Audiobooks and music streaming apps like Spotify are awesome to have, but like TV streaming services, make sure you’re getting the most out of your monthly investment. For example, did you know with Audible if you don’t care for the book you heard, you can return it through Amazon for another credit?
The New Year brings a new opportunity to review your subscriptions and make sure they’re still a great investment for you.
Kat’s Money Corner is posted on Dollars & Sense every Tuesday. Kat Hnatyshyn, when not blogging or caring for her little ones, is a manager with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. For more financial chatter, visit http://communityamerica.com.