Most people are familiar with the significant monthly bills—rent, utilities, and car payments. But there’s a sneaky problem hiding in plain sight: forgotten subscriptions. These are the small, recurring charges that slip through the cracks. They seem harmless at first, but over time, they add up and quietly drain your wallet. Many people are unaware of how much they spend on these services. If you’re trying to save money or just want to be smarter with your budget, it’s time to take a closer look at these overlooked costs. Here are seven “forgotten” subscriptions that could be costing you more than you think.
1. Streaming Services You Rarely Use
Streaming services are everywhere. It’s easy to sign up for a free trial and then forget to cancel. Maybe you wanted to watch one show, and now you’re paying every month. Many people have more than one streaming subscription, but only use one or two regularly. If you’re not watching, you’re wasting money. Go through your bank statements and see which services you’re actually using. Cancel the ones you don’t need. Even cutting out one or two can save you hundreds each year. Pew Research Center reports that Americans are spending more on streaming than ever before, so it’s worth checking.
2. Forgotten Cloud Storage Plans
Cloud storage is useful, but it’s easy to forget about old accounts. Maybe you signed up for extra space on Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for a project. Now, you’re still paying, even if you don’t need the space anymore. These charges are often small, so they go unnoticed. Check your devices and email for old storage plans. If you’re not using them, downgrade or cancel. You can always upgrade again if you need more space in the future.
3. Unused Fitness Apps and Gym Memberships
Fitness apps and gym memberships are classic examples of forgotten subscriptions. You start with good intentions, but life gets busy. Months go by, and you’re still paying. Some gyms make it hard to cancel, hoping you’ll just keep paying. Fitness apps can be even trickier, since they often renew automatically. Take a hard look at your fitness spending. If you’re not using it, cancel it. There are plenty of free ways to stay active, like walking or home workouts.
4. Magazine and News Subscriptions
Digital magazines and news sites often offer low introductory rates. After a few months, the price goes up, but you might not notice. You may have signed up for a special article or a limited-time deal. Now, you’re paying every month or year, even if you rarely read the content. Go through your email for old sign-ups. Check your credit card for recurring charges. If you’re not reading, it’s time to unsubscribe. Many news sites also have free content, so you can still stay informed without paying.
5. App Subscriptions You Forgot About
App stores make it easy to subscribe with one click. Over time, you might forget which apps you’re paying for. These could be photo editors, language learning tools, or productivity apps. Some renew monthly, others yearly. Either way, they add up. Go to your phone’s subscription settings and review everything. Cancel anything you don’t use. This is a quick way to stop wasting money on things you don’t need.
6. Online Learning Platforms
Online learning is great, but many people sign up for a course and then forget about it. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or MasterClass often use subscription models. You might have joined for one class, but now you’re paying every month. If you’re not actively learning, consider pausing or canceling your subscription. You can always sign up again when you’re ready to take another course. CNBC reports that Americans waste billions on unused subscriptions, including online learning.
7. Product Delivery Services
Subscription boxes and delivery services are popular, but they can be easy to forget. This includes meal kits, coffee deliveries, pet supplies, and more. Maybe you signed up for a discount, but now you’re getting boxes you don’t need. These services often renew automatically, and skipping a month isn’t always easy. Check your accounts for active subscriptions. If you’re not using the products, cancel or pause the service. You’ll save money and reduce clutter.
Take Control of Your Subscriptions and Your Wallet
Small, forgotten subscriptions can quietly drain your wallet every month. The best way to stop this is to review your bank statements and app subscriptions regularly. Set reminders to check for renewals. Don’t be afraid to cancel services you don’t use. Every dollar you save can go toward something you actually care about. Being aware of these hidden costs is the first step to better financial health.
Have you discovered any forgotten subscriptions that are draining your wallet? Share your story in the comments.
Read More
4 Subscriptions That Save Me Money
Weekly Financial Wrap: Housing, Car Subscriptions, Inflation and Value Investing
Travis Campbell is a digital marketer and code developer with over 10 years of experience and a writer for over 6 years. He holds a BA degree in E-commerce and likes to share life advice he’s learned over the years. Travis loves spending time on the golf course or at the gym when he’s not working.
Comments