The 20-minute subscription audit
Recurring charges add up quietly. Spending 20 minutes listing them once a year almost always turns up something you can cancel or downgrade.
Step by step
- Pull three months of statements
Check every bank account and card, plus app store subscription lists and PayPal or other payment accounts.
- List every recurring charge
Name, amount, how often, and the date it renews.
- Keep, downgrade or cancel
For each one, ask whether you used it last month and whether a cheaper tier would do.
- Add a reminder for each keeper
Put the renewal dates in your reminders so you'll review them again before they charge.
Good to know: Your Stretch Pennies More dashboard adds up your repeating reminders into a monthly total, which makes the audit easier next year.
General information for US consumers, not financial or legal advice. Company policies and state laws vary; check your agreement and your provider's current terms.