How Much Are You Really Spending on Subscriptions?

Most people underestimate their subscription costs by 2-3x. Let's calculate your real number.

The Quick Calculation

List all your subscriptions and their monthly cost. Don't forget:

• Streaming (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
• Cloud storage (iCloud, Google, Dropbox)
• Software (Adobe, Microsoft, etc.)
• News/media sites
• Fitness apps/gym memberships
• Gaming (PlayStation Plus, etc.)
• Delivery services (Amazon Prime, etc.)
• Domain renewals (divide annual by 12)

Converting Annual to Monthly

For annual subscriptions: Annual cost ÷ 12 = Monthly equivalent

Example: $99/year ÷ 12 = $8.25/month

Average Costs by Category

• Entertainment: $40-80/month
• Software/Tools: $20-60/month
• Wellness: $10-50/month
• News/Media: $10-30/month
• Delivery: $15-25/month

The Shock Number

Total monthly × 12 = Your annual subscription cost

Average American: $200-300/month = $2,400-3,600/year

That's a vacation, a new computer, or a serious investment contribution.

What To Do With This Information

1. Cancel anything unused for 30+ days
2. Downgrade plans you don't fully use
3. Switch annual billing for 15%+ savings
4. Negotiate renewals (works for cable, insurance)
5. Use a tracker to stay aware going forward