Managing multiple digital subscriptions is a real challenge in the digital world, where most services are online. From streaming services to software tools, sometimes you have no idea when you took the subscription and, mainly, if you actually need it or not.
Well, to keep your digital life under control, it is time to learn better subscription management practices. Here are seven simple strategies for your digital subscriptions to manage your time, save money, and live a distraction-free life.
How to Manage Multiple Digital Subscriptions?
Did you know that 2 in 5 people have subscription fatigue? To avoid this issue and properly manage your entertainment and productivity, you need to know which subscriptions are worth having and which are not. The following steps will help you organize your multiple subscriptions the right way.
1. Make a List of Your Current Subscriptions
First, you need to start with a list of all your current subscriptions. Find subscription-based services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney HotStar+, Hulu, and so on that you are paying for. Next, check bank statements and credit card statements for recurring charges. After usage, most people forget about trial subscriptions, which later show up with hidden expenses.
The next thing you can do is categorize your subscriptions based on separate needs, such as entertainment, productivity, and utility, and then decide which one is important for you. This will give you an idea of how much money you spend on which category and which subscription is unnecessary.
2. Look at how much value you get from each platform
In this stage, you will check how frequently you are using each subscription from a different platform. For streaming, check the hours spent watching content. If it’s for software, tools, or applications, check how often you use the software. Based on usage and experience, you will determine if you get any value from those particular subscriptions.
When you don’t use streaming apps or any tools, there is no need to keep it and continue the subscriptions. If you think you need some tools but can’t get over it, you can look for bundle or package deals to save on subscriptions.
3. Analyze How Much Time You Spend on Each Platform
Based on the application usage stats, you will know how much time you spend on a particular platform in a week, month, or year. By putting each platform in a category, you can decide whether to keep that subscription or close the services because you are spending too much time on them.
Entertainment needs are fine, but you don’t want your work hours to be affected by sole distraction. OTTs are the same distraction as social media. You need to stop or continue the digital subscriptions for your benefits based on your usage pattern.
4. Have Some Tracking Tools for Managing Your Subscriptions
You might feel that another subscription, but when there are so many applications and services to manage, you need a trusted tracking tool. As a phone application, you can find related apps that control your various subscriptions.
Moreover, it can help you track your money on subscriptions, cancel unwanted ones, and find better deals for the same. This will help you save time and money on overpaid or unnecessary subscriptions that you don’t need.
5. Keep Track of Subscription Renewals or Cancellations
It’s easy to use those digital services and tools, but paying for each one on time is even harder. After all, it’s not possible to keep track of the due date of all the service subscriptions. This results in late payments and extra charges. You want to avoid it at cost.
For the important services and utilities, you can set for the automatic payment to avoid the hassles. With low-priority services, you can cancel it before the services end, so you don’t have to renew for another term, as you don’t want to continue to services. You should take time to look at unused subscriptions and cancel them before waiting for their last date to come.
6. Never Forget to Check the Alternatives and Good Deals
You want to search for what other service options you have. It’s not wrong to find the better or cheaper rate for the services or utility you are subscribed to. Maybe you are using expensive streaming services, so check for a less expensive service that fits your quality needs.
Many services offer a lower rate when someone pays for a year at one time, is a new customer, or bundles one. Look at the website to see if there are any promotional discounts available. Some services allow you to split the cost with family members or friends, which can lower the individual cost.
7. Keep Reviewing Your Subscriptions Every Three Months
Set aside a specific time frame to review your subscriptions at regular intervals of 3 to 6 months. This will ensure that you are using it and get value from each service you are paying for. Also, check if providers upgrade their plans, pricing, and features from time to time and update your subscription likewise.
You don’t have to stick to one subscription only. There are better options you can try. As your financial situation, needs, or priorities change, it’s fine to adjust your subscriptions to match your current situation.
Also read: Trending Movies on Netflix for the Weekend
Conclusion
Well, having too many digital subscriptions is easy—that’s nothing tough. But the real task is following a systematic approach to keeping your spending in check and making the most of your services.
Some subscriptions are required, some are need-based, and some are unnecessary, and you are still paying for them all. Take the help of the tools or do it yourself, but the right approach is to periodically take your time and analyze the digital subscriptions you are paying for.
Make the right decisions on where to allocate your time, money, or attention, and don’t hesitate to remove the subscription that offers no value. With such strategies, we hope you are aware of how to manage multiple digital subscriptions and have only the services that you need.
