Let’s be honest: most of us are paying for things we don’t even remember signing up for. A few dollars here, a streaming service there – maybe even a snack box or a mystery makeup kit you haven’t used in months.
These little charges add up. Quietly.
Gone are the days of obvious scams. Now they come with cheerful “free trials” and “cancel anytime” promises. And before you know it, they’re quietly chipping away at your budget.
The Hidden Budget Buster
This is what the industry calls “set it and forget it.” You start a free trial, forget to cancel, and suddenly you’re paying $9.99 a month for something you don’t even use. Now imagine that happening across five or six services. That’s hundreds of dollars a year… gone.
We’ve sat down with members right here the greater Bridgeton area who were surprised by how much they were spending on subscriptions they no longer needed. That money could be going toward savings, groceries, or paying off debt.
Streaming services, delivery boxes and specialty apps all promise convenience and choice. But true financial freedom doesn’t come from endless auto-renewals. It comes from knowing where your money is going and choosing how to spend it with intention.
Take Back Control: 4 Simple Steps
Want to get a handle on your subscriptions? Try this:
- Review Everything. Check line-by-line your bank and card statements. If it auto-renews, take a hard look.
- Ask Yourself: Do I use this? Do I need it? If the answer’s no, cancel it.
- Use a Subscription Tracker. There are tools that help you spot and manage recurring charges. Many are free.
- Set a Limit. Give yourself a cap on how many subscriptions you’ll keep. Make them earn their place.
We’re Here to Help
At BOFCU, we know how easy it is to lose track of small charges. But we also know how powerful small changes can be. We’re not here to judge your music streaming or meal kits – we’re here to help you make smart financial choices.
Ready to stop paying for what you don’t need? We’ll help you find the tools and the confidence to unsubscribe from the stuff that’s holding you back.
