SavePointSubscription Audit: The True Cost of Monthly Services
Subscriptions have become the default pricing model for everything from streaming services to software to shaving supplies. Each charge is small enough to ignore, but they add up to significant amounts. According to a survey by Reviews.org, U.S. consumers spent an average of $3,350 per year on subscriptions in 2025, working out to roughly $278 per month.
The 2026 Streaming Landscape
Streaming services continue adjusting prices. Netflix's ad-free Standard plan runs $17.99 per month, while their Premium tier costs $24.99. Disney+ ad-free is $18.99 monthly. HBO Max's Standard plan increased to $18.49 in late 2025. Amazon Prime Video comes bundled with Prime at $14.99 monthly, or $8.99 standalone with ads.
If you subscribe to four or five services, you're easily spending $60-80 monthly on streaming alone. That's $720-960 per year just to watch TV.
💡 The Bundle Math
Bundles like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN together can save money compared to separate subscriptions. Before signing up for individual services, check if a bundle covers your needs at lower total cost. But also be honest about whether you actually watch everything included.
How to Run a Subscription Audit
Pull your bank and credit card statements from the past three months. Search for recurring charges. Many subscriptions bill annually, so you might miss some if you only look at one month. Create a list with the service name, monthly cost (divide annual charges by 12), and when you last actually used it.
Be thorough. Look for gym memberships, cloud storage, software licenses, meal kits, subscription boxes, news sites, productivity apps, and anything else that auto-renews. Many people find subscriptions they forgot they had.
The 30-Day Rule
If you haven't used a service in 30 days, question whether you need it. Some subscriptions are seasonal. You might pause streaming services during busy months and resubscribe later. You might rotate between services rather than keeping all of them year-round. Many people are now "subscription hopping," subscribing just long enough to watch a specific show then canceling.
What to Do With the Savings
Canceling even $50 in monthly subscriptions frees up $600 annually. Rather than letting that money disappear into general spending, redirect it. Set up an automatic transfer to savings for the exact amount you freed up. You're already accustomed to that money leaving your account, so you won't miss it.
Track Every Recurring Expense
Categorize and monitor your subscriptions alongside all your other expenses. SavePoint helps you see exactly where your money goes each month.
Start Tracking Your Spending
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