Time to Clean Out Your Subscription Attic

Reading that title, you might think to yourself, “What’s a subscription attic?” A subscription attic is the place where all our unused or rarely used subscriptions get stashed away. A lot like the zebra print we were obsessed with back in 2010: loved it then, forgotten now.

Now, you may be wondering, “How could I forget the subscriptions linked to my card? After all, they literally take money out of my account every month!”

But be honest: how often have you downloaded a “great new app” because someone on social media said it changed their life… only to find out it costs money?

You select the free trial, tell yourself you’ll cancel after the week or month is up… and then you forget. Suddenly, that streaming service you downloaded just to watch one show becomes, “I just paid $12.99 for something I haven’t opened in weeks.”

For some, that initial charge is enough to spark an immediate “Wait, what is this?!” followed by a swift cancellation. But others fall into the “I really liked that feature… maybe just one more month” trap.

That one month turns into two… then three… and before you know it, you’ve got a whole lineup of digital services quietly draining your wallet. It’s like the cast of Grey’s Anatomy; so many names, and you’re not even sure who’s still around.

Welcome to your subscription attic. We’ve all been there. You know it. We know it. No judgment here.

But it’s time to renew your urge to purge and break the cycle of “I’ll cancel it next month.”

Step One: Find All the Sneaky Subscriptions

Before you can cancel anything, you have to know what you’re actually paying for.

Here’s how to find them:

• Open your mobile banking app and scroll through last month’s transactions.
• Write down every recurring charge, monthly or annually.
• Don’t forget to check other payment sources like credit cards or online payment apps.

If it feels like you are on an episode of Dateline: Hidden Charges Edition – good. That means you are being thorough.

Step Two: Audit Your Apps

Now, go to your phone and take a hard look at the apps you’ve downloaded.
Open them. Check the settings. Look for keywords like “Premium,” “Plus,” or whatever trendy term is being used to make you feel like you’re not just a regular user; you’re special. (You ARE special. But not $14.99-a-month-for-a-fancy-font special.)

Step Three: Ask Yourself the Hard Questions

It’s time to give yourself the full story—no filters, no edits—like a Real Housewife during a reunion episode.

1. How often are you really (and we do mean really) using the features?
   If it’s less than once or twice a month, it’s not worth it.
2. Is this subscription actually helping your life… or is it more like a weekly meeting that could’ve been an email?
3. Is there a cheaper or free alternative? Would Ron Swanson pay for this, or would he just build a handcrafted version in his garage?

Step Four: Time to Purge

If the answer to any of those questions is:

• “I barely use it,”
• “It’s not helping,”
• “Dave Ramsey would throw a fit,”

Then it’s time to cancel.

We know it’s hard, but your finances will thank you. Remind yourself: You’re not giving something up; you’re taking something back. (Your money.)

Now Put Those Savings to Work

With all the money you have freed up, come talk to Crane Credit Union about putting those funds into something that actually works for you, like a high-yield checking account, a money market, certificate, or one of our other smart banking options.

We will show you how your money can support your monthly goals, instead of paying forgotten monthly charges.

We’re proud of you already. You can thank us later (once that “$4.99 mystery charge” finally disappears for good).