It’s easy to let monthly bills pile up. You sign up for a service, set up auto-pay, and then forget about it. But even if you’re not struggling to pay your bills, that doesn’t mean you should keep paying for things you don’t need. Every dollar you spend on a useless subscription is a dollar you could use for something better. Cutting out unnecessary monthly bills isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making your money work for you. Here are six monthly bills you should cancel right now, even if you can afford them.
1. Unused Streaming Services
Streaming services are everywhere. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, and the list goes on. It’s tempting to subscribe to several at once, but most people only watch one or two regularly. If you’re paying for a service you haven’t used in weeks, it’s time to cancel. You can always sign up again later if there’s a show you want to watch. Keeping multiple streaming subscriptions “just in case” is a waste. Instead, rotate your subscriptions. Watch what you want on one platform, then switch to another. This way, you only pay for what you actually use. According to a recent survey, the average American spends over $200 a month on subscriptions, much of it on streaming services they rarely use. That’s money you could put toward something more meaningful.
2. Gym Memberships You Don’t Use
A gym membership sounds like a good idea. But if you’re not going, you’re just throwing money away. Many people sign up in January, go a few times, and then stop. The gym keeps charging your card every month, hoping you won’t notice. If you haven’t set foot in the gym in over a month, cancel it. You can always work out at home or go for a run outside. There are plenty of free workout videos online. If you miss the gym, you can always rejoin later. Don’t pay for the idea of fitness—pay for what you actually use. This is one of the most common wasted monthly bills, and it adds up fast.
3. Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions
Print isn’t dead, but it’s not always necessary. Many people still pay for magazine or newspaper subscriptions out of habit. But most news and articles are available online for free or at a lower cost. If you’re not reading every issue, cancel the subscription. You can still stay informed without the monthly bill. If you really want to support journalism, pick one publication you read often and pay for that. Otherwise, you’re just paying for paper to pile up on your coffee table. This is a simple way to cut a monthly bill without missing out on anything important.
4. Extended Warranties and Protection Plans
Retailers love to sell you extended warranties and protection plans. They sound like a good idea, but most people never use them. The odds of needing that extra coverage are low, and many products already come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re paying a monthly fee for a protection plan on your phone, laptop, or appliance, ask yourself if it’s worth it. In most cases, you’d be better off saving that money in an emergency fund. If something breaks, you can use your savings to fix or replace it. Extended warranties are one of those monthly bills that seem smart but rarely pay off. Cancel them and keep your money.
5. Premium Banking Services
Banks offer premium accounts with extra features—priority service, higher withdrawal limits, or free checks. But most people don’t need these perks. If you’re paying a monthly fee for a premium account, check if you’re actually using the benefits. Many banks offer free checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees. Switch to a no-fee account and keep more of your money. Banks make billions from unnecessary fees every year. Don’t let them take yours. Review your account statements and see if you’re paying for services you don’t need. Canceling this monthly bill is an easy win.
6. App Subscriptions You Forgot About
It’s easy to sign up for an app subscription and forget about it. Maybe it’s a meditation app, a language learning tool, or a photo editor. These small charges add up over time. Go through your phone and check your subscriptions. If you’re not using an app every week, cancel it. You can always resubscribe if needed later. App stores make it easy to manage subscriptions—just check your settings. Don’t let small monthly bills slip through the cracks. Every little bit counts.
Make Your Money Work for You
Canceling unnecessary monthly bills isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being smart. Even if you can afford these expenses, that doesn’t mean you should keep paying them. Every dollar you save is a dollar you can use for something that matters to you—whether that’s investing, saving for a trip, or just having more breathing room in your budget. Take a few minutes to review your monthly bills. You might be surprised at how much you can save by cutting out what you don’t use. Your future self will thank you.
What monthly bills have you canceled that made a real difference in your budget? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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