Spring Clean Your Subscriptions

3/13/2025

 

Spring is in the air! Time for sunshine, blooming flowers, and… cleaning. But let's not just focus on dusting and decluttering your home. Let's tackle a hidden source of clutter that can drain your wallet: unnecessary subscriptions.

 

We all do it. Sign up for a free trial, forget to cancel, and suddenly you're paying monthly for a service you barely use (or don’t use at all!). Now’s the perfect time to review your subscriptions and prune the ones that no longer serve you.

 

Why Spring Clean Your Subscriptions?

  • Save Money: Even small monthly subscriptions can add up to hundreds of dollars wasted each year. Imagine what you could do with that extra cash!
  • Simplify Your Life: Less clutter equals less stress. Reducing the number of subscriptions you manage will free up your mental space.
  • Protect Your Security: Fewer online accounts mean less risk of your personal information being compromised in a data breach.

 

Ready to get started? Here’s how to spring clean your subscriptions:

 

1. Track Down Your Subscriptions:

This is often the most challenging part. How do you remember everything you signed up for? Luckily, Aeroquip Credit Union is here to help!

  • Leverage the Power of  Your Aeroquip CU Mobile App and Online Banking:
    • Review Your Transaction History: Log in to your Aeroquip Credit Union mobile app or online banking platform. The easiest way to find these sneaky subscriptions is to search your transaction history for recurring payments. Look for smaller, consistent amounts being charged to your debit or credit card.
    • Search by Amount or Company Name: Use the search function within your transaction history. Try searching for common subscription-related keywords like "monthly," "subscription," "premium," or even specific company names you suspect. This will quickly highlight potential subscriptions you may have forgotten about.

 

2. Identify Unnecessary Subscriptions:

Once you've identified potential subscriptions, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I use this service regularly? Be honest! If you haven't used it in the last month, it's probably time to cancel.
  • Is it worth the cost? Does the value you receive justify the monthly fee?
  • Can I find a free or cheaper alternative? There are often free or lower-cost options available for many subscription services.

 

3. Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions:

This step requires a little effort, but it’s worth it. Find the cancellation instructions for each unwanted subscription and follow them carefully. Make sure to confirm the cancellation and keep a record of it.

 

4. Prevent Future Subscription Creep:

 

  • Be Mindful When Signing Up for Free Trials: Mark your calendar with the cancellation date to avoid being charged.
  • Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms and conditions before committing to a subscription.
  • Use a Dedicated Email Address for Subscriptions: This will help you keep track of them and prevent them from cluttering your primary inbox.

 

Bonus Tip: Stay On Top of Your Accounts with Aeroquip CU eAlerts!

Aeroquip Credit Union offers a fantastic feature that can help you stay on top of your spending and prevent unwanted subscription charges: eAlerts!

 

With eAlerts, you can receive notifications about various account activities, including:

 

  • Account Notices: Get notified when important account notices are available.
  • Daily Account Balances: Stay informed about your account balance each day.
  • Account Thresholds: Set alerts for when your balance falls below a certain amount, helping you avoid overdraft fees.
  • ACH Transactions: Receive alerts for Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions, which are often used for subscription payments. This can help you quickly identify unauthorized charges.
  • Number of Posted Transactions: Get alerted when a specific number of transactions have posted to your account.
  • Total of Posted Transactions: Receive alerts when the total amount of posted transactions reaches a certain threshold.

 

Setting up eAlerts is easy! Simply log in to your Aeroquip Credit Union online banking account and navigate to the "eAlerts" section. You can customize your alerts to receive notifications via email or text message.

 

Taking control of your subscriptions is a smart financial move. By using Aeroquip Credit Union's mobile app, online banking tools, and eAlerts, you can easily track your spending, identify unwanted subscriptions, and save money. Happy spring cleaning!

Made with the help of Google Ai Studio