Guide

How much do I spend on subscriptions? Probably twice what you think

It is the most common money question nobody can answer accurately: "how much do I spend on subscriptions?" Most people guess — and most guesses are about half the real number. The fix is mechanical: list every service, total them monthly and annually, and put the renewals on a calendar.

Find out your real number

  • The perception gap

    Studies find consumers estimate $86 while the real figure averages over $200 a month.

  • Renewals dated

    See exactly when each charge lands and which months carry the annuals.

  • Totals that update

    Add or cancel a service and the monthly and annual totals recalculate.

  • Cut decisions, made easy

    The per-service totals make the "is this worth it" call concrete.

Why the guess is always low

Monthly prices hide annual renewals; free trials quietly convert; family plans spread costs. The result: perceived spend is roughly half of actual. The only reliable method is to list every service with its real billing cycle and total them — which a recurring-plan calendar does automatically.

The audit in five steps

  1. Check bank and card statements for recurring charges.
  2. List every service with its price and cycle.
  3. Add each as a recurring plan with its renewal date.
  4. Read the monthly and annual totals.
  5. Cancel what does not earn its keep and watch the totals drop.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out my subscription spend?

List every service with its billing cycle and total them — monthly and annually. A dated calendar keeps it current and shows renewal dates.

What is the average subscription spend?

US averages exceed $200 a month per household — while most people estimate under $100.

Is it free to track?

Yes. Recurring plans and totals are free forever.

The number is knowable — and shrinkable

Free core, dated renewals, one-time Pro.

Open Cashflow Calendar