How Canceling Unused Subscriptions Can Boost Your Savings

Netflix. Spotify. Disney+. Canva. Maybe even a fitness app you swore you’d use every day.
Individually, these subscriptions seem harmless - ₱149 here, ₱299 there. But when you total them all up? You might be surprised at how much you’re spending without realizing it.

These “small” amounts can quietly eat into your savings every month. And the worst part? You might not even be using half of them.

Step 1: List Every Subscription You Have

Open your email, GCash, or credit card app and write down every recurring subscription you’re paying for.
Include everything—streaming platforms, cloud storage, apps, memberships, even those ₱50/month digital tools you signed up for “temporarily.”

Then, ask yourself honestly:
“Do I still use this?”
“Is this worth the monthly cost?”

Sometimes, we keep paying for things out of habit—not because we actually need them.

Step 2: Cancel What You Rarely Use

If you haven’t opened an app or watched a show on it in over a month, it’s probably time to let it go.
Cancel the subscriptions you rarely touch and redirect that money to something that helps you grow - like your Pag-IBIG MP2, a time deposit, or a dedicated savings goal.

That extra ₱500–₱1,000 a month may not seem like much, but over a year, it could become a ₱6,000–₱12,000 boost to your savings.

Step 3: Redirect, Don’t Regret

Saving doesn’t mean depriving yourself - it means being intentional with your money.
You’re not being kuripot; you’re being Peraktikal (practical + wise). 😉

Here’s a better way to think about it:
- Every canceled subscription = more money toward your financial goals.
- Every peso saved = another step toward freedom and peace of mind.

Step 4: Automate Your Savings Instead

Once you’ve freed up that cash, set up an automatic transfer to your savings account or MP2 every payday. That way, the money you used to spend on unused apps goes straight into your future - no temptation, no second-guessing.

Out of sight. Out of mind. Out of waste.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to overhaul your entire budget to start saving more. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick audit of your monthly subscriptions.

Small, consistent changes can create big results. And when you choose to be Peraktikal with your spending, you’re not just saving money - you’re reclaiming control.

Want more practical real-world money advice?

Follow Peraktikal, a financial literacy initiative from BetterThrive.
Facebook: /peraktikal
Instagram: @peraktikal

Previous
Previous

How To Be Relevant to Others? Show Up! 

Next
Next

Know What You Stand For: How Naming Your Top 3 Non-Negotiables Can Simplify Your Life