How to Get the Most Out of Your Family’s Subscriptions

From Netflix to that snack box that keeps on giving, are you truly getting your money’s worth from those various subscriptions you and the family have signed up to?

Maybe not, but that’s okay because here’s how to maximise those subscriptions so brilliantly that even your wallet might start clapping.

• Audit Your Subscriptions Regularly
First up, know what you have. It’s like finding forgotten treasures in the sofa cushions. Sit down as a family and list every subscription service you pay for. Decide what’s worth keeping and what’s as useful as a chocolate teapot.

• Share the Love (and the Accounts)
Family plans are the unsung heroes of the subscription world. Music, streaming, gaming—share accounts where possible. Why pay more if you don’t have to?

• Schedule Your Streaming
Make a streaming schedule to avoid the “too much choice, nothing to watch” paradox. Assign different nights for films, documentaries, and kid shows – keeps things fresh and fights the endless scroll.

• Become a VPN Virtuoso
Do you know how to get US Netflix in the UK? If not, you need to know that you can use a VPN to check out Netflix offerings in other countries. Monday movie night in Milan? Yes, please! Just switch your VPN to Italy and explore a whole new library.

• Hunt for Hidden Perks
Many subscriptions have perks and features that most folks don’t even know about. Did you know some music subscriptions offer free concert tickets or exclusive content? It’s like finding Easter eggs but without the chocolate calories.

• Make Meal Kits Work for You

If you’re on a meal kit plan, timing is everything. Align deliveries with your family’s schedule to ensure you’re home to cook. Otherwise, it’s money down the drain—or worse, spoiled food.

• Utilize Reminder Apps
Use apps to track your subscriptions and remind you when free trials end. Nothing stings like getting billed for a service you forgot to cancel.

• Educate the Family
Make sure everyone knows which subscriptions are available and how to access them. There’s no point in paying for e-books or online courses if half the family doesn’t know they exist!

• Rotate Your Subscriptions
Who says you need to stick to the same subscriptions all year round? Rotate them based on season or interest. Sports streaming during football season, craft sites for the holidays—mix it up!

• Dive Into Discounts
Always be on the lookout for promotional offers or discounts for long-term commitments. Paying upfront for a year might offer substantial savings, but only if you’re sure it’s a keeper.

• Get Feedback Regularly
Every few months, have a quick family chat about the subscriptions. Are they still enjoyable? Useful? Anything new on the horizon everyone’s dying to try? Keep the dialogue open.

• Maximize Educational Subscriptions

For subscriptions with educational content, integrate them into your kids’ learning routines. It could be language apps, science sites, or historical documentaries. Entertainment and education? Double win!

• Leverage Holiday Offers
Keep an eye out for special promotions around major holidays. Companies often offer discounts or enhanced services around Christmas, New Year’s, and back-to-school seasons. These can be great opportunities to try new services at a reduced cost or upgrade existing ones with bonus features.

• Involve the Family in Decisions
When considering a new subscription or renewing an existing one, hold a family meeting to discuss its value. This not only ensures everyone’s on the same page but also helps prioritize spending based on what everyone actually enjoys and uses.

• Explore Free Alternatives
Before committing to a new paid subscription, look for free alternatives that might serve the same purpose. Whether it’s a streaming platform, educational content, or a gaming site, there might be no-cost options available that can save you money without sacrificing quality.

• Set Usage Goals
Particularly for educational or fitness subscriptions, setting specific usage goals can help justify the cost. For example, if you subscribe to a language learning app, set a family goal to complete a certain number of lessons each week. This not only maximizes the subscription but also promotes personal development.

• Review and Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with providers. If you’re a long-standing customer, companies might offer you special rates or discounts to retain your business. It never hurts to ask!

• Cancel Underused Subscriptions Without Guilt
If a subscription isn’t being used enough, why are you still paying for it? There’s being loyal to a brand, but when you aren’t using a product or service, it’s fine to tackle a break from paying it, and you can then use that money for other family activities that you will get real value from, or you could just put the money saved into your savings account.

When you’re spending so much money on subscriptions, you need them to work for you. And you know what? They can, with just a little tweaking of how you use them!