Debt Detox: Managing Your Recurring Subscriptions in 2026
The United States is the largest consumer of digital subscriptions, accounting for 53% of the global market. The average American household now spends nearly $1,000 annually on digital services, according to an analysis by NYU professor Scott Galloway and Deloitte.
Nothing is easier to accomplish or forget than signing up for a free trial.
But recurring subscription costs add up, and consumers often underestimate their spending. The average American currently estimates spending around $86 a month on subscriptions, but is actually spending over 2.5 times that amount (around $219/month).
Millennials tend to have the highest number of subscriptions, with an average of 17 media subscriptions per person. Higher-income individuals use subscription services more often, with 82% of those earning over $100,000 using them.
Many companies make subscribing so easy that you may not realize what you’ve signed up for before it's too late. Luckily, we’ve mastered the art of tracking down and managing those subscription costs.
How to Get Your Subscription Budget Under Control
With subscription prices climbing and new platforms launching constantly, it can be easy to lose track of your spending. If you’ve found yourself overspending on streaming services, here are some ways to help you cut costs and stay on top of your entertainment budget:
1. Set Up Subscription Reminders
Many people sign up for streaming services to binge-watch a specific show, only to forget about the subscription once they've finished. If you plan to cancel a service after finishing a show or movie, set up a calendar reminder to cancel it before the free trial ends or the next billing cycle hits.
2. Review Your Subscriptions Regularly
It’s easy for subscriptions to slip under the radar, especially if you’re using multiple platforms. Review your credit card or bank statements regularly to identify subscriptions you may no longer use. By cancelling unused services, you can lower your overall streaming costs significantly.
3. Limit Premium Add-ons
Streaming platforms often offer premium add-ons, like HD streaming or extra screens. While these features might sound appealing, they can add to your overall bill. Evaluate whether you really need them or if the standard plan will suffice for your needs.
4. Use Free Trials Wisely
Most services offer free trials or discounted introductory periods. Take advantage of these offers to experience the service and decide if it’s worth the cost. Just make sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t plan on keeping it.
Our Advice for 2026? Keep an Eye on Bundling Subscription Trends
Many consumers are experiencing “subscription fatigue,” making it harder for companies to convince users to adopt yet another service.
The new strategy? Subscription bundling.
According to Omdia, operator-led bundles now account for approximately 365 millionsubscriptions worldwide, about 20% of the global streaming market. By 2029, this figure is projected to reach roughly 540 million, or nearly a quarter of all subscriptions.
Gaming platforms, fitness and wellness apps, productivity tools, cloud storage providers, and emerging GenAI applications are adopting the same strategy because it can introduce users who are more likely to remain engaged.
However, from a budget standpoint, this strategy can become a double-edged sword. Make sure you’re not overpaying for the services you’re actually using, and don’t be afraid to switch that bundle for a single service, or cancel altogether.
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to building a sustainable budget, it’s important to trim the fat. Decide which subscription services are useful, which ones are unnecessary, and most importantly, find the ones that you don’t realize that you’re paying for. Keeping up with your bank statements, email folders, and subscriptions within the App Store will keep your wallet (and your sanity) under control.
