A monthly subscription of R50 might seem like a small amount, but as you subscribe to different services for different needs – for example, information, work, news, entertainment, physical fitness, healthcare, security – the costs can add up quickly. R50 here and R100 there could turn into a significant monthly expense without you noticing.

If you’re trying to save money, it might be time for a subscription audit. Check your bank statements and work out how much you’re paying in total monthly subscriptions, and what you’re paying for. You might be surprised to find that you’re paying for services you rarely use or don’t need at all. Cutting these unnecessary costs can save you a considerable amount each month without much effort.

Streaming and satellite services

Whether you’re subscribing to satellite TV or you use streaming apps, a common mistake is to subscribe for just 1 series that everyone’s talking about, and then continuing the subscription when that show ends, even though the other content on offer doesn’t interest you much. You can end up paying for a service you hardly ever use for months – or even years.

To save money, pick the streaming platform that you use the most and stick to it. Most streaming services work on a month-to-month basis, so if you want to watch a new show on a different service, consider buying a gift card to cover that month. That way, you avoid a recurring debit order that you might forget to cancel. You can buy gift vouchers for major streaming sites on the Money app, Online Banking or Cellphone Banking (*120*001#).

Magazines and newspapers

Print magazines and newspapers offer both entertainment and news – you can tackle the Sunday crossword, stay informed on current events and catch up on the latest trends. But they pile up, taking up space, and you then have to find ways to recycle them. Digital subscriptions to magazines and newspapers are often cheaper than print, and digital devices give you immediate access to the latest content without the clutter. It’s also easier to find specific articles from earlier issues in sites that maintain good archives.

However, don’t make the same mistake as many do with streaming services. If you subscribe to a digital publication because it’s running a feature that interests you, but later find that you’re not reading much of its other content, cancel the subscription, no matter how cheap it seems. And remember that digital publishers can also change their archiving policies at any time, so if there’s an article that you really want to keep forever, print out a hard copy.

Fitness club memberships

Fitness club memberships can be a touchy subject – nobody wants you to abandon a healthy lifestyle. But if you’re paying for a premium gym package and using only the basic features, consider downgrading. And if you’re paying for extra classes that you never attend, cancel them and find a training class that you’ll enjoy going to.

If you’re just using the gym to run on the treadmill twice a week, it might be more fulfilling to join a running club or the local parkrun group. It’s a much more sociable experience in the fresh air. Of course, if you’re committed to staying fit, how you do so is up to you. Just hold yourself accountable and make sure you get the most out of the memberships that you’re paying for.

Software and apps

Be careful of software and apps that offer free trials but start charging you monthly for the premium package if you don’t cancel at the end of the trial. Take a close look at your debit orders and cellphone bill each month – you might find that you’re paying for premium versions of apps and software that you no longer use.

Also consider searching for free alternatives that can replace paid versions. Or check if you can combine your software – there might be a single app or program that offers the same features as several others combined.

Online learning platforms

Constant learning is key to surviving in an ever-changing environment, and online learning is a great way to upskill yourself. But life can get busy, and you don’t always have time to do a short course. Instead of paying for monthly subscriptions to learning platforms, consider setting aside time over a few months with a clear goal of completing a certain number of courses.

This way, you avoid the mistake of paying for a whole month but finishing perhaps only 1 course over the few days you have available. You can make the most of your subscription and save money by focusing on completing a set number of courses in a set time. Make use of free learning platforms that offer quality courses too – not only will this save you money, but it’ll also help you stay motivated.

Take action: Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

In the digital age, we’re buying an increasing number of products and services on a subscription basis. Check your subscriptions regularly to identify areas where you’re spending unnecessarily and unsubscribe. Do the same with your mobile subscriptions and contracts.

Saving money is often a matter of making more intentional choices about where and how you spend your hard-earned cash, so examine your subscribed services with that mindset. Remember, small changes can lead to significant savings over time.