Trying to cut back on costs at the moment? One area that often gets overlooked is all the subscriptions we quietly pay for as freelancers. This post shares a few simple ways to review, reduce and rethink what you’re spending.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on [Youtube], or scroll down for the summary!
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
This week’s episode is a little different.
I’m revisiting and repurposing a previous episode, partly because I’m away quite a bit this month and trying to make life a little easier, but also because this is one of those topics that keeps coming back around.
It still holds up. It still matters. And it’s something I’ve been reviewing myself recently.
Because alongside everything else increasing in cost, one area that quietly adds up for freelancers is subscriptions.
All the tools we use to run our businesses, bookkeeping software, scheduling tools, design platforms, podcast tools, they’re all useful. But they can also start to feel a bit out of control.
So this is a gentle reminder to pause and take a look at what you’re actually paying for, and where you might be able to reduce things.
Why Subscription Costs Add Up So Quickly
Most freelancers rely on a mix of tools to keep things running smoothly.
And often, they are helpful. They save time, reduce admin, and help you feel more organised.
But over time:
- Prices increase
- New tools get added
- Old ones get forgotten
And suddenly, you’re paying for far more than you realise.
1. Start With a Simple Review
The first step is to look at what you’re currently paying for.
And the question to ask is:
What return am I actually getting from this?
For each subscription, consider:
- Does it save me time each month?
- Does it help me earn money or attract clients?
- Am I actually using it regularly?
If the answer is no, or even “not really”, it might be time to let it go.
A good example for me was a Pinterest scheduling tool. It was working fine, but most of my clients were coming from elsewhere, so it didn’t make sense to keep paying for it.
2. Check for Overlap Between Tools
This is one that’s very easy to miss.
A lot of tools now are constantly adding new features. And it’s quite possible that something you’re already paying for can do the job of something else too.
So it’s worth asking:
- Am I paying for two tools that do similar things?
- Is there one tool that could replace another?
This is often one of the quickest ways to reduce costs without losing functionality.
3. Look for Simpler (or Free) Alternatives
Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think.
For example, I recently stopped paying for a podcast hosting tool and switched to using unlisted videos on YouTube instead. It does the job I need, and it’s free.
These kinds of swaps don’t always work for everything, but they’re worth exploring.
If something feels expensive, ask:
- Is there a simpler way to do this?
- Am I paying for convenience more than necessity?
4. Ask for a Better Deal
This is one of the easiest things to try, and one of the most overlooked.
If you’re thinking of cancelling a subscription, get in touch with the provider first.
You can simply say:
- “I’m thinking about leaving. Are there any lower-cost options available?”
Very often, they’ll come back with:
- A discounted rate
- A temporary offer
- A lower-tier plan
These companies expect this. It’s not the same as undercharging for your own services, it’s just being a smart customer.
5. Check for Discounts, Cashback and Affiliate Options
There are a few extra ways to reduce costs that are worth a quick look:
- Discount codes (especially for new plans)
- Cashback sites like Top Cashback or Quidco
- Affiliate programmes, where you can offset your subscription by recommending tools you already use
None of these are essential, but they can help reduce your overall spend over time.
A Small Reminder
This isn’t about cutting everything.
It’s about making sure what you’re paying for actually supports your business.
Because when costs are rising everywhere else, even small changes here can make a noticeable difference.
A Few Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything at the moment, this is a manageable place to start.
You don’t need to overhaul everything.
Just:
- Review what you’re paying for
- Cancel one or two things that aren’t working
- Look for small ways to simplify
That’s often enough to create a bit more breathing room.
One Extra Tip for Managing Annual Costs
One extra tip that came up after recording this, shared by Alicia who edits my podcast, is a really simple but effective way to stay on top of subscription costs.
Start by keeping a list of everything you’re paying for. This could be in Notion, a spreadsheet, or even just a note, but the key is to have it all in one place.
From there, note:
- whether each subscription is monthly or annual
- and when those annual payments are due
That alone can help you avoid those unexpected charges.
But the part I really like is this:
Take your total annual subscription costs, divide them by 12, and set aside that amount each month into a separate pot.
So when those bigger payments come around, you’re not taking it from that month’s income, it’s already been accounted for.
It’s a small shift, but it can make things feel a lot more manageable.
What Could You Let Go Of This Month?
If you’re reviewing your tools and subscriptions, I’ve also put together a list of the ones I genuinely use and rate. You can have a look there and see if anything might be a better fit for you.
I’d love to know if this prompts you to review anything.
If you’re on Spotify, you can comment there. Otherwise, come over to the Facebook group or on Discord, they’re both really supportive spaces to share what you’re working through.
And if you do nothing else this week, maybe just open your subscriptions list and take a look.
You might be surprised by what’s there.
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