Subscription Check: Stop Wasting Money Without Realising

The subscription trap: are you paying too much without realising?

Netflix, Spotify, gym, newspaper, HelloFresh, phone, internet... Monthly costs add up faster than you think. On average, people in the Netherlands pay more than €200 per month for subscriptions.

How much do people in the Netherlands spend on subscriptions?

SubscriptionAverage monthly cost Mobile phone plan€25-40 Internet€35-50 Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)€15-35 Gym€20-40 Newspaper/magazine€15-30 Meal box€40-60 Software (iCloud, Office, etc.)€10-20 Total€160-275

Sort out your subscriptions in 4 steps

Step 1: Make a complete list

Check your bank statements for the past 3 months. Write down all recurring costs. You can use our monthly expenses calculator to help.

Step 2: Take a critical look at each subscription

Ask yourself three questions:

Have I actually used this in the past 30 days?

Would I sign up for this again if I didn't have it?

Is there a cheaper alternative?

If the answer to question 1 or 2 is "no", cancel it.

Step 3: Downgrade or cancel

• Netflix Premium → Standard: Save €5/month

• Gym → Outdoor exercise: Save €30/month

• HelloFresh → Plan your own meals: Save €40/month (read our grocery-saving tips)

Step 4: Negotiate with your providers

Call your telecoms provider and say you are considering switching. If you are thinking of leaving, you will often receive a retention offer with a 20-30% discount.

Smart alternatives to expensive subscriptions

• Streaming: Rotate monthly (1 month Netflix, 1 month Disney+, 1 month HBO Max)

• Gym: OpenAir Fitness, YouTube workouts, running

• Newspapers: Blendle for individual articles

• Music: Free Spotify with adverts, or share a Family subscription

• Software: Free alternatives such as Google Drive instead of iCloud

How much can you save by cancelling subscriptions?

Many people in the Netherlands save €50-150 per month by taking a critical look at their subscriptions. That is up to €1.800 per year — enough for a lovely holiday or a substantial top-up to your emergency fund.

Conclusion

Review your subscriptions every month. Every €10 you save adds up to €120 per year. Small amounts, big impact. Combine this with other money-saving tips — such as saving energy and comparing insurance.

Explore all our money tips for more ways to manage your money wisely.