The 10 Commandments of Subscription Freedom
1. Thou shalt track every subscription 2. Thou shalt not sign up impulsively 3. Thou shalt use the 48-hour rule 4. Thou shalt review monthly 5. Thou shalt negotiate everything 6. Thou shalt share when possible 7. Thou shalt seek alternatives first 8. Thou shalt document cancellations 9. Thou shalt teach others 10. Thou shalt stay vigilant
Red Flag Phrases to Avoid
- "First month free!" - "Cancel anytime" (but how?) - "Only $X.99" - "Limited time offer" - "Your free trial is about to expire" - "Upgrade for more features" - "Don't lose your progress"
Quick Win Checklist
Immediate Cancellations: - [ ] Services you don't recognize - [ ] Duplicate services - [ ] Forgotten free trials - [ ] Unused app subscriptions - [ ] Services for abandoned hobbies
Monthly Review Questions
1. What subscriptions did I use this month? 2. Which provided real value? 3. What could I share or rotate? 4. Are there new free alternatives? 5. What's my total vs. my budget?
Emergency Kit
When tempted to subscribe: 1. STOP - Wait 48 hours 2. CALCULATE - 10-year cost 3. RESEARCH - Free alternatives 4. DECIDE - Does it replace something? 5. TRACK - Add to calendar if yes
Success Metrics to Track
Monthly: - Total subscription cost - Number of active subscriptions - Cost per subscription - Percentage of income
Annually: - Total saved from cancellations - Money redirected to goals - Investment growth from savings - Number of people helped
Your Subscription Constitution Template
I, _________, commit to these subscription principles:
1. My subscription budget is $____ per month (1% of income) 2. I will review all subscriptions on the ___ of each month 3. I will wait 48 hours before any new subscription 4. I will ___________ (personal rule) 5. I will ___________ (personal rule)
Signed: _________ Date: _________
Quick Contact List
Virtual Card Services: - Privacy.com - Capital One Eno - Citi Virtual Account Numbers
Subscription Tracking: - Mint - Truebill/Rocket Money - YNAB - Bobby
Key Phone Numbers: - Your bank: ___________ - Main credit card: ___________ - FTC: 1-877-FTC-HELP
The Freedom Formula
Awareness + Action + Systems = Freedom
- Awareness: Know what you're paying - Action: Cancel the unnecessary - Systems: Prevent future traps - Freedom: Money for your dreams
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