COUPON QUEEN: Tips to have subscriptions in check

You're doing all the right things by using coupons, skipping impulse purchases, and shopping sales, yet saving money still feels tough. Subscription services could be to blame. Years ago, most households paid for only a few monthly essentials, such as television, phone and internet, but today, subscriptions are everywhere. There are so many to choose from, including streaming video and music services, meal kits, dating apps and monthly car washes. With so many options, from Netflix to gym memberships and everything in between, it's easy to sign up for "just one more." Because many subscriptions are relatively inexpensive, it's easy to underestimate how much you're actually spending. Individually, they may seem harmless, but together, they can take a big bite out of your monthly budget. If you are looking to do a subscription purge, here are a few tips: Make a list Check your bank and credit card statements and write down every recurring charge you find, along with its monthly cost. You may be surprised, not only by how many subscriptions you have, but by how much they add up to each month. I just recently did this and found a service I thought I had canceled but had been paying for for several months. Cut the extras Once everything is listed, decide which subscriptions you truly use and enjoy. If you rarely use the service, it's time to let it go. Many of us start a service to watch a season or two, then forget to cancel. Now is the time to review and decide whether it is necessary to keep it. Be mindful of subscriptions that deliver physical items each month as well. Makeup or lifestyle boxes can be fun, but if products go unused, the cost may outweigh the benefit. Limit your services To keep spending in check, limit yourself to one subscription per category. Instead of paying for multiple streaming platforms, such as HBO, Netflix, and Disney+, choose the one your household watches most. It may be best to call a family meeting to involve them in the decision. It's easy to switch services later if a new show catches your interest. Revisit regularly Every few months, review your subscriptions and look for better deals. Many people get used to paying the same amount without checking for savings opportunities. Some subscriptions you already pay for may include perks that replace other services you're paying for. For example, Walmart+ members can currently choose a free monthly subscription to either Paramount+ or Peacock. Cell phone providers may also offer free access to streaming services for their customers. If in doubt, ask your providers or check their website for your membership perks. Most of us have at least a few subscriptions we genuinely love, and that's okay. Just keep an eye on your list and make sure you are using the ones you are paying for. Those small monthly fees can add up quickly, and trimming just a few subscriptions could save you hundreds of dollars a year. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at Walgreens.Purex laundry productsOnly $1.99 Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com