Saving & Spending Budgeting & Expenses

11 Useless Bills You Need To Stop Paying Right Now

Trimming your budget doesn't have to be complicated.

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Updated March 11, 2025
Fact checked

It is easy to overlook recurring, unnecessary bills. Avoid the money mistakes so many people make by ignoring these small amounts month after month. 

Take back control of your budget and review your recurring expenses regularly.

Here are the useless bills that you can stop paying right now.

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Become an AARP member now

Late fees

fotopak/Adobe closeup of personal check and credit card statement

The best way to avoid paying late fees is to set your bills on autopay. If you forget even a single monthly payment, you may be wasting $30 or more — a lot more if you're missing multiple bills. 

Do yourself a favor and switch as many bills as possible to automatic withdrawal.

Unused gym memberships

Anela Ramba/peopleimages.com/Adobe personal trainer happy woman or man

If you're using your gym membership as a monthly reminder to work out, it's time to change your mind. Cancel your membership and find creative ways to move your body.

You can look up free workouts on YouTube, go for a walk, find a free group fitness class in your community, or start heading to work early to use the gym there.

Streaming services you don't use

Tada Images/Adobe assorted streaming apps are seen on an iphone

Have you ever signed up for a free trial subscription and completely forgotten about it? If you have any subscriptions for streaming platforms that aren't being actively watched, it's time to cancel.

Also, certain memberships offer free streaming services as a benefit, such as Amazon Prime or Walmart+.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Phone insurance

Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com/Adobe phone app in house or home kitchen for finance budget

New smartphones can cost over $1,000 for the latest models with all the gadgets, bells, and whistles. Phone insurance may seem like a good idea, but it is unnecessary for many people.

If you can afford a replacement, you're probably better off saving the money you would spend on insurance. Phone insurance may also be a benefit for some types of bank accounts, check with your local branch to see if your phone is already covered.

Magazine subscriptions

Federico Rostagno pile of magazine at home

Unless you run a dental office, print magazine subscriptions are often a waste of money. Unlike books, you probably won't reread magazines, and they will end up in a pile on your shelf.

Also, many free magazines are available online or through your local library.

Food delivery

SFIO CRACHO/Adobe anonimous delivery food service at home

Food delivery services have become increasingly popular over the last few years, but while getting a hot meal delivered without leaving the couch sounds great, it's also costing you a lot of money. The average user is spending $118 a month on food delivery.

Not only are you paying for food, but you are also paying service fees, delivery fees, and tips. If you spend your money eating out, it's best to pick it up yourself and save on the crazy fees.

Extended warranties

Uuganbayar/Adobe wooden blocks with words extended warranty

Extended warranties are often not worth the money you pay for them. A manufacturer's warranty may cover items, so you don't need to pay for double coverage.

Depending on the item's value, replacing it if it breaks may be the most cost-effective option. Otherwise, you can skip the extra coverage and keep the extra cash.

Cable TV

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe tv remote control

Cable TV is expensive and outdated, especially with various available streaming services. Even if you find a good deal, it's likely a promotional offer where the cost will skyrocket after the designated period ends.

If you love to watch TV, say sayonara to cable and opt for subscribing to multiple streaming platforms.

Bank fees

ipopba/Adobe man using online banking with credit card on touch screen device

Monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees that can often be avoided with a simple account switch. If you're paying monthly maintenance or ridiculous overdraft fees at your bank, it's time to switch.

Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts. If you can get a service for free elsewhere, you do not need to pay for it.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Loyalty memberships

Africa Studio/Adobe red wine puring into wine glass close up

Unused memberships like wine clubs or loyalty programs can add up quickly. Whether it's a membership to the carwash or an auto delivery of razorheads, if you aren't using these memberships and getting your money's worth, it's time to cancel and say goodbye.

Meal delivery

daria nipot/adobe hello fresh meal kits in a cardboard box

While getting ingredients delivered to your door sounds convenient, you are wasting money if you don't actually make the meals. Meal delivery services cost between $4.99 and $9.99 per serving.

Even if you have the best intentions, if you let the food go bad, it's time to be honest with yourself and stick to your local grocery store.

Bottom line

Drobot Dean/Adobe portrait of a cheerful young woman holding money

Getting rid of unnecessary and unused expenses will free up some cash in your budget and lower your financial stress.

If you are on the fence about whether or not you can live without some of these expenses, give yourself a test period. 

You can cancel the bill for 90 days and see if you miss the subscription, product, or service you were paying for.

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