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.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. From travel and dining to vision and prescriptions, an AARP membership unlocks discounts on everyday essentials and more.
Get 25% off AARP, just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal
Late fees
/images/2025/03/04/closeup_of_personal_check_and_credit_card_statement.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/personal_trainer_happy_woman_or_man.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/assorted_streaming_apps_are_seen_on_an_iphone.jpg)
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 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
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.
Phone insurance
/images/2025/03/04/phone_app_in_house_or_home_kitchen_for_finance_budget.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/pile_of_magazine_at_home.jpg)
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.
Trending Stories
Food delivery
/images/2025/03/04/anonimous_delivery_food_service_at_home.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/wooden_blocks_with_words_extended_warranty.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/tv_remote_control.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/man_using_online_banking_with_credit_card_on_touch_screen_device.jpg)
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 a debit card
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 <p>See website for details.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
Loyalty memberships
/images/2025/03/04/red_wine_pouring_into_wine_glass_close-up.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/hello_fresh_meal_kits_in_a_cardboard_box.jpg)
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
/images/2025/03/04/portrait_of_a_cheerful_young_woman_holding_money.jpg)
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.
Up To 5% Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Drawbacks
- Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
- Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe Today
Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses
From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.