Financial Spring Cleaning: Experts Identify Five Recurring Bills to Cut in 2026
With the first quarter of 2026 underway, many Americans are finding their financial resolutions already under strain. However, experts suggest that a mid-year review of recurring expenses can reveal surprising opportunities for savings, without drastic lifestyle changes.
In conversations with GOBankingRates, several financial planners and consumer advocates highlighted common bills that often fly under the radar, draining budgets month after month. The consensus is clear: in an era of automated payments, proactive oversight is key.
The Subscription Trap
"We're in the golden age of subscriptions, but also the age of subscription creep," notes Sofia Perez, content manager at CharacterCounter.com. "What starts as one or two convenient services can quietly multiply into a significant monthly outlay." Experts nearly unanimously pointed to streaming services, premium apps, and curated box deliveries as prime candidates for review. Perez suggests checking local public libraries, which often offer free access to new movies, music, and e-books. "Convenience has a cost. Sometimes a little planning can replace a monthly fee."
Underused Gym Memberships
Kenan Acikelli, CEO of Workhy, calls unused gym memberships "the classic financial guilt trip." He advises, "If you haven't swiped your card in 90 days, convert that monthly payment into a pay-per-visit plan or explore outdoor and home workout alternatives. The savings can be redirected toward actual health goals."
Over-Insured Assets
Melanie Musson, a personal finance expert with Clearsurance, urges a pragmatic look at insurance policies. "For an older vehicle with depreciated value, comprehensive coverage may no longer be cost-effective. Reviewing your policy annually with an agent can align coverage with actual need, not habit."
Storage Unit Stagnation
"Storage units are often a testament to delayed decisions," says Tracy Xu, Director of Finance at BarkLikeMeow. "If you haven't needed an item in a year, you likely don't need to pay to store it. Digitize, donate, or sell—this clears both physical space and financial overhead."
The Cable Conundrum
Despite the rise of streaming, many households still carry traditional cable packages. Tim Connon, founder of ParamountQuote Insurance Advisors, notes, "Cable bills frequently exceed $200 monthly. Bundled streaming services can offer more tailored content at half the cost or less, often including free ad-supported channels."
Reader Reactions:
Michael T., a small business owner from Ohio: "This list is a wake-up call. I canceled two streaming services and a storage unit after reading this—instant $95 monthly savings."
Priya Chen, a freelance designer from Austin: "While the advice is sound, it overlooks accessibility. Not everyone has reliable library access or the time to manage multiple streaming logins instead of one cable bill."
David R., a retiree from Florida: "It's basic advice dressed up as news! The real issue is stagnant wages, not your $10 subscription. This puts the burden on individuals while ignoring systemic cost-of-living crises."
Linda Garcia, a teacher from California: "The gym membership point hit home. I switched to a community center plan and saved $40 a month. Small changes do add up."
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed reporting for this article.