Let’s walk through a realistic Dutch scenario. We’ve added cost examples and local context to make it relevant to your life. 

Step 1: Gather Your Recurring Charges (5 Minutes) 

Start by checking: 

• Bank and credit card statements

   

• PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay activity

   

• App Store / Google Play subscriptions

   

• Emails with keywords like “invoice,” “subscription,” or “renewed”

   

Use our tool to enter your subscriptions once, that’s it. 

We’ll do the math, track usage, and show you what’s worth keeping. 

(Prefer pen and paper? Here’s the manual version below.) 

Write down: 

Take a moment to be surprised. Most people find at least 1 or 2 subscriptions they forgot about. 

Step 2: Categorize Each Subscription 

Break them into simple categories: 

1. Entertainment & Streaming – Netflix, Viaplay, Videoland
2. Music & Digital Media – Spotify, YouTube Premium
3. Cloud & Productivity – iCloud, Notion, Grammarly
4. Food & Delivery – HelloFresh, Bol.com Select
5. Fitness & Wellness – Meditation apps, gym memberships
6. Other – VPNs, news subscriptions, mobile games

    

Categorizing helps you see where your money is flowing, and what to trim. 

Step 3: Audit Each Subscription (10 Minutes) 

Ask yourself for each: 

• When did I last use it?

   

• Do I use it actively, or just “mean to”?

   

• Does it add real value, or is it a convenience habit?

   

• Could I downgrade or switch to a free option?

   

• Am I keeping it just because canceling feels like effort?

   

Mark each as: 

• ✅ Keep – Regularly used, genuinely valuable

   

• ⚠️ Re-evaluate – Used occasionally or out of habit

   

• ❌ Cancel – Rarely used or totally inactive

   

Example: 

• Netflix: ✅ Keep – Weekend use with partner

   

• Spotify: ⚠️ Re-evaluate – Use solo, might switch to Duo

   

• Viaplay: ❌ Cancel – Unused after football season

   

• HelloFresh: ⚠️ Re-evaluate – Enjoyable but costly

   

• iCloud: ❌ Cancel – Not using the storage

   

• Bol.com Select: ✅ Keep – Saves on frequent orders

   

Step 4: Calculate Your Monthly and Yearly Spend 

Now total it up: 

That’s nearly €100/month, and over €1,150/year on subscriptions. 

Many Dutch households have no idea they’re spending that much. Imagine what you could do with €1,000 a year, travel, save, invest, or simply breathe easier. 

Step 5: Set Your Action Plan 

Here’s where the clarity turns into action: 

• ❌ Cancel: Viaplay, iCloud

   

• ⚠️ Pause/Test: HelloFresh for 1 month

   

• ✅ Keep (or switch): Spotify Duo with partner (€17.99/month split = €8.99/person)

   

New monthly saving: Around €23/month, or €275/year 

Multiply that over 3–4 forgotten subscriptions and you’re well over €500/year in savings.