We’ve all done it – forgotten to cancel a subscription we no longer need. It’s a minor mistake, but it can add up.
But have you ever wondered why some people are more prone to this than others? Well, it turns out, those who often forget to cancel unused subscriptions typically share certain traits.
In this article, I will be revealing these 8 common traits. So, if you’re curious to see if you fall into this category, or simply want to better understand why this happens, stick around.
1) Procrastination reigns
It’s a common trait we all share to some degree – procrastination.
When it comes to cancelling subscriptions, it’s all too easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But as we all know, tomorrow often turns into next week, next month, or even next year.
Those who consistently forget to cancel their unused subscriptions often have a higher tendency to procrastinate. It’s not that they don’t realize the subscription is unnecessary, they just keep putting off the task of cancelling it.
This trait of delaying or postponing tasks, especially those that seem minor or unimportant at the time, is a common thread among these individuals. So if you find yourself constantly pushing off tasks to a later date, you might want to check your subscription list.
2) Out of sight, out of mind
I’ll admit, I’ve fallen victim to this trait myself.
It all started with a subscription to a popular music streaming service. I was excited about the free trial and had every intention of cancelling before the trial period ended.
But as time passed, I barely used it and it slipped my mind. I didn’t even notice when the monthly charges started appearing on my bank statement.
This “out of sight, out of mind” mentality is another common trait among people who forget to cancel unused subscriptions. We get busy, life gets in the way, and if we’re not regularly using the service, it’s easy to forget it’s even there – until we see that charge on our bank statement, that is.
So if you’re like me and sometimes let things slip through the cracks when they’re not directly in front of you, it might be worth taking a quick look at your subscriptions.
3) Overconfidence in memory
The human brain is an incredible organ, capable of storing vast amounts of information. However, its capacity is not infinite and our memory is not always as reliable as we’d like to believe.
Research has shown that our brains are prone to the “forgetting curve,” a phenomenon where information is lost over time when there’s no attempt to retain it.
People who often forget to cancel unused subscriptions tend to overestimate their memory capabilities. They believe they will remember to cancel a subscription before the free trial ends or when they no longer need it, but without a reminder or conscious effort to retain this task, it falls victim to the forgetting curve.
So, even if you think your memory is top-notch, it’s always a good idea to set up reminders or use tools to help manage your subscriptions.
4) Dislike for uncomfortable situations
Let’s face it, cancelling a subscription isn’t always a straightforward task. Sometimes, you have to navigate through complex websites, talk to customer service representatives, or even face high-pressure sales tactics to retain your business.
Some people have a strong dislike for these potentially uncomfortable situations. The thought of having to deal with a difficult conversation or complex process can be enough to make them put off cancelling the subscription.
This trait is common among those who frequently forget to cancel their unneeded subscriptions. They prefer to avoid the discomfort, even if it means paying for a service they no longer use. If you find this rings true for you, it might be time to bite the bullet and cancel those unused subscriptions.
5) Fear of missing out
There’s a certain comfort in knowing that we have access to a service whenever we want. Even if we haven’t used that movie streaming platform or gym membership in months, the thought of not having it when we do want it can create a sense of fear.
This fear of missing out, or FOMO as it’s commonly known, can make us hold on to subscriptions we really don’t need. We keep paying, month after month, for the peace of mind that comes with knowing it’s there if we need it.
This trait is deeply human and quite common. It relates to our desire for security and our tendency to avoid potential regrets. If you often find yourself holding on to things just in case you might need them in the future, you may want to reconsider your subscription list. It might just be your FOMO talking, rather than a real need.
6) Difficulty saying no
I remember a time when I subscribed to a monthly book box. The idea was great – receive a surprise book and related goodies every month. But as my unread books started piling up, I realized that I didn’t have the time to justify the subscription.
Yet, when it came to cancelling, I struggled. I felt a strange sense of loyalty to the company. I didn’t want to let them down, as silly as that sounds.
This difficulty in saying no is a common trait among those who forget to cancel unused subscriptions. They feel an emotional connection or obligation towards the service or company, making it harder for them to pull the plug.
So, if you find it hard to say no or let go, even when it’s in your best interest, it might be time to reevaluate your subscriptions. It’s essential to remember that your loyalty should first and foremost be to yourself and your financial wellbeing.
7) Not prioritizing financial health
Financial health, like physical health, requires regular check-ups and conscious decisions. Unfortunately, not everyone places a high priority on their financial wellbeing.
People who often forget to cancel unused subscriptions tend to overlook the impact these recurring charges can have on their financial health. They might see it as a minor expense, but over time, these small charges can add up significantly.
This lack of financial prioritization is a common trait among these individuals. If you find yourself frequently overlooking or downplaying the impact of these small expenses, it might be time to reassess your financial priorities and take a closer look at your subscription list.
8) Lack of organizational skills
At the crux of it all, managing subscriptions requires a certain level of organization. You need to keep track of what subscriptions you have, when they renew, and whether they are still providing value.
Those who often forget to cancel unused subscriptions typically lack these organizational skills. They may have every intention to manage their subscriptions better, but without a system in place, it’s easy for this task to fall by the wayside.
If you find yourself struggling with organization, consider this your wake-up call. There are numerous tools and apps available that can help manage your subscriptions, sending reminders when it’s time to reassess or cancel. Investing time in setting up a system can save you from unnecessary expenses in the long run.
