Subscriptions - the silent bank account leak

A quick reality check for your tech stack (and your bank balance)

You know that feeling when you stumble across yet another “game-changing” business tool and think, this one’s going to change everything?

So you sign up. Full of hope. Ready to automate your life and get your time back.

And then… nothing.

You barely log in, forget you even have it, and six months later you’re still being charged for it - on autopilot. Sometimes twice, if you’ve jumped on something similar before.

Let’s be honest - this happens a lot.

Not because you’re careless, but because:

• Everything promises to be the one

• It’s easier to add something new than dig into what you’ve already got

• If you’re not using a tool regularly, it slips off the radar—fast

• And those monthly (or sneaky annual) charges? Out of sight, out of mind

Before you know it, you’re sitting on three platforms that send emails, two schedulers, an invoice app you haven’t opened in months, and some random AI content tool you trialed once at midnight on a Tuesday.

The thing is - most of us aren’t even using our current tools to their full potential.

You probably already have what you need. You just need to use it properly… not keep layering more on top.

Here’s how to get back in control:

1. Check your payment trails

   Look in your bank account, PayPal, Stripe and your Apple or Google Pay subscriptions (those app store payments are sneaky).

   It’s way too easy to tap 'Subscribe' on your phone and forget it ever happened.

2. Group everything by what it actually does

   File sharing, email marketing, project management, scheduling, payments—you’ll quickly see where things overlap.

   
   

3. Ask yourself: when did I last use this?

   If it’s been more than six weeks, it’s probably not that vital. Cancel it. You can always come back to it if you genuinely need it later.

   
   

4. Choose one tool per job

   If two platforms do the same thing, stick with the one you actually open and use.

   
   

5. Set a calendar reminder to do this every quarter

   Tools sneak in over time. Make this a regular CEO habit and avoid paying for ghosts.

Bonus tip: involve your team

Ask what tools they’re using, what they love, what’s redundant. Streamline together.

Keeping your tech stack lean is one of the simplest ways to free up cash, headspace and time.

And let’s be honest—there are more exciting things to spend on than two scheduling tools.

Need a hand reviewing your systems?

It’s the stuff we love doing for clients at Plan and Do HQ.

Think of it as a digital declutter with serious business benefits.

→ Book a Strategy Call

Let’s sort it, cancel it, and clear the way for better things.