She Strengthens

Embracing the Joy of a Clutter-Free Digital Life

As the year comes to a close, I relish the opportunity to unwind and recharge. With most of my friends and colleagues on vacation, I finally have some much-needed breathing room to tackle my digital clutter.

The Subscriptions That Had to Go

Like many millennials, I’ve accumulated a plethora of monthly subscriptions. Upon closer inspection, I realized that most of them weren’t adding any real value to my life. It was time to take a closer look and make some tough decisions.

Peak: A Brain-Training App That Fell Short

I initially signed up for Peak, an app designed to improve cognitive skills through logic, word, and problem-solving games. While the idea seemed appealing, especially given my family history of Alzheimer’s, the app ultimately became an aspirational purchase rather than a logical one. The daily workouts felt like just another chore, and I eventually fell out of the habit. Canceling Peak will save me $11.99 per year.

Rinse: A Laundry Service That Lost Its Luster

Rinse, a laundry service, initially seemed like a convenient solution for my laundry needs. However, over time, the service deteriorated, and I experienced a string of issues, from lost items to misapplied credits. The final straw came when I had to contact customer support to resolve yet another problem. Canceling Rinse will save me $59 per month, or $708 per year.

Harvard Book Store’s First Signed Edition Club: A Logistical Nightmare

I joined the Harvard Book Store’s Signed First Edition Club in 2016, hoping to support a local business and expand my reading horizons. While I adore books, I eventually realized that the subscription was taking a toll on my living space and budget. The constant influx of new books led to a compulsion to buy more, and I decided to cancel the subscription to regain control over my book-buying habits. This will save me $30-$35 per month, or $360-$420 per year.

The New York Times: A News Source That Wasn’t Worth the Cost

As a longtime subscriber to The New York Times, I initially felt guilty about canceling my subscription. However, I realized that I barely read the articles and only opened the app to play Spelling Bee. The constant barrage of news was taking a toll on my mental health, and I decided to prioritize my well-being. Canceling The New York Times will save me $15 per month, or $300 per year.

Sanctuary: An Astrology App That Lost Its Shine

I signed up for Sanctuary, an astrology app, on a whim, hoping to gain insights into my life. While the daily horoscopes were free, I paid $21.74 per month for personal readings with an astrologer. However, I soon realized that I didn’t have enough questions to justify the cost, and the readings had become mini therapy sessions. Canceling Sanctuary will save me $21.74 per month, or $260.88 per year.

The Savings Add Up

By canceling these subscriptions, I stand to save a minimum of $125 per month, or $1,652 per year. This is a significant amount of money that I can now allocate towards more meaningful pursuits, such as investing, saving for a vacation, or paying off student loans.

The Subscriptions That Made the Cut

While I canceled most of my subscriptions, I decided to keep two: Vanity Fair magazine and the Fit Body App. Both of these subscriptions actively add value to my daily life, and I’m excited to continue enjoying them without the financial burden of unnecessary expenses.

By embracing a clutter-free digital life, I’m taking control of my finances and prioritizing what truly matters. It’s a liberating feeling, and one that I hope to carry into the new year.