‘Subscription creep’ may be bleeding you dry — here are 6 ways to stop from going broke

New York Post - Mar 27th, 2025

Consumers are increasingly falling victim to 'subscription creep,' where monthly or annual fees from various subscriptions accumulate unnoticed, leading to significant financial drains. MarketWatch Guides researcher Lindsey Crossmier highlights that small subscription fees can aggregate to over $300 per month without realization. The phenomenon is compounded by the abundance of subscriptions available today, from streaming services to gym memberships, often forgotten due to auto-renewals and cumbersome cancellation processes. Experts emphasize the importance of conducting regular 'subscription audits' to manage and potentially eliminate unnecessary expenses.

The significance of this trend lies in its pervasive impact on personal finance, with many individuals unaware of the substantial costs incurred over time. Financial experts like Andrea Woroch and Rod Griffin advise on strategies such as consolidating subscriptions to a single payment method, reviewing costs regularly, and being mindful of free trials that could lead to unexpected charges. The story underscores the need for heightened consumer awareness and proactive management to prevent financial waste and ensure funds are directed towards more critical financial goals.

Personal Finance Subscription Creep Lindsey Crossmier Rod Griffin Andrea Woroch Auto Renewal Subscription Management

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and informative overview of the issue of subscription creep, highlighting its financial impact on consumers. It draws on expert opinions and a CNET study to support its claims, although the lack of direct citations and methodological transparency somewhat limits its credibility. The topic is timely and of significant public interest, offering practical advice that can influence consumer behavior. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including viewpoints from companies offering subscription services and exploring the ethical implications of subscription models. Overall, it is a well-structured piece that effectively raises awareness about an important financial issue, but it could be strengthened by providing more detailed data and exploring the topic from multiple angles.

Accuracy

The story accurately describes the concept of 'subscription creep' and its financial impact on consumers. It cites a CNET study indicating that Americans spend over $1,000 annually on subscriptions, which is a verifiable claim. However, the story lacks direct links or references to the original CNET study, which would enhance its precision and verifiability. The article also mentions specific experts and their statements, such as Lindsey Crossmier and Rod Griffin, which adds credibility. However, some claims, like the difficulty of canceling subscriptions and the specific impact of auto-renewal, are anecdotal and would benefit from more empirical data or broader studies to confirm their prevalence.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including insights from multiple experts on the issue of subscription creep. It discusses both the consumer's perspective and the business model's reliance on forgotten subscriptions. However, it could delve deeper into the business perspective, perhaps by including viewpoints from companies that offer subscriptions, to understand their strategies and any measures they take to ensure transparency. This would provide a more rounded view of the issue and avoid the potential bias of focusing solely on consumer challenges.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to explain the concept of subscription creep. It logically progresses from defining the issue to discussing its financial impact and offering solutions. The use of expert quotes adds clarity and authority to the narrative. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed examples or case studies to illustrate the issue more vividly, which would enhance reader comprehension and engagement.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources, including experts like Lindsey Crossmier and Rod Griffin, which lends authority to the claims made. The inclusion of a CNET study also suggests reliance on external, reputable research. However, the lack of direct citations or links to the original studies or data sources slightly undermines the overall source quality. Providing these would allow readers to verify the claims independently and assess the reliability of the evidence presented.

Transparency

The article explains the concept of subscription creep and its financial implications clearly, but it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and data sources. It does not provide specific details on how the CNET study was conducted or the sample size involved. Furthermore, while expert opinions are cited, the basis for their claims or any potential conflicts of interest are not disclosed. This lack of methodological transparency makes it difficult for readers to fully assess the validity of the claims.