iStock / ljubaphoto / iStock.com
Commitment to our readers
The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services.
20 years
help you get rich
trusted by
millions of readers
With the new year just a few months away, you may be like many Americans and have already given up on your resolutions to improve your finances in 2026. Don’t be like that. Now is a good time to review your expenses and take a closer look at your budget to see how you can stick to it.
GOBankingRates asked experts to weigh in on the common things people should consider cutting back on in the coming year. Here are five unnecessary bills you should try to stop paying in 2026.
1. Subscription Services
Almost all experts agreed that subscription services are the major culprits when it comes to unnecessary expenses. Today, there are more subscriptions available than ever before. A few years ago, it might have just been a magazine subscription or two, but now there’s a monthly service for everything. From streaming to food preparation, there’s convenience at your fingertips – but it’ll cost you.
Sophia Perez, content manager and owner of CharacterCounter.com, suggests people look for free alternatives. “Entertainment lovers think nothing of renting movies from streaming platforms, but if they have access to a public library, they should know that many new releases are available for free at these locations,” he explained.
He added, “Again, planning is everything, and it is more convenient to sit on one’s couch, search, and get the game going. But those expenses undoubtedly add up, especially during the winter months and marathon viewing.”
Check out: I’m a Financial Planner: Cut These 7 Hidden Expenses to Save You Hundreds Per Month
2. Gym Membership
Although you may have joined the gym in January with good intentions, it’s not worth the bill you pay every month if you don’t use it. Workahi CEO Kenan Acichelli agreed that people need to look at their memberships, including gym memberships, to cut costs.
He added, “Consumers should reevaluate their subscriptions and recurring expenses. Often, people pay for services like under-utilized gym memberships, multiple streaming platforms or premium Internet packages that exceed their actual needs. Another area to consider is automatic renewal for software or apps that are rarely used.”
He added, “Evaluating and cutting these unnecessary expenses can lead to significant savings, helping individuals more effectively allocate money toward their financial goals.”
3. Unused Insurance Policies
“Stop paying for full coverage auto insurance if your vehicle is 15 years old. By that point, it’s unlikely your car is valuable enough to pay for full coverage,” says Melanie Musson, a personal finance expert at ClearSurance.
It’s worth reviewing the insurance you’re paying for and determining whether you need all the coverage in your policy.
4. Storage Units
Many experts also recommend cutting down on storage units. If you haven’t used the things you’ve been storing for over a year, you’re probably wasting your money by storing them. There’s no need to keep paying $100 or more per month for stuff you won’t use.
Tracy Xu, director of finance and accounting at BarkLikeMeow, said, “Why pay for cloud storage you rarely use or rent a storage unit for forgotten mementos gathering dust? Spend some time decluttering both your digital and physical spaces. Digitize essential documents, and sell or donate unused items. Doing this will declutter not only your mind but also your bank account.”
5. Cable TV
Tim Conan, founder, CEO and life insurance agent of ParamountQuote Insurance Advisors, said people should “stop paying for cable subscriptions and opt for streaming services instead. There are many streaming services and packages that are much more affordable than cable.”
He added, “Cable bills can be around $200 per month or more. With streaming services and package deals, you can stop paying $50-100 per month and get free TV streaming services that include more channels than what cable offers.”
Caitlin Moorehead contributed reporting to this article.