Friday, October 23, 2026 — Have you ever noticed your balance suddenly dropping even though you feel like you haven’t spent much on shopping? Take a moment to think about how many digital services you still have active on your accounts.
These services may include movie streaming platforms, premium music, cloud storage, and photo or video editing apps. Each subscription may cost only a small amount per month. However, when all of them are billed automatically, these small expenses can add up without you even realizing it.
This phenomenon is known as subscription creep, which occurs when spending on multiple subscription services gradually increases and starts to put pressure on your finances.
Subscribing to digital services is convenient. We can enjoy various premium features without having to pay a large amount upfront. The problem is that small subscription fees often seem insignificant compared to other expenses.
Although each service offers its own benefits, the combined cost of multiple subscriptions can become a significant recurring expense. Without regular reviews, these costs may continue to increase, especially when some services are rarely used or no longer meet our needs.
This does not mean you have to stop subscribing to all digital services. The key is to make sure that the money spent is worth the benefits received. Start by reviewing all your subscriptions through your bank statements, e-wallet transactions, App Store, or Google Play to identify active recurring charges.
Next, calculate your total subscription costs over a year to understand how much you are actually spending. Separate the services you genuinely need for studying, working, or entertainment from those you rarely use or that offer similar features. Remember to set reminders before renewal dates so you have time to evaluate whether each subscription is still worth keeping.
Financial planning is not only about managing expenses and increasing savings, but also about preparing for potential risks in the future. After reviewing regular expenses, including digital subscription fees, we canstart allocating funds for
financial protection. Insurance can be part of a financial plan to help reduce the financial impact of unexpected risks.
In line with the spirit of #SatuMakna, every small step in financial planning can be a way to care for our future selves and the people we love.
Back to List
