Queen of bargains

Whether it’s beauty boxes, music streaming or supplies of contact lenses, you need to make sure you’re getting maximum value from your monthly commitments

Subscription services are ever more popular. But if you’re not careful, you could end up wasting money on services you don’t use. Here’s what you need to do…

Do I need it?

Make a list of what you subscribe to along with the cost and decide if they’re worth it. Do this every couple of months – it makes sense to keep Netflix while it’s showing your favourite series, but after that ends, consider ditching it until there’s something new you want to watch.

Hunt for deals

Keeping a subscription? It’s worth seeing if you can haggle to reduce the cost. With subscriptions you manage online, if you click

Share the love

Sharing your subscriptions is a great way to save money. Apple Music’s Family Plan allows up to six people to stream music. And if you are interested in a new subscription, look out for ‘recommend a friend’ offers – you and a pal already using it could both benefit from them referring you. on the option for cancelling your contract you may find you are offered an attractive deal to stay.

Make the most of offers: for example, if you love getting recipe boxes, try different companies in turn, making the most of discounts they offer to new users.

And as gym memberships are often expensive, switch to a one with less luxuries, but a lower

monthly cost.