Subscription fatigue? How to take control of those monthly fees

Many people underestimate how much they spend on subscriptions and memberships.

Consumers think they spend around $90 a month, according to one survey. But when asked to actually add up those recurring fees, the average came to $220 a month — more than twice as much.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the rise of the subscription economy, why recurring fees have become so common and how consumers can get a better handle on what they’re paying for.

And we want to hear from you, too.

Tell us about your experience keeping track of all of your subscriptions. Have you thought about getting rid of some to save money?

Call us during the 9 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828. 

Guests:

• Demitri McGee is a financial coach, certified housing counselor and youth director at Build Wealth Minnesota, a nonprofit opportunity center dedicated to helping families through financial education, personalized coaching and community-based programs.

• Akshay Rao is a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota, where he holds the General Mills chair at the Carlson School of Management.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.