Results guide
How to Read Your Subscription Detector Results
The detector highlights recurring patterns and possible waste, but you make the final call. This guide helps you read each section so you can decide what to keep or change at a pace that feels comfortable.
Published: December 24, 2025 - Updated: December 24, 2025 - By FinToolSuite Editorial
Quick answer
- Summary shows how much data was analyzed and how many recurring items were detected.
- Monthly waste is an estimate of cancelable or low-value recurring spend.
- Potential savings is what you might free up if you act on items after confirming.
- Use results as a review list, not automatic actions.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Results are estimates based on patterns, not guarantees. Verify items before canceling or changing anything. Confirm plan changes directly with merchants or providers.
Your data is processed to detect recurring patterns; see the Privacy Policy for details.
The summary metrics explained
| Metric | What it means | What can affect it |
|---|---|---|
| Total transactions analyzed | How many rows were processed. | Duplicates, pending rows. |
| Recurring subscriptions found | Recurring patterns detected. | Short time windows, yearly charges, merchant name changes. |
| Estimated monthly waste | Estimated recurring spend marked as potentially cancelable. | How rules classify items; your review choices. |
| Estimated yearly waste | Monthly estimate scaled to a year or annual charges converted. | Yearly renewals; incomplete history. |
| Potential savings | Estimated amount you could reduce after confirmation. | What you decide to keep. |
Monthly waste vs potential savings
Monthly waste is a signal of recurring spend marked as cancelable. Potential savings is not guaranteed because you may keep some items after review. See more on the breakdown: monthly waste vs potential savings.
Detected subscriptions list
The list shows merchant names, amounts, and cadences. Check for name variants, amount consistency, duplicates that could be valid (family plans, separate accounts), and yearly renewals.
- Recognize it.
- Confirm it repeats.
- Confirm it is still needed.
- Confirm you can change it in the merchant account.
After cleanup monthly snapshot
The snapshot shows current monthly subscription spend, suggested cancelable monthly amount, and new estimated monthly spend. "Suggested cancelable" is an estimate and depends on your review.
Monthly snapshot graph
The graph compares current spend, cancelable waste, and projected spend after cleanup. The gap shows the potential change if you act on items you confirm.
Tiny illustrative walk through
Example: current monthly subscription spend is GBP 45. Suggested cancelable is GBP 12. You review the GBP 12 list and decide to keep GBP 5 and cancel GBP 7 (illustrative). After changes, rerun the tool and compare the new estimates.
Try it with your data: open the detector.
What to do next
- Export results for reference.
- Pick 1-3 items to confirm this week.
- Rerun after changes to see updated estimates.
Need the how-to? See how to use the detector and the FAQ.
Common misunderstandings
- Thinking recurring count equals all subscriptions.
- Expecting yearly subscriptions to show up in a short date range.
- Assuming a price hike is always a hike.
- Treating refunds as new spend.
FAQ
Why is my recurring count low?
Short history, yearly renewals, or name changes can reduce the count. Add more data if possible.
Why is something flagged as waste?
The detector saw a recurring pattern and marked it as potentially cancelable. Review before acting.
Can duplicates be legitimate?
Yes. Family plans or separate accounts can create valid duplicates.
Do yearly subscriptions show up?
They can, but a short window may miss them. Use more history when possible.
What about refunds and chargebacks?
Refunds can offset charges and affect patterns. Review both the debit and the credit.
Why do merchant names look different?
Processors and region codes can change descriptors. Look at timing and amounts to confirm sameness.
Does the tool cancel anything automatically?
No. It only flags patterns; you decide and act directly with merchants.
Are results guaranteed?
No. They are estimates; confirm with your statements and providers.
How do I export results?
Use the export option in the detector to save a snapshot for your records.
Where can I see the full FAQ?
Read the detector FAQ.
Final call to action
Open your results, review the flags, and decide what to keep or change after confirming with the merchant.