Routine
Weekly Money Check In for Subscriptions
A small weekly habit helps you notice new trials and recurring charges before they pile up. Ten minutes is enough to flag changes and stay ahead at a pace that feels comfortable.
Published: December 24, 2025 - Updated: December 24, 2025 - By FinToolSuite Editorial
Quick answer
- Take 10 minutes once a week.
- Look for new merchants and new recurring charges.
- Note trials and renewal dates.
- Do one monthly scan to confirm with data.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Examples are illustrative and results depend on your data; they are not guaranteed. Verify charges with merchants and receipts before making changes.
Your data is processed to detect recurring patterns; see the Privacy Policy for details.
What you need
- Your banking app or statement view.
- A notes app or paper.
- Optional: last month's detector export.
The 10 minute routine
Minute 0 to 2: Open your recent transactions
- Scan the last 7 days.
- Circle anything unfamiliar.
Minute 2 to 5: Flag possible subscription signals
- Similar merchant name appears again.
- Same amount repeats.
- Small charges that look like trials.
Minute 5 to 7: Mark renewals and trials
- Write down a "review by" date a few days before renewal.
- Keep it simple; do not chase perfection.
Minute 7 to 9: Decide one tiny action
- Mark as review.
- Look up a receipt.
- Confirm whether it is shared with family.
Minute 9 to 10: Close the loop
- Update your simple log.
- Schedule the next check in.
Weekly log template
Week of,New merchants to review,Trials renewal dates,Notes
2025-12-01,,
2025-12-08,,
2025-12-15,,
Copy into a spreadsheet or notes app. Adjust the dates to your weeks.
How weekly check ins connect to the monthly scan
Weekly notes catch surprises early. The monthly detector scan gives the full recurring picture. Reconcile by comparing your weekly notes to the detected subscriptions list and the monthly totals.
Monthly tracking: see the routine.
When to use the 30 minute cleanup plan
If your weekly notes grow, or you notice duplicates or big increases, switch to the focused cleanup. Follow the 30 minute cleanup plan.
Common pitfalls
- Trying to fix everything in one week.
- Feeling guilty about subscriptions.
- Ignoring annual renewals.
- Assuming unfamiliar merchants are always waste.
FAQ
Do I need to do this every week?
Weekly is a light habit. If you miss a week, pick it up next week.
What if I miss a week?
Do a quick catch-up scan for the last two weeks, then return to weekly.
How do I catch trial renewals?
Note start and renewal dates during the weekly check, and set a reminder a few days before renewal.
What if I do not recognize a merchant?
Flag it as review, check receipts and statements, and match timing before acting.
How do I handle shared family subscriptions?
Note who uses it and discuss before changing anything.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Estimates depend on your data and need your confirmation.
When should I run the detector?
Monthly is a good cadence; run sooner if you see unusual changes in your weekly notes.
Final call to action
Use a quick weekly check to spot changes early, then confirm with a monthly scan in the detector.