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How this calculator works
Monthly total spending is calculated by summing all monthly-billed subscriptions plus one-twelfth of each annual-billed subscription, giving you a true monthly burn rate. Annual total spending reverses the logic: sum of annual subscriptions plus 12 times each monthly subscription. Items are categorized by usage level — low-use items represent cancel candidates, medium-use items can potentially be downgraded or have their plans optimized, and heavy-use items are essential tools worth keeping. The calculator also breaks down spending by category — such as AI tools, creator tools, design, and business operations — to reveal which category consumes the largest share of your budget.
Useful scenarios
- A creator auditing monthly AI, design, editing, and newsletter subscriptions to find savings before annual renewals.
- A freelancer comparing the true annual cost of their tool stack — including annual-billed items like Canva Pro and Grammarly.
- A solo business owner categorising tools by AI, Creator, and Business spend to see which category eats the most budget.
FAQ
How often should I audit subscriptions?
Quarterly is a practical cadence. AI and creator tool stacks change quickly, and unused subscriptions can compound quietly.
Should I cancel every low-use tool?
Not always. Keep low-use tools that are critical during specific client projects, launches, or production workflows.
Should I choose monthly or annual billing?
Annual billing saves 15-25% on most tools, but only commit if you'll use it all year. Start monthly for new tools, switch to annual when you're sure.