The Dark Side of Subscriptions

Do you subscribe to magazines and newsletters? You keep getting bills and offers but you seem to remember paying the subscription. Look for the expiration date on the address label. Sometimes it is listed, if not, inquire with the customer service department and find out when it expires before sending in another payment. Several of my clients have paid up 5 to 7 years in advance.

Many magazines like TV Guide also use 3rd party companies to market for them. So you may be paying multiple companies for the same subscription. Yes, they will add time to your subscription but do you really want to be pay 7 years in advance?

Do you have elderly parents or parents with Dementia? If they will let you, check on their subscriptions. I recommend calling the company and ask them to stop sending out offers and renewals. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that they will stop or that you can find their contact information. I have searched for phone numbers and even sent letters and some get sent back because the company has moved. It is very frustrating.

I recommend creating a file titled Subscriptions or a Note on your phone and list all of your subscriptions, account numbers, and expiration dates. Remember to update them every time you renew or purchase a new subscription. 

Adele Gross
Simple Solution Organizing LLC