Subscriptions Everywhere! Clean Up Those Forgotten Monthly Fees | WSJ
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Think about these questions before watching. Share your ideas with a partner.
- What kinds of subscriptions do you currently have, both digital (like streaming services) and physical (like gym memberships)? Which ones do you find most valuable, and why?
- Have you ever found yourself paying for a subscription you rarely or no longer use? How did you discover it, and what did you do about it?
- The video suggests that more and more everyday items are becoming subscription-based. What are your thoughts on this trend? Can you imagine a future where even basic household appliances require a monthly fee to function fully?
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Watch the video carefully. Pay attention to the main ideas and key details.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the video.
01What two main reasons does the video give for the increase in subscriptions for everyday items?
Sample answerThe video explains that the rise in subscriptions is due to technology and money. Technology allows devices to be constantly updated and connected, and companies benefit from the predictable, recurring revenue.
02According to the video, what percentage of Americans underestimate their monthly subscription spending?
Sample answerThe video states that a significant 84% of Americans actually spend more on subscriptions each month than they realize or expect.
03In what way does the speaker suggest making a list of your subscriptions, and why does he prefer this method over using services like Trim or Truebill?
Sample answerThe speaker advises logging into your credit card or bank accounts to create an old-fashioned list of your subscriptions. He prefers this manual method because he doesn't like giving other services access to his personal bank account information.
04Why does the speaker recommend setting a yearly calendar reminder for reviewing subscriptions, and what specific trap does he warn viewers about?
Sample answerHe suggests setting a yearly reminder because he believes the number of subscriptions will only increase, and it's easy to forget them. He specifically warns about free trials that automatically convert into recurring monthly charges if you don't cancel them in time.
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Decide if each statement is true or false. Correct the false ones.
01The video suggests that the trend of subscriptions started with simple things like newspapers and streaming services, but now extends to almost any object or thing.
02According to the speaker, the Ring doorbell charges a monthly fee of $5 to access past video recordings.
03Companies prefer recurring revenue from subscriptions because it allows them to predict a steady income stream from a consistent number of customers.
04The speaker mentions that a 2018 federal law made it mandatory for companies to offer online cancellation for subscriptions.
05For services subscribed through Apple's App Store, the video provides specific instructions for canceling, which involves navigating through the iPhone's settings.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally about this topic.
Examples
recurring revenue — income that a company expects to receive regularly over time, usually monthly or yearly.
This is a key business term, often used when discussing how companies make money from services like subscriptions. It implies stability and predictability for the business.
get out of hand — to become difficult to control or manage.
This informal idiom is often used to describe a situation that has escalated negatively. For example, 'My monthly subscription costs are getting out of hand.'
subscription fatigue — the feeling of being overwhelmed or annoyed by having too many subscriptions, leading to a desire to cancel some of them.
This is a modern term, often used informally in discussions about consumer habits and the increasing number of digital services people pay for.
fall into the trap of (doing something) — to be tricked or misled into a difficult or undesirable situation, often by making a common mistake.
This idiom is commonly used when someone makes an error they could have avoided. For example, 'It's easy to fall into the trap of forgetting about old subscriptions.'
streamline your expenses — to make your spending more efficient and organized, often by reducing unnecessary costs or simplifying your financial processes.
This semi-formal phrase is useful when discussing personal finance or business management. It suggests making things simpler and more effective.
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Managing your subscriptions
The video discusses how subscriptions have become a major part of our spending. This exercise will help you practice vocabulary and phrases related to managing your finances and subscriptions.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Useful phrases: Discussing managing personal subscriptions and expenses with friends or family
Vocabulary
The video highlights how easy it is to accumulate many subscriptions. These phrases will help you discuss your own subscription habits, express concerns, and share strategies for managing your monthly expenses with others.
Examples
My subscriptions are really starting to get out of hand. — Expressing that you have too many subscriptions and they are becoming difficult to manage.
Register: Informal/Neutral. Use this when you feel overwhelmed by the number or cost of your subscriptions and want to share this feeling with someone you know well.
I'm definitely feeling a bit of subscription fatigue lately. — Describing the feeling of being tired or overwhelmed by having too many subscriptions to manage.
Register: Neutral. Use this phrase when you want to express that the constant stream of monthly payments for various services is becoming annoying or exhausting.
It's so easy to fall into the trap of signing up for things you don't really need. — Acknowledging a common mistake of accumulating unnecessary subscriptions.
Register: Neutral. Use this when you or someone else has ended up with many subscriptions, highlighting how easy it is to make this common error without realizing it.
I'm trying to streamline my expenses by reviewing all my monthly payments. — Stating your intention to make your spending more efficient and organized, especially regarding recurring costs.
Register: Neutral. Use this when you are actively working on reducing or organizing your spending, particularly related to regular bills and subscriptions.
Have you found a good way to keep track of all your recurring payments? — Asking for advice or strategies on how to monitor and manage regular bills and subscriptions.
Register: Neutral/Informal. Use this when you want to learn how others manage their subscriptions or regular bills, seeking practical tips or shared experiences.
I'm going to make a list and see what I can cut back on. — Stating a concrete plan of action to reduce your subscription costs.
Register: Neutral/Informal. Use this when you've decided to take practical steps to review your subscriptions and identify which ones you can cancel or reduce.
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Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01The number of streaming services available has started to for many consumers, making it hard to choose.
02After signing up for five different apps in one month, Sarah started to experience serious , wishing she could just simplify her digital life.
03It's easy to forgetting about free trials that automatically convert to paid subscriptions if you don't cancel them on time.
04For many software companies, the shift to a subscription model ensures a stable stream, which is highly valued by investors.
05To avoid overspending, the video suggests you regularly review your subscriptions and by canceling those you no longer use.
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The hidden costs of modern living
The rise of subscriptions has changed how we pay for almost everything.
Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
It seems almost impossible to avoid the subscription model today. From entertainment to productivity tools, and even smart home devices, everything comes with a monthly fee. This constant stream of charges often leads to what many are calling 'subscription fatigue.' People find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to keep track of all their commitments. It's incredibly easy to fall into the trap of signing up for a free trial, only to forget about it until it silently converts into a recurring monthly charge. For households trying to streamline their expenses, these small, often overlooked payments can quickly get out of hand, collectively draining a significant portion of their budget. Companies, of course, love this predictable recurring revenue, but for consumers, it means a constant battle to monitor and manage their spending, often without realizing the true cumulative cost until it's too late.
01According to the passage, what is 'subscription fatigue'?
Sample answerSubscription fatigue is the feeling of being overwhelmed and struggling to keep track of many different monthly commitments and charges.
02How do free trials often contribute to people's subscription problems?
Sample answerPeople often fall into the trap of signing up for free trials and then forgetting about them, leading to the trials silently converting into recurring monthly charges.
03Why might it be challenging for a household to 'streamline their expenses' in the current subscription economy?
Sample answerIt's challenging because many small, often overlooked subscription payments can add up quickly, making it difficult to see and manage the total amount being spent.
04What is the main difference in perspective between companies and consumers regarding 'recurring revenue'?
Sample answerCompanies appreciate recurring revenue because it's predictable income, while consumers often struggle with it because it represents a constant drain on their budget and can be hard to manage.
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Choose the best answer based on what you heard in the video.
01What is the primary concern the video raises about the increasing number of subscriptions?
02The video describes "hardware as a service" using the example of a Ring doorbell. What is the key characteristic of this model?
03Which of the following is NOT a method the speaker suggests for managing your subscriptions?
04The video explains that companies "love the idea of recurring revenue." What is the main benefit of this for businesses?
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- The video suggests that subscriptions are 'getting out of hand'. Do you agree with this statement based on your own experience or what you observe in your country? Have you ever felt 'subscription fatigue', and what strategies do you use to 'streamline your expenses' and avoid paying for things you don't use?
- Companies often rely on 'recurring revenue' and the fact that people 'fall into the trap of' forgetting to cancel subscriptions. Do you think this business strategy is ethical, or does it take unfair advantage of consumers? What are the main benefits and drawbacks of the subscription model for both businesses and customers?
- Imagine a future where many essential household items, like your refrigerator or even your car, require monthly subscriptions to function fully. How might this impact people's financial planning and overall quality of life? What steps can individuals take to avoid 'falling into the trap' of excessive subscriptions and ensure they can still 'streamline their expenses'?