You’re Paying More Than You Think

By Brian Keaney · Aug 1, 2018 1 min read

Subscription Spending

Why your monthly subscriptions cost more than you guess

Convenience feels cheap, but it adds up fast. Research shows most consumers underestimate their monthly subscription spending by more than half — and that gap is quietly draining budgets.

1 The Real Price of Convenience

What is the cost of having what you want, when you want it? Whether it’s streaming music or video on demand or getting your favorite items delivered to you quickly, consumers are saying yes to subscriptions, despite their shrinking budgets. So what price can you put on convenience? As it turns out, it’s pretty high, and most of us don’t even realize what monthly subscriptions really cost.

2 How Much Consumers Underestimate

84% of consumers significantly underestimate their monthly expenditures, according to new research by The Waterstone Group. The study involved an analysis of 2,500 budgets that included 21 categories of subscription service like mobile, Amazon Prime, WiFi, digital newspapers, subscription boxes and home security systems, among many others. The data showed that participants believed they were spending an average of $111.61 per month when in reality, they were spending an average of $237.33, more than double their estimate.

3 Why the Subscription Market Keeps Growing

The fact that consumers underestimate what they spend is a huge windfall for subscription companies that rely on customers to make quick decisions. In fact, according to a survey by McKinsey & Company, the subscription e-commerce market is growing rapidly. In just the past five years, the market has grown by 100% each year. The streaming-media market has seen growth for a long time, and now there is noticeable growth for consumer goods subscriptions.

4 Happily Hooked — and How to Save

Although various studies show that American consumers have tighter budgets with less flexibility and less savings, the Waterstone study found that consumers are “happily hooked” on their subscription services. As the data illustrates, immediate gratification and convenience are extremely tempting. The challenge for consumers is to balance this with smart money living and long term financial security.

Fortunately, there are many companies, like Billshark with consumers’ interests in mind. If you want to lower your monthly cable, internet, wireless and home security bills without giving up any of the conveniences you currently enjoy, let our Sharks take a bite out of them. We’re confident that we can get you hooked on saving!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do consumers underestimate their monthly subscription spending?

According to research by The Waterstone Group, 84% of consumers significantly underestimate their monthly expenditures. The study analyzed 2,500 budgets and found that participants believed they were spending an average of $111.61 per month when in reality they were spending an average of $237.33 — more than double their estimate.

What kinds of subscriptions were included in the Waterstone study?

The Waterstone Group study examined 2,500 budgets covering 21 categories of subscription service. These included mobile, Amazon Prime, WiFi, digital newspapers, subscription boxes and home security systems, among many others.

How fast is the subscription e-commerce market growing?

According to a survey by McKinsey & Company, the subscription e-commerce market is growing rapidly. In just the past five years, the market has grown by 100% each year. The streaming-media market has seen growth for a long time, and there is now noticeable growth for consumer goods subscriptions as well.

Why do consumers keep their subscriptions despite tighter budgets?

Although studies show American consumers have tighter budgets with less flexibility and less savings, the Waterstone study found consumers are “happily hooked” on their subscription services. Immediate gratification and convenience are extremely tempting, and the challenge is balancing that with smart money living and long term financial security.

How can Billshark help lower my monthly bills?

If you want to lower your monthly cable, internet, wireless and home security bills without giving up any of the conveniences you currently enjoy, Billshark’s Sharks can take a bite out of them. The goal is to cut what you overpay while keeping the services you rely on, so you can get hooked on saving instead.

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You’re Paying More Than You Think is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

Most consumers underestimate monthly subscription spending by more than double, research shows. See why bills creep up and how Billshark helps you save.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Convenience feels cheap, but it adds up fast.

What is the cost of having what you want, when you want it?.

84% of consumers significantly underestimate their monthly expenditures, according to new research by The Waterstone Group .

The fact that consumers underestimate what they spend is a huge windfall for subscription companies that rely on customers to make quick decisions.

Fortunately, there are many companies, like Billshark with consumers’ interests in mind.

According to research by The Waterstone Group, 84% of consumers significantly underestimate their monthly expenditures.

The Waterstone Group study examined 2,500 budgets covering 21 categories of subscription service.

According to a survey by McKinsey & Company, the subscription e-commerce market is growing rapidly.

Although studies show American consumers have tighter budgets with less flexibility and less savings, the Waterstone study found consumers are “happily hooked” on their subscription services.

If you want to lower your monthly cable, internet, wireless and home security bills without giving up any of the conveniences you currently enjoy, Billshark’s Sharks can take a bite out of them.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 The Real Price of Convenience.

2 How Much Consumers Underestimate.

3 Why the Subscription Market Keeps Growing.

4 Happily Hooked — and How to Save.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How much do consumers underestimate their monthly subscription spending?.

What kinds of subscriptions were included in the Waterstone study?.

How fast is the subscription e-commerce market growing?.

Why do consumers keep their subscriptions despite tighter budgets?.

How can Billshark help lower my monthly bills?.

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Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

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We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

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Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

You’re Paying More Than You Think

1 The Real Price of Convenience

2 How Much Consumers Underestimate

3 Why the Subscription Market Keeps Growing

4 Happily Hooked — and How to Save

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do consumers underestimate their monthly subscription spending?

What kinds of subscriptions were included in the Waterstone study?

How fast is the subscription e-commerce market growing?

Why do consumers keep their subscriptions despite tighter budgets?

How can Billshark help lower my monthly bills?

Related Blog Posts

36 Subscription Statistics You Should Know [Updated 2022]

3 Reasons Your Service Bills Keep Rising Fast

California's New Law: Easier Subscription Cancellations

Manage Unexpected Price Hikes | Billshark

3 Key Facts About Subscription Services and Your Budget

Smart Ways to Pay Bills: Top Apps to Help You

Avoid Airline Fees: Smart Tips to Save Money Traveling

Questions About Bills? Let Billshark Help You Save

10 Surprising Shark Facts to Celebrate Shark Week

Save on the Bills You Just Read About

You’re Paying More Than You Think page context