We’ve all been there. Maybe you’ve subscribed to yet another streaming service after a tempting free trial, only to forget about it and realize you haven’t used it in months. In the business world, it’s a similar story: subscribing to multiple software services that once seemed essential but now linger unnoticed on your expense reports. Let’s plug these sneaky leaks and keep your financial ship sailing smoothly! Here are some tips from Canadian Finance Gal to help you stop the software subscription leak and save your hard-earned money.

The Software Subscription Sneak Attack

You probably signed up for a few software subscriptions because, well, they seemed like a great idea at the time. That project management tool, the social media scheduler, or the fancy design app—they all seemed essential. But then time goes by, needs change, and suddenly that $10 monthly charge keeps sneaking through your credit card without you even noticing. Why? Because it’s so small, it flies under the radar.

Time for a Subscription Check-Up!

At Canadian Finance Gal, we love to keep things in check. That’s why, a couple of times a year, we run a quick audit of the General Ledger (GL) and sort through the software expense account. We sort it by vendor and look at every recurring charge. Then we run it by the owner to make sure all the subscriptions we have are useful.

Think of it as decluttering your digital life. Marie Kondo would be proud—if it doesn’t spark joy (or boost your business), it’s time to say goodbye!

The Hidden Costs of Add-Ons

But it doesn’t end with subscriptions, most have addons as well. Maybe you needed that $5 add-on six months ago, but do you still need it now? That $35 monthly subscription could shrink to $25 with a quick cancellation of unnecessary extras. Just like that, you’ve saved enough for a round of coffee for your team—or better yet, invest that in an add on that will benefit your business now.

Make It a Habit

The key to keeping your software expenses in check is making this audit a regular habit. We typically run an audit for our companies about twice a year, to make sure everything is in check.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Money Leak Away!

Running a small business is hard enough without letting unnecessary expenses weigh you down. A little time spent on a software subscription audit can free up resources that could be better spent elsewhere. So, stop the leak, keep your ship sailing smoothly, and watch those profits soar!

May you be empowered;

To learn more about specific tips and tricks for your company, contact Shanalisa!

Shanalisa Keller is a CPA, CGA and Coactive Trained Coach who founded and leads the team at Canadian Finance Gal. She has a desire to make personal and business finances less daunting and confusing. ⁣⁣She loves accounting and tax and wears the respective geek label with pride. When Shanalisa is not counting beans you can find her mixing a fun new cocktail or building a tasty charcuterie board.⁣⁣ You can read her other blogs on various small business topics here,  book a chat or coffee or wine with her here, or you can find her on LinkedIn (her favourite social platform).