Chapter 1: The Subscription Era

The world of online subscriptions has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it shows no signs of fading away. As users increasingly seek out online services, finding free alternatives that offer the same level of convenience and connectivity is becoming more challenging. In this article, I’ll share the seven subscription services I rely on each month and explain why they are essential for me.

1. Tidal

As a music enthusiast who appreciates high-fidelity sound, Tidal stands out for me over Spotify. I enjoy how it curates playlists and recommends music, focusing on full albums instead of just singles. This approach enables me to discover new artists and delve deeper into their work. Additionally, the daily mixes feature a diverse selection of my favorite tracks without becoming repetitive. With a student discount, my Tidal Hi-Fi subscription costs just €6.99 per month.

I’ve also written an article about my top 10 tech gadgets, which includes my headphones for enjoying high-fidelity music. You can check it out here:

2. Google Photos

I began using Google Photos many years ago when it was a free service, and I quickly became a devoted user. Although it started charging later, I find it hard to switch to another platform now. I have over 15 years of memories stored in Google Photos, and it offers fantastic features for reviewing highlights. While there are cheaper alternatives, the ease of use and extensive organization options make it tough to consider moving away. Currently, I pay €2.99 monthly for 200GB of storage, though I am nearing my limit.

3. Microsoft Office 365

Although I find myself using Microsoft Office less frequently, it remains my go-to for compatibility in text editing and presentations. While alternatives like Pages and Keynote exist, they don't quite compare. I still rely on Excel occasionally for data visualization and quick edits. Microsoft offers 1TB of OneDrive storage with an Office subscription, which I utilize for everything except photos. The monthly fee is €7.00, or €69.00 if paid annually.

4. Netflix

Despite my busy schedule—balancing work, studies, and caring for my 14-month-old—I cherish my downtime for watching movies, particularly action, thrillers, and comedies. Netflix provides a fantastic array of films, series, and documentaries, allowing me to enjoy a home cinema experience. While other streaming services like Amazon Prime and HBO exist, I’ve only sampled HBO through its free trial, and I’ve yet to try Amazon Prime.

5. Medium

I’m a frequent reader on Medium, where I can explore a variety of topics, gain insights, and share my thoughts. The platform has evolved into a vibrant community, fostering a space for engaging discussions and knowledge sharing.

6. Quizlet

If you’re unfamiliar with Quizlet, it’s an educational app that provides access to study cards, textbook solutions, and the ability to create study groups and online quizzes. I particularly appreciate it for its explanations of calculus, computer science, and physics exercises. I follow textbooks like "Calculus by Anton Howard" to practice, and when I need extra help, I search for exercises on Quizlet. It offers a free version with limited features, but I opted for the student version at €4.99 per month.

7. Glovo

I enjoy working from home and indulging in home cinema experiences, but I’m not much of a cook. For me, the ideal solution is ordering food. Each order through services like Uber Eats or Glovo typically costs between €1.99 and €2.50. However, with Glovo’s Premium subscription at €4.99 per month, I can place unlimited orders, making it a worthwhile investment.

In summary, these are the essential monthly subscriptions that enhance my lifestyle. I’d love to hear your thoughts or any additional services you think should be included in this list in the comments below.

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Chapter 2: Managing Your Subscriptions

The first video, "How To Cancel Monthly Subscriptions," provides valuable insights on managing your subscription services effectively.

The second video, "How To Cancel UNWANTED Apps & Service Subscriptions Using Your Computer," offers guidance on stopping unnecessary monthly payments.