Ever wondered why your bank account seems to drain faster than it should? The culprit might be hiding in plain sight—those "convenient" auto-pay subscriptions.

Today I dive into the sneaky world of subscription price creep, where that $50 internet bill quietly becomes $90, and that $10 car wash membership quadruples after the promotional period ends. Companies like Xfinity/Comcast have mastered the art of the promotional rate bait-and-switch, counting on our busy lives and inattention to boost their profits at our expense.

The problem isn't just limited to streaming services—though Netflix has certainly had its share of price hikes. The issue extends to internet providers, cell phone plans, gym memberships, newspaper subscriptions, and even car wash services. These companies typically notify you of price increases on the same day they debit your account, giving you virtually no time to respond before the money's gone.

The good news? You don't have to be a victim of this corporate strategy. I share my personal experiences with Sirius XM and The New York Times, where simply calling to cancel resulted in maintaining my original promotional rate. The key is vigilance—setting calendar reminders for when promotional periods end, regularly reviewing your statements, and being willing to make that five-minute phone call that could save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Take the 30-minute challenge this weekend: audit your subscriptions, identify the price creepers, and renegotiate your rates. Then share how much you saved by commenting on our social media. Your wallet will thank you, and you might just inspire others to reclaim their financial power from subscription creep.

Envision Financial Planning. 5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2428, Memphis, TN 38137. (901) 422-7526. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the United States. Advisory Services offered through Envision Financial Planning, a Registered Investment Adviser.