Helping Older Relatives With Subscriptions

Start with a conversation, not a takeover

Ask before you look at anyone's accounts. You might say you just went through your own subscriptions and found charges you forgot about, and offer to help them do the same. Let them lead. Their money and their choices belong to them.

Keep the tone light and avoid blame. Anyone can miss a small monthly charge, and feeling embarrassed can make people less likely to ask for help later.

Do a subscription check together

Sit down side by side and go through statements and the phone's subscription list. Make a simple written list of what they pay for, how much, and when it renews. Let them decide what to keep.

• Check the subscription list on their phone or tablet.
• Look at the last few months of bank and card statements.
• Look for repeat charges, small charges, and names they don't recognize.
• Cancel only what they choose to cancel, and save confirmations.

Watch for free trial traps

Free trials often turn into paid plans unless canceled in time. Encourage a simple habit: before signing up for anything free, check what it will cost later and set a reminder a few days before the trial ends. Be extra careful with offers that only ask for shipping costs, since they can lead to ongoing charges.

Set up alerts that help

Most banks and card companies let account holders turn on text or email alerts. Alerts for any charge, or for charges over a set amount, help spot problems early. Your relative can choose to receive alerts themselves, and some banks let account holders add a trusted contact. Ask their bank what options are available.

• Turn on purchase alerts for each card.
• Require a password for app store purchases.
• Consider using one card for subscriptions so they are easier to track.

Account access only with permission

Never use someone's passwords or accounts without clear permission. If your relative wants ongoing help, there are formal options, such as being named as an agent under a power of attorney. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers free guides for people who manage money for a loved one. A lawyer can explain what fits your family's situation.

Less formal help, like reviewing statements together each month, may be all that is needed.

Talk about scams too

Some messages pretend to be subscription renewals or refund offers to get payment details. Remind your relative not to click links or call numbers in unexpected messages and to check accounts directly. The FTC's Pass It On materials are a friendly way to start that talk.