Essential Subscriptions You Should Consider in 2023
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The Rise of Subscription Services
In today's world, subscription-based services have emerged as a prevalent model across various sectors, including entertainment, software, and even gourmet coffee. While this trend may seem daunting, it can actually be advantageous for both consumers and businesses. For companies, subscriptions provide a reliable revenue stream, while customers enjoy a more affordable means of accessing essential products and services.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential pitfalls of multiple subscriptions. Over time, we may overlook the subscriptions we’ve signed up for, leading to an accumulation of costs that can catch us off guard. To manage this, I maintain a spreadsheet that tracks my subscription expenses, and I set a recurring reminder every six months to review it and cancel any services I no longer use. This strategy has proven effective in helping me stay financially savvy.
As I review my subscriptions, I’d like to share three that I find indispensable and believe could be beneficial to you.
1. Dashlane
Among the many password managers I’ve tried, Dashlane stands out as my preferred choice. It’s more than just a password manager; it’s a comprehensive security suite. Currently, I pay £3.99 monthly for the premium version, which also includes a VPN—ideal for using unsecured public Wi-Fi.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) safeguards your internet traffic by encrypting it, making it invisible to anyone on an open network. Dashlane uses Hotspot Shield, which offers an extensive array of server locations worldwide.
Beyond the VPN, Dashlane excels in generating unique, secure passwords, monitoring the Dark Web for data leaks, and sending alerts if your stored information is compromised. It even lets you share passwords securely with trusted individuals, revocable at any time.
In short, Dashlane is a tool I genuinely value and wholeheartedly recommend.
This video discusses the importance of using a password manager like Dashlane and its various features.
2. OneDrive
In an era where data backup is crucial, especially with the multitude of devices we use, OneDrive has become my go-to cloud storage solution. I’ve explored various providers, but OneDrive integrates seamlessly across different platforms.
Currently, I subscribe for £5.99 a month, which provides me with 1TB of storage and access to Microsoft 365 applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I primarily opted for this subscription for the cloud storage benefits.
OneDrive offers a free tier, but it’s limited to 5GB—significantly less than Google Drive’s free 15GB. The basic plan, at £1.99 monthly, grants 100GB, which is a reasonable option for many users.
As an IT professional, I cannot stress enough the importance of cloud storage for data backup. Technical issues can arise unexpectedly, jeopardizing your valuable data. I speak from experience, as OneDrive saved me numerous times during my university studies!
This video highlights the advantages of using OneDrive for cloud storage and data management.
3. Todoist
Finally, I want to touch on Todoist, a recent addition to my subscription lineup that has significantly improved my daily organization. I’m currently utilizing a 6-month trial that came with my smartphone, but I intend to continue my subscription once the trial ends due to its positive impact on my productivity.
Todoist offers a free version with certain limitations, such as a maximum of 5 active projects at a time, which is manageable for most users. I’m currently using the Pro version, which includes features like reminders and additional project slots.
The Pro version costs £5 per month or £48 annually. Although it’s not the cheapest option, the value it provides is undeniable. After trying various task management apps, Todoist has emerged as my favorite. If you’re on the lookout for an organizational tool, I encourage you to explore different options to find what works best for you.
Summary
In conclusion, I wouldn’t recommend any subscription lightly. The services mentioned in this article significantly enhance my daily life, and I’m confident they can be beneficial for others as well. This isn’t an exhaustive list of my subscriptions, but these three are the ones I value the most.
What are your top three subscriptions? I’d love to hear your thoughts, as they may help others make informed choices!
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