How to Track and Manage Subscriptions using Notion

Keeping track of various subscriptions can quickly become overwhelming. Notion, the all-in-one Workspace, provides a powerful solution for organizing and Managing subscriptions, giving you a clear overview of your expenses and billing cycles. This updated guide explores current best practices and new Notion features to help you effectively track and manage your subscriptions.

Setting up a Subscriptions Database

Begin by creating a dedicated database to store all your subscription information. In Notion, you can quickly set this up by clicking on New and selecting Database from the menu. Notion now offers a variety of view options including Table, Board, List, Calendar, and Gallery, so you can choose the one that best fits your workflow.

After your database is created, customize the properties (or columns) to capture the details you want to track. Consider including:

• Subscription Name
• Provider
• Billing Cycle
• Cost
• Renewal Date

You can also add extra fields such as payment method, cancellation policies, or custom tags using Notion’s multi-select or relation properties.

Adding Subscription Entries

To add a new entry, click on the + New button within your database view. Enter the necessary details for each subscription, including the name, provider, billing cycle, cost, and renewal date. Use the Description field or inline comments to record additional details like payment methods or special notes.

Categorizing Subscriptions

To easily distinguish between different types of subscriptions, create a category property in your database. Use a Select or Multi-select property to group subscriptions into categories such as Streaming Services, Software Subscriptions, Gym Memberships, and more. Categorizing your subscriptions simplifies filtering and helps you quickly locate the information you need.

Sorting and Filtering

Notion offers robust sorting and filtering options. You can sort subscriptions by renewal date, cost, or any other property you’ve defined. Use the Sort option to organize your entries, and apply Filters by clicking on the Filter button in the database view. For example, filter your list to show only active subscriptions or those with a specific billing cycle.

Tracking Payment Dates and Renewals

Avoid missing a renewal with Notion’s enhanced reminder features. Simply click on an entry and select the Remind me option to set a reminder for upcoming payments or renewal dates. Notion will send you a notification on the specified day, ensuring you remain informed about your billing cycles. For more details on setting up reminders, check out this guide.

Visualizing Subscription Statistics

Gain insights into your spending patterns using Notion’s visualization features. Use the Create Linked Database option to build a new view that summarizes your subscription expenses, provider-wise spending, or other key metrics. Switch between table, calendar, or timeline views for a dynamic perspective on your subscriptions. Experiment with advanced filters and properties to further break down your data.

Collaborating and Sharing

Notion’s collaborative features make it easy to keep everyone informed. Share your subscription database with family members, roommates, or colleagues. Click on the Share button in the top right corner and enter the email addresses of your collaborators. Manage permissions to allow others to view, edit, or comment on the database as needed.

Integrations and Automations

Enhance your subscription management workflow by integrating Notion with other apps. Tools such as Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) enable you to automate tasks. For example, you can automatically create new subscription entries from email confirmations or other notifications, ensuring your database remains up to date.

Conclusion

Managing and tracking subscriptions may seem daunting, but Notion simplifies the process with a flexible, customizable platform. By creating a dedicated database, categorizing, sorting, filtering, and visualizing your subscriptions, Notion becomes the go-to solution for Subscription tracking and management. Combining its collaborative features with powerful integrations means that everyone stays updated on your subscription expenses. Happy organizing!