How to Track and Manage Subscriptions using Notion

Keeping track of various subscriptions can become a complex and overwhelming task. Notion, the all-in-one Workspace, provides a powerful solution for organizing and Managing subscriptions, allowing you to have a clear overview of your expenses and billing cycles. In this article, we will explore updated steps and best practices to effectively track and manage subscriptions using Notion.

Setting up a Subscriptions Database

The first step is to create a dedicated database to store all your subscription information. In Notion, you can easily create a new database by clicking on New and selecting Database from the menu. Notion now offers a range of view options such as Table, Board, List, Calendar, and Gallery, so you can choose the one that best fits your workflow.

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

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

Feel free to 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. You can use the Description field or add 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, or others. Categorizing your subscriptions simplifies filtering and helps you quickly locate relevant information.

Sorting and Filtering

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

Tracking Payment Dates and Renewals

Never miss a renewal with Notion’s enhanced reminder features. Simply hover over the subscription entry, click on the ellipsis (three dots), and select Remind me to set a reminder for the renewal date or upcoming payment. Notion will send you a notification on the specified day, keeping you up to date with your billing cycles. For more details on setting reminders, check out this guide.

Visualizing Subscription Statistics

Gain insights into your spending patterns with 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. You can switch between table, calendar, or even timeline views for a more dynamic perspective on your subscriptions. Explore advanced properties and filters to further break down your statistics.

Collaborating and Sharing

Notion shines with its collaborative features. Share your subscription database with family members, roommates, or colleagues to keep everyone informed. Click on the Share button in the top right corner and enter the email addresses of your collaborators. You can 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 like Zapier and Integromat (now Make) allow you to automate tasks such as creating new subscription entries from email confirmations or other notifications. This integration streamlines your processes and ensures that your database stays up to date automatically.

Conclusion

Managing and tracking subscriptions can feel daunting, but Notion simplifies the process by providing a flexible, customizable platform. With the ability to create a dedicated database, categorize, sort, filter, and visualize your subscriptions, Notion becomes the go-to solution for Subscription tracking and management. By leveraging its collaborative features and integrations, you can ensure that everyone involved stays updated on your subscription expenses. Happy organizing!