# 18 · Push back on a price increase (subscriptions and software)

**Use when:** the Money Leak Finder flags "Price up X%" on a subscription or software plan (not phone/internet/insurance, which have their own templates).

**Three moves, in order:**
1. **Check what changed.** Did they add something you use? Is there a cheaper tier now (ad-supported, fewer screens, annual billing, student/family plan)?
2. **Ask for the old price** (message below). It works more often with software and smaller companies than with big streaming services, but it's free to ask.
3. **Downgrade, rotate or cancel.** If they say no, you still win by moving to the right tier or cutting it.

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## Message

**Subject:** Price increase on my account · [ACCOUNT]

Hello,

My [SERVICE / PLAN] went from [OLD PRICE] to [NEW PRICE] on [DATE]. I've been a customer since [YEAR] and I'd like to stay, but the new price doesn't fit my budget.

Could you keep me at [OLD PRICE] (or offer a loyalty / annual discount)? If not, I'll move to [LOWER TIER] or cancel at the end of this billing period.

Thank you,
[NAME]

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## Downgrade cheat-sheet (check current plans; they change often)
- **Streaming:** ad-supported tiers, fewer screens, or **rotate**: keep one service at a time, binge what you want, cancel, switch next month.
- **Music:** family or duo plans split across people you live with, student plans if eligible.
- **Cloud storage:** clean up big files and drop a tier; avoid paying two providers for the same photos.
- **Software:** annual billing is often cheaper than monthly if you'll really use it all year; if not, monthly + cancel when idle.
- **AI tools:** keep the one you use daily; most people don't need three paid chatbots.
- **News:** many outlets offer much lower renewal prices when you start to cancel (see template 03).

## UK / EU notes
- **UK:** for mobile, broadband and pay TV, Ofcom requires price rises in new contracts to be stated in pounds and pence at the point of sale (since 17 January 2025).
- **EU:** if a provider changes contract terms unilaterally, consumer and telecom rules often give you the right to withdraw. Check your contract and your national consumer authority.