Subscription Burn Calculator 2026
Visualize how much your monthly recurring expenses are worth over 30 years if they were invested instead.
Last updated: May 2026
Opportunity Cost
This is how much you'd have in 30Y if you invested this amount instead.
"Small monthly leaks sink big financial ships." If you cut just 2 unused subscriptions, you could retire months earlier.
The Subscription Trap
In 2026, it's easier than ever to sign up for a service. ₹199 for music, ₹499 for video, ₹999 for software — these amounts seem small in isolation. However, these are perpetual liabilities.
When you multiply these small monthly costs by 30 years and factor in 12-15% equity returns, the numbers become shocking. This tool calculates the Opportunity Cost: the wealth you are sacrificing today for convenience or entertainment.
How to use this calculator
- 1List Monthly Costs — Input your monthly spend on Video (OTT), Music, Gym, AI tools, and Newsletters.
- 2Select Horizon — Choose how many years you want to project (typically 20, 30, or 40 years).
- 3Adjust Returns — Set the expected annual return rate if you were to invest this money in a Nifty/S&P Index fund.
- 4Review the Burn — See the total 'Opportunity Cost' in Crores/Millions at the end of the period.
Formula & example
Wealth Lost = Monthly Cost × [((1+r)^n - 1) / r] × (1+r)
Example: ₹3,000/month in total subscriptions.
- Duration: 30 Years
- Expected Return: 12%
- Total Paid: ₹10.8 Lakhs
- Opportunity Cost (Future Value): ₹1.05 Crores!
Benefits
Financial Awareness
Recognize that 'small' monthly charges are actually multi-million dollar decisions over a lifetime.
Expense Optimization
Identify unused services and redirect that capital into compounding assets.
Retirement Boost
See how cutting just ₹1,000/month can add a significant cushion to your retirement.
Use cases
Lifestyle Audits
Periodically checking if your recurring costs align with your long-term wealth goals.
Subscription Management
Deciding whether to buy a yearly plan or cancel a monthly one.
Financial Literacy
Teaching young professionals about the impact of small recurring leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tool suggesting I cancel all subscriptions?+
No! Some services add immense value or joy. This tool is simply to help you understand the long-term price of that value so you can make an informed choice.
Does it factor in price hikes?+
This version uses a fixed monthly amount. In reality, subscriptions often increase in price, making the 'Burn' even higher.
What is a 'good' subscription to keep?+
Generally, tools that improve your health, productivity, or income-earning potential have a higher ROI than pure entertainment.