The Audit: Facing the Clutter

The Moment of Truth

Last week’s issue was about cutting what doesn’t scale.
This week is about seeing what’s really there.

Most of us don’t have a spending problem — we have an awareness problem.
Subscriptions are invisible. They autopilot our money and attention right out of our hands, one “Pro” plan at a time.

You can’t simplify what you haven’t surfaced.
So before you cancel anything, we start with an audit.

Step 1: Pull Everything Into the Light

Open your bank account, PayPal, and App Store history.
Write down every recurring charge — monthly or annual — even the small ones.
The goal isn’t judgment. It’s honesty.

If you’re visual:

• Copy it into a Notion table, spreadsheet, or notebook.

• Add columns for cost, purpose, and last time used.

When you’re done, you’ll see your creative ecosystem in black and white — and probably feel a mix of shock and relief.

Step 2: Label by Function, Not Guilt

Forget “good” or “bad.”
Label each tool by what it does:

• Create: helps you make or ship something.

• Publish: helps you share it.

• Measure: helps you understand what’s working.

• Misc: everything else.

You’ll instantly see what’s fueling your growth versus what’s just… hanging around.

Tool Spotlight: Automate Your Awareness

If spreadsheets aren’t your thing, let AI handle the detective work.

Copilot Money
Connect your bank accounts and cards — Copilot’s AI will surface every recurring payment and highlight which ones you haven’t touched in months. It’s the fastest way to see what’s silently draining both your budget and your focus.

Step 3: Tally the Hidden Total

Now total the cost per month.
This is your subscription footprint.
It’s not about shame — it’s about perspective.

Most creatives discover they’re spending more on unused tools than on anything that actually moves their work forward.
That number becomes your new baseline.
Next week, we start shrinking it.

The Challenge

Audit every recurring expense you have — business, creative, or personal.
Circle the ones you haven’t used in 30 days.
Your only task this week: see everything.

You can’t build focus on top of fog.