Why perplexity.ai is my go-to for research and how it helped me identify tools that could help solve my digital subscription headaches.
This is fresh on my mind today.
I need to stop paying for subscriptions I am no longer using!
Subscription Overload
Countless times I've signed up for something because of an immediate need and then I forget about it and the next thing you know there's a $69 charge. Yep, that happened to me just today for a video editing software called "Wondershare". After a couple of months of using it, I found other tools that worked better for me. As I was taking my daily glance at credit card charges, there it was staring me in the face $69 for an app I deleted from my computer months ago. Ugg!!
I'm a software developer's dream customer. Think about it. Cha-ching! I just keep adding to their revenue!
Calendar Reminders
In the past few months, I've made a conscious effort to immediately put in a calendar reminder when I've signed up for something that requires my credit card.
Is it a free trial? When does the free trial end? Create a calendar event for the day before.
Is it an annual subscription? Create a calendar event a few days before the next year's charge.
Is it a monthly subscription? Set up a recurring calendar reminder.
Seems like an awful lot of manual work. Right?!!
AI Tool Research
So today I went on my favorite research tool, perplexity.ai to ask for help finding digital subscription management tools. First I asked for a list of tools. Then I said, "I have an iPhone. Help me decide which I should pick. I want something pretty simple. I don't need something to track all of my finances.. just let me know when subscriptions are coming due so I can cancel what I don't need. what app would be best and most cost-effective for what I need?"
Here's what I love about Perplexity. It asked me how much I'm willing to pay. And then tells me the phrases it's using to search the web for answers, followed by visual links to the sources ahead of the answer.
Perplexity's Recommendation
Here is what Perplexity.ai recommended for me.
Given your preference for a simple and cost-effective app to manage your subscriptions on an iPhone, here are a few options that align well with your needs. (Perplexity originally gave me a numbered list, so I asked for a table)
App Name | Cost Details | Key Features |
Free plan for up to 10 subscriptions. Paid plans start at $5 per month. | Tracks subscriptions, sends reminders, offers advanced features in paid plans. | |
Free version available. Premium features cost between $3 to $12 per month. | Tracks and manages subscriptions, offers bill negotiation and cancellation services. | |
Free for basic use with a limit on number of subscriptions. $0.99 for unlimited tracking. | Manually input subscriptions, set reminders, customize display. | |
Free for basic use. 'Subscriptions Plus' costs $2.99 for additional features. | Clean interface, no login required, customizable reminders, categorizes subscriptions. | |
One-time purchase of approximately $5.50 USD. | Primarily a budgeting app, can track subscriptions, set reminders based on pay cycle or dates. |
For your specific needs, Bobby seems to be the best fit. It's cost-effective with a one-time fee of $0.99 for unlimited subscription tracking, and it's designed specifically for subscription management. It's also highly rated for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it ideal for someone who wants an easy-to-use app without unnecessary extras11.These options should provide you with the tools you need to manage your subscriptions effectively, allowing you to keep track of due dates and cancel subscriptions you no longer need without complicating your financial management.
I couldn't resist asking a follow-up question. "curious why you recommended bobby and not subscription tracker?"
Why Bobby?
The recommendation for Bobby over Subscription Tracker is based on several factors that align with your specific needs for simplicity and cost-effectiveness:
User Interface and Ease of Use: Bobby is known for its straightforward and user-friendly interface. It allows users to manually input their subscriptions, set reminders for billing dates, and customize the display of their subscriptions. This simplicity makes it particularly appealing to individuals who prefer a no-frills approach to subscription management.
Cost Effectiveness: Bobby offers a free version that is functional for basic use with a limited number of subscriptions. For unlimited tracking, it requires only a one-time fee of approximately $0.99. This one-time fee is generally more appealing compared to ongoing subscription costs or multiple in-app purchases that some other apps might require.
Popularity and Ratings: Bobby has received positive reviews for its functionality and ease of use. It is well-rated in the app store, which suggests a good user experience and reliability.
Specific Features for Subscription Management: While Subscription Tracker also offers features for managing subscriptions, Bobby’s focus on this specific task without the clutter of additional financial management tools might be more suitable for someone looking to manage just their subscriptions.
These factors make Bobby a strong candidate for your needs, emphasizing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and a focused approach to subscription management. However, Subscription Tracker is also a viable option, especially if you are looking for a tool that includes additional features like 'Subscriptions Plus' for more detailed management capabilities. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on which set of features best aligns with your personal preferences and requirements.
Bobby Trial
So I just downloaded Bobby and I'm going to give it a whirl or should I say "Sqwhirl" based on the logo. Notice this is a screenshot from my iPhone home screen, so you get my mom's cute face in the background. I know AI can remove backgrounds, but this one I wanted to keep.
Here's a look at the Bobby interface. It's not fancy, but if it works, I don't care.
Closing Thoughts
I just purchased a tool based on advice from generative AI. How many purchasing decisions moving forward will be based on AI recommendations??!!
If I'm on the marketing team at Bobby, I would be thrilled if Perplexity.ai recommended my tool. Will I like and use Bobby, I don't know. But at least it's not a subscription I have to remember to cancel later.
Would love to get your thoughts! Have you used tools like Perplexity.ai or ChatGPT to make buying decisions? Please share your experiences. I'm interested to hear if you've found generative AI helpful in the purchasing realm. And if you have a subscription problem like me share that too. And if you've found a way to manage it, I'm all ears.
REMINDER:
Last Call for Lori's Build a GPT Workshop. This is a small group training that promises to be interactive and fun. Make a GPT, make friends, and leave inspired. This is a great follow-up course for anyone who has attended introductory sessions.
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