5 Services You’re Probably Overpaying For (And What to Do About It Before Year-End)
Look—I know the word audit makes most people flinch.
But hear me out: this is the time to do one.
As Q4 ramps up and you start closing the books, reviewing expenses, and planning for the year ahead, this is exactly when you should be looking at what you’re spending money on... and whether you’re actually getting what you’re paying for.
Spoiler alert?
Most of us aren’t.
Here are 5 services you’re likely overpaying for—and what to do about it.
1. Project Management Software
You signed up for the Cadillac. But you’re barely using the Civic.
If you’re paying for a project management tool with automations, integrations, and custom dashboards—but your team only uses it to assign tasks and tag each other in comments... you might be overpaying.
What to do:
Downgrade to a simpler plan or switch to something lightweight and easy (like Trello or ClickUp). Ask your team what they actually use.
2. Marketing Tools & Subscriptions
Do you know how many people are still paying for Mailchimp, Canva Pro, or Buffer... but haven’t logged in since May?
We love a good tool. But if it’s not part of a clear strategy—or if you’re paying for premium features just to schedule one IG post a week—cut it.
What to do:
Inventory your software subscriptions and ask: Does this save us time? Make us money? Move us forward? If not—cancel.
3. Recruiting Platforms
You might be overpaying for Indeed, LinkedIn Premium, or ZipRecruiter and still wondering why you’re getting ghosted.
Here’s the thing: most of these platforms are designed to scale visibility, not deliver vetted, qualified candidates who stick around. And the cost adds up quick—especially if you’re running “urgent” job posts without results.
What to do:
Shift your focus to relationship-based recruiting and make sure your job ads are actually written to attract humans (not just hit keywords). If you need help, you know who to call.
4. HR Tech You Don’t Understand
Employee engagement platforms. Feedback tools. Wellness apps.
It all sounds amazing—until you realize no one on your team is using them, and you don’t even remember why you signed up in the first place.
What to do:
If it’s not being used, it’s not delivering value. Either reintroduce the tool with a clear rollout plan, or cut it and reinvest the savings into something your team actually wants (like training, raises, or really good coffee).
5. Payroll Services
Let’s be honest—payroll is one of those systems most business owners set and forget, even when it’s clunky, overpriced, or just plain outdated.
I’ve seen too many folks paying premium rates for software they don’t fully use, getting hit with hidden fees, or waiting days for a real human to respond when something goes sideways. And the worst part? They think switching providers is too complicated, so they stay stuck.
But here’s the truth: Q4 is the best time to shop around. It gives you a clean break heading into the new year, without disrupting tax season or employee pay cycles.
And if the thought of vetting new vendors makes your eyes glaze over? I’ve got a connection. Someone I trust. Someone who actually saves my clients money and delivers real service, like “answers their phone” kind of service.
Don’t wait for another “surprise fee” to rethink it. This is one area where most businesses can save right now, without sacrificing anything that actually matters.
Efficiency Isn’t About Cutting Corners—It’s About Cutting What’s Not Working
You don’t have to slash budgets or operate from scarcity to be financially wise.
But as the year winds down, it’s smart leadership to ask:
Are we paying for tools or services we don’t use?
Is this system actually serving our team—or just creating noise?
Could we get the same (or better) results for less?
You’d be surprised how much money, time, and energy you can free up with just a little intentionality.
This isn’t about being cheap.
It’s about being strategic.
And if you want a second set of eyes on your people processes, your vendors, or where your budget might be leaking—I’d love to help you think through it.
Let’s make sure you’re starting the new year streamlined, supported, and ready to grow.