Why I Canceled Audible and Switched to Libby for Free Audiobooks

Spending Examination: Subscriptions, Part 1

This week, I decided to look at my spending on subscriptions. I have several. (If you’re new here, I’m going through my budget one category at a time.)

Why I canceled Audible

Today, I canceled Audible. Why? Because I didn’t feel good watching $14.95 get charged to my credit card every month for a service I only sometimes used.

Do I like listening to audiobooks? Yes, absolutely. But when I asked myself whether this was a “hell yes” purchase or just something nice to have, it was the latter.

I used Audible a decent amount, but I was racking up more credits than I could use, and I knew I could get audiobooks from the library for free.

Reminding myself this is an experiment

When I start second guessing whether or not to save $15, I remind myself I’m experimenting. I’m taking a deep dive into my expenses, cutting out the fat, and seeing how that feels. I can always add something back later if I miss it too dearly.

Canceling Audible was harder than it should be

What is it with companies not letting you cancel? Canceling Audible took me a full 15 minutes on the phone with their support team. I was put on hold for an annoyingly long time, and the rep said he needed manager approval. I had just run into the same kind of barrier canceling T-Mobile Internet the other day, and I find that practice by companies to be horrendous.

While I waited for his manager’s permission to stop paying them(!), he asked if I was sure I wanted to cancel, then started listing book titles and their plot summaries, as if that would entice me back. Just let me cancel! Finally, the manager said I could. Thank you, sir.

I don’t think I’ll ever want to support a company that makes it so hard to leave. Not a good vibe, Audible!

Before you cancel: use your credits

From audibles website: “All remaining membership credits will be forfeited at the end of your final billing cycle.”  In my case, I decided to delete the entire app so I wouldn’t be tempted to buy a title on whim.

Libby: a free alternative to Audible

I use the Libby app. It’s 100% free, and I use it to borrow ebooks that I read on my Kindle and audiobooks I listen to on my phone.

My favorite Libby hacks

1. I have library cards from two different cities I’ve lived in here in the Bay Area, and I’ve kept them both connected to the app. That lets me search for titles across several libraries at once.
2. Once an ebook is downloaded to my Kindle, I put the Kindle in airplane mode. That keeps the book on my Kindle until I finish it, instead of it being returned automatically when the loan ends. I don't like to feel rushed in reading.

A hidden benefit of the library: delayed gratification

Another benefit of using Libby is practicing delayed gratification. I’m trying to distance myself a little from my instant gratification habits, because they tend to increase my unintentional spending. Having to wait for a title I want to borrow shows me how truly interested I really am in spending my time reading or listening to it.

How to get started with Libby

If you don’t know about Libby, it’s really easy to use. All you need is a library card. Here are the steps:

1. Download the Libby app from your device’s app store, or go to libbyapp.com.
2. Find your local public library by searching for its name, city, or zip code.
3. Sign in with your library card number and PIN or password.
4. Search for a title and tap Borrow.

Spending audit accumulated monthly savings :

• Cell Phone Audit resulted in savings of $30.24/month
• Internet Audit resulted in savings of $0.01/month
• Canceling Audible saves me $14.95 a month

That brings my total savings so far to $45.20/month.

Next up: more subscriptions! I'm thinking Amazon Prime.