The concept of moving from transactional purchases to subscriptions is fascinating. From how we think about customers, to how we serve them (Customer Success), and how we continue to perceive the value over the course of time. There’s a lot going on here.
But, from a personal budget standpoint, as this transition takes place, it seems like there will be less disposable income as we conceive of it today. For example, if I make a major expense in a month, except for paying it off the following months, I needn’t be concerned about it “recurring”. However, if I only spend $5/month on a product or service, then I will continue to spend that into perpetuity. Multiply hundreds of times over (apps, Netflix, Amazon Prime, internet, other software, food, health care, wine club, housing…).
What will life look like in 10, 20 years from now? What will our spending habits be like? Will it help us stay within our budget? Or will human nature prevail and we spend spend spend?
What will happen to our disposable income? Will we have any? How will our budgeting philosophy change?
Less-than-ideal would be if everyone’s income is fully spent on subscriptions and flexibility to spend money on this or that.
Jeff Beaumont 