Choosing a paid plan

BEFORE YOU BUY
- [ ] You've used the free plan for at least [2 weeks] and keep hitting a specific limit (message cap, a feature you need, file size), not just "I'd like better"
- [ ] You've written down which task the paid plan will solve and how much time it will save each week
- [ ] You've done the math: hours saved × the value of your hour is more than the subscription price
- [ ] You've checked whether the feature already comes with something you pay for (email, office suite, CRM)

COMPARING PLANS
- [ ] Prices and limits come from the service's official website today, not from an article or a video
- [ ] It's clear exactly what is limited: number of messages, file size, access to models, features
- [ ] Sales tax and any currency conversion fees are factored in
- [ ] You've compared monthly and yearly billing; choose yearly only after a month of real use
- [ ] For a team, look at a team plan: shared projects, access management, data terms

DATA AND TERMS
- [ ] You've read how the service handles your data on this plan and whether you can turn off its use for training
- [ ] If you work with client data, the plan fits the requirements of your contracts
- [ ] You know how to cancel and what happens to your files and history after you cancel

AFTER YOU BUY
- [ ] A reminder on your calendar 3 days before renewal: "Am I using it? Is it paying off?"
- [ ] All subscriptions are in one list with price and renewal date (see the "Cost of your AI tool stack" calculator)
- [ ] In a month: if you use it less than once a week, cancel or move to a lower plan