Beware of 'Broke' Harbolnas 12.12! Here's How to Shop Digital Services Without Losing Money

The beautiful date of 12.12, also known as Harbolnas (National Online Shopping Day), is right around the corner. Let's be honest, our shopping carts on our favorite marketplaces are surely full, right? From that gadget we've been eyeing, clothes, to trivial items we don't really need but added to the cart just because of the "90% Off" label.

The euphoria of shopping is indeed fun. But be careful, there is one phenomenon that always haunts us after the shopping party is over: "Boncos" (Going Broke). We often focus too much on chasing discounts for physical goods, forgetting that there are "invisible" expenses silently eating away at our account balance every month. Yes, we are talking about digital services.

Amidst this 12.12 hustle and bustle, let's pause for a moment and strategize. Don't let us buy a new Smart TV on sale, but forget that the streaming app subscription to go with it will break the bank.

Here are smart ways to shop for digital services so that this 12.12 moment doesn't end in regret.

Don't Be Tempted by "Annual Promo" Traps

Many streaming apps or productivity software offer "20% Off if paid annually" promos during Harbolnas. Sounds tempting? Hold on.

Let's recalculate. A 20% discount off an already expensive official price (e.g., Rp 2 million becomes Rp 1.6 million) is still expensive compared to other options. Plus, a one-year commitment is heavy. What if next month we get bored or there's a better app? The millions we transferred can't be refunded.

Audit "Ghost" Subscriptions

Before checking out the items in the 12.12 cart, try checking the bank statement for the last three months. Look for "ghost" subscriptions apps we pay for but rarely use.

Maybe there's a photo editing app used once during a vacation, or a music app still running even though we've moved to another platform. Cancel them right now. The saved small change of Rp 50,000 or Rp 100,000 is quite significant for adding to the coffee budget.

Apply the "Sharing" Formula

This is a secret many people miss. 12.12 promos from official providers rarely beat the Sharing Account prices offered by JoinBareng.

Let's use logic.

• Scenario A (Official 12.12 Promo): Netflix Premium subscription 10% off. Price Rp 186,000 becomes Rp 167,400 per month.
• Scenario B (JoinBareng): Shared Netflix Premium subscription. Price starts from Rp 35,000 - Rp 45,000 per month.

Without needing to wait for the double date, the price in Scenario B is already many times cheaper. So, rather than wasting energy hunting for discount vouchers that run out quickly, it's better to switch to the sharing method. We get the exact same features (4K, Legal, Private Profile) at a much more sensible price.

Focus on Year-End Holiday Needs

Shop according to the time context. Next month is the Christmas and New Year holiday. Prioritize digital services that will support our holiday.

• Want a movie marathon? Secure a Netflix or Disney+ account.
• Going on a road trip? Ensure Spotify Premium is active for ad-free listening on the road.
• Want to create 2025 recap content? Check out Canva Pro or CapCut Pro.

By focusing on these specific needs, we won't waste money on apps that will go untouched during the holidays.

Harbolnas 12.12 should be a moment for us to gain, not lose. Don't let Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) dull our financial logic.

Buy the physical goods we truly need, and for digital services, leave it to the savings experts.