Google drive's free. It may have a limit just like icloud, but it's better than icloud. Also you get to choose which one to back up. Unlike with icloud, you have no idea what they backed up coz you can't technically see them all other than the percentage of how much files, photos, apps and such.

So for photos and vids and important files, i put them in google drive. Delete them afterwards, and the rest i let icloud do the work.

I learned my lesson when my ipod touch then was stolen, i bought an iphone and realized many of my notes, screenshots of reviewers, along with photos of important events wasn't saved in icloud but a lot of junk photos(memes, pinterest...you get the idea) was backed up.

I put all my photos and vids in google drive. I don't use icloud. Then after that, i delete the photos and vids in my phone, and done! The problem will be is if you use shared albums with your friends. I think you can't delete photos in recent photos that you've posted in the shared album

Didn't know i could request a refund on something from the app store or subscriptions. Great tip! Will try that in the future.