I've really been struggling lately - really down and tears close by.
We belong to AARP, their monthly magazine and newsletters are very informative.
Also AAA as we travel on the road quite a bit when we go see the kids. I've had to call road service a couple of times. And used their discount tickets to area attractions a few times. (we live in Florida).
We got rid of our Sam's Club membership - it's now $40 a year and for just the two of us - it doesn't pay. We can get the same type of stuff and store brands at Walmart.
AARP is still inexpensive and yes very informative. I let my Costco membership expire because I mostly used it for the pharmacy and gas and I transferred meds to Target and gas at the Arco station near me is sometimes cheaper than Costco. One of our members here posted an article some time ago, that if you don't spend $250.00 a year at the clubs it is not worth the membership. Walmart is about the best place to shop these days. They have daily sales. I don't shop there for food but I do shop at Walmart.
I also did not renew my AAA when I moved to Phoenix. I had to change car insurance so I chose Geico and road assistance is included. I liked AAA because I was able to get a free book for the state I was traveling to, lots of information on hotels, restaurants, etc. I just heard from a friend that she booked an Alaskan cruise with AAA and they were more expensive. I think for travel it's much better to do your research on the internet.
I "burned" my AARP card several years ago when they came out in favor of Bush's plan for supplimental insurances. (But that's a matter for the Political Discussions group!) Yes, I've cut way back. No memberships and no magazine subscriptions (they're 75% ads anyway). The only one I keep is AAA. My son renews it for me each year as my Christmas present. That's one that more than pays for itself if you have to use it just one time for towing, locking your keys in the car or a battery boost.
I belong to aarp,AAA,VFW,AMVETS ,AMERICAN LEGION,FOURTY AND EIGHT,YMCA,AND PROBABLY A FEW MORE I,VE FORGOTTEN ABOUT AND ENJOY THEM ALL,THEY ARE WORTH IT TO ME..
That's the important thing - if you get your money's worth out of them in enjoyment!
I just belong to AARP and when I retired I quit buying mags and newspapers.
Moose, AARP and AAA here, and I'm considering cutting out AARP next year. AAA is worth it to me for peace of mind when travelling, the Moose people are good friends. I've cut way back on mags, do not subscribe to the newspaper any longer.
AAA is an absolute necessity, i have a 20 y.o. in college that drives home every other week. and i dont want to break down with no one around here in the boonies either.
AARP, i dont have it, i think my husband does, idk. so far i dont miss it.
mag subscriptions. are mostly online anyway, and i seldom have time to read them. i do like my country side mag, it has many many tips on the garden and building stuff from other farmers.
costco is way tooooo far off. and my brother is a member, so if i need something i just ask him for it. splitting the cost is a very good way to go. one person gets the membership and everyone can buy stuff, he/she just does the paying, and you pay them back. we share mags that way to, one gets a subscription and we all read it. we split the cost. we also split the AAA cost. if my brother breaks down, i go there to meet him and then we call the tow truck on my card. or my dad, or my hub. of course maintaining your car is the most cost effective method, but stuff happens. like when my brother hit a bear in the dead of night on a lonely country road.
Well let's see now, I belong to AARP---it unlocks the key to my remarkable savings on my Auto and Homeowner's Insurances, and also, my Long-Term Care Insurance. You must belong to AARP in order to receive the benefits of these Insurance Groups. I belong to BJ's Membership Warehouse for the grocery {durable goods} savings and also, to Costco's for the Rx savings over retail pharmacies. Although I don't use Costco like I used to, I still feel that the $50.00 membership pays for itself in one trip to the pharm., compared to the same trip to a retail pharm. Also, I've discovered recently that the discounts you gain at the gas pumps thru Costco can be substantial, especially with a fill-up. Oh, I also have the AARP Motoring Club membership. Woman alone with an old Cadi---no brainer~ All-in-all, I've been very pleased with my AARP clubs and memberships; they help me to offset the higher costs of living that I would otherwise have to endure. Believe me, I've run the numbers on all of the different scenarios {with and without the clubs}.
All of my magazines are expiring and my AARP. I am not going to renew them. i can get the magazine info on the internet and the magazines are mostly adds. I do get Readers Digest. I have not benefited from AARP. I let my AAA expire because I drive less than 50 Miles a month.
