Yes, I am getting old quickly! Yes, I am a new member of AARP! But I know VERY little about the organization and its benefits. I need your help!
- Are you a member?
- Is it worth the $16 fee (I assume that is a no-brainer) per year?
- What benefits do you like about the organization?
- If you are eligible and haven’t joined – why not?
I really hope you can give me some helpful tips that I can use as well as other readers who are close to joining this organization.
I look forward to reading your comments.
Pat Billups says:
I was a member and then dropped my membership when AARP decided to get political. Other organizations offer the same benefits.
Robert Harrell says:
I used to belong to AARP but not any more. Too liberal for me, and that’s not my cup of tea. They poured a lot of money into supporting ObamaCare. I still get the magazine and solicitations, but don’t send them money. I still have my card I use if I can get a discount somewhere. I joined AMAC…Association for Mature American Citizens.
Patti Schluesselheim says:
While I am not eligible (YET!), I don’t think I will be joining. My reason is simple. As a marketing professional, I don’t find their marketing to be very effective or appropriate. I have been receiving snail mail, emails and phone calls from them in the last few years and I won’t be 50 until 2020! Additionally, I feel they prey on seniors and their fears as opposed to being truthful and honest.
Dan Rangel says:
I don’t know about the political side of the organization but I am 50 and I haven’t looked closely at the mailings because I don’t want to admit that I am aging! I like that you started this blog though because I really don’t know the benefits either. Perhaps if I knew them I would consider it.
Lynn says:
Welcome to the club, Merrill! I travel a lot and AARP saves me quite a bit on rental cars and hotels – lots more than the membership fee. And I appreciate their support of the national health plan.
Christine Cook says:
Oh Dear! I am a member. Can you stand it? We’re members of ARRP. Don’t know the bennies yet as I haven’t resolved the issue of membership : ). The Newsletter is pretty good though.
Phil Harriau says:
I like the discounts I get, especially Expedia where car rentals are cheaper than anywhere else. Hilton property discounts are also very good. But I agree with others that AARP has become way too political, and I would like to have an alternative. Anyone know of one with comparable benefits sans politics?
Ed Case says:
Besides its extreme liberal position, AARP is not much more than a platform (paid for by the members) for selling insurance etc. for profit or at least high pay for the exec’s. if you want discounts, join AAA,
Larry Gulledge says:
I dropped my membership when I began to realize how liberal and political the organization is. I believe they align themselves behind a political party that will support their non-profit status. The Obama administration certainly fulfills their objective. As others suggested AAA or other organizations offer discounts that are as good as AARP.
John Castellano says:
Wish I could help but I am a long way from getting that magazine… 🙂
Steve Nash says:
I’ve been a member for several years and am very satisfied with the organization. Monthly magazine is always full of very useful and interesting material. Hotel discounts can save more than the membership dues in one nights stay. They help support the continuing of Medicare with improvements to the system and lowering health costs for all seniors. Obamacare is working to help those denied insurance in the past and to stop the freeloading of non insured at our emergency rooms.
Beverly says:
Agree re: the discounts, even better than my AAA card, and yes, does pay for one year’s subscription with one night’s stay. Didn’t really pay attention to the political side, worth considering. I’m actually a tagalong–my husband became eligible before me, so I enjoy it even more! 😉 We even did a mulit-year for more savings
Other deals: free donut with each lg/xl coffee purchase at Dunkie’s. Denny’s 20% off meal from 4-10pm and $1 coffee fore everyone at your table.
We were sent a small brochure listing these and more discounts. Check out AARPDiscounts.com to see if you can determine if their savings fit your needs.
Good question.