Is an AARP membership worth it?

[taximom00]

I have AAA. Are the AARP discounts the same, better or more variety? I just turned 50 and have been getting AARP reminders to join. Thought maybe I'd wait till AAA expires however I do think the car service AAA gives are beneficial so not sure!!

 

[Judique]

I have AAA. Are the AARP discounts the same, better or more variety? I just turned 50 and have been getting AARP reminders to join. Thought maybe I'd wait till AAA expires however I do think the car service AAA gives are beneficial so not sure!!

I think AAA is much more beneficial and provides many and more of the same services, in addition to bringing me that gallon of gas or jump starting or towing my car. I've never seen anything on the AARP that would benefit me over what I already can get for free or that comes along with my AAA.

 

[Flamingeaux]

I used to belong, but dropped my membership over the politics they support.

bingo

 

[havaneselover]

bingo

I'm too young for AARP, but I won't join for the same reasons nor do my parents belong. I don't like/agree with their agenda.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Keep in mind that you do not need an AARP card for most senior discounts.

Many places have discounts for seniors over a certain age (sometimes as young as 55, but usually 62 or 65) and also discounts for AARP members. If you are younger than 55/62/65, then the AARP membership will get you additional benefits.

AARP also has some travel benefits for its members that are not available for non-members of any age. -- Suzanne

 

[midwestdee]

I am all about AARP. I have never gotten a phone call or much "junk" mail from them. Their agenda of trying to make sure older Americans get a fair shake and good information is wonderful.

 

[Styx Fan]

I am 51 and had an AARP discount last year and did not renew. I did not use it one time. Perhaps it depends on the stage of life you are in. We still have 2 kids at home (18 and 11) and did not travel at all last year, so no travel discounts. We also do not eat out at the restaurants that were giving an AARP discount. All of the places we go have a senior discount that is around 60.

 

[gardengalB4]

Walgreens had a program this past fall...buy x amt of healthcare products....get a free AARP membership.
Something to watch for...

 

[DVCcurious]

Their agenda of trying to make sure older Americans get a fair shake is wonderful.

IF that was their agenda THAT WOULD be wonderful.

But that's not their agenda. Their agenda is straightforward: Support a certain political party regardless whether it's policies hurt or help older Americans.

 

[NewRVLady]

There are AARP newletters and magazines with lots of retirement tips

I use it at Hampton Inn-we travel a lot-saves $15-20 pernight
I also have AAA which marriot chain uses

Some chains use both and AAA will beat the AARP rate

 

[sunshinecruise]

My dh and I joined AARP last year when before we booked our Norwegian cruise. We saved 5% on the cruise with our AARP discount.

 

[ktate82]

Actually, you can join AARP anytime after you turn 18. Before age 50, it is called an associate membership. I got several applications (I'm 32) and when I called them, I told them I wasn't over 50. They said it didn't matter, you can join under that membership program if wanted and get the discounts. I opted not since we have AAA, but wanted to put that out there in case someone was wanting to join before age 50.

 

[danygirl]

DH absolutely refuses to join because of the politics. I would love the discounts. the alternative group does not have enough discounts to interest me.

 

[Snoozan]

I had AARP for several years but did not renew it as I foundo I got better hotel discounts on other sites like booking.Com or groupon. We do not live in an area that most restaurants with discounts are. And, I find better car rental deals elsewhere too.

 

[DVC-Don]

An alternative to AARP is Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). Lot of discounts, but I don't belong to that one either.

 

[dsneprincess]

I'm too young for AARP, but I won't join for the same reasons nor do my parents belong. I don't like/agree with their agenda.

This is exactly where we all stand as well. DH is old enough, keeps getting solicitations. No way, no how are they getting our money!

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

All I'd probably use it for would be the discounts, as I don't need health insurance at this point. It's cheap, only $16 a year, but who's used the discounts and are they worth it? Thanks!

I paid until 2019 for dh and I and it was pennies on the dollar. When traveling I use it tons, of to the website for all the locations. Denny's we use it frequently.

WHen it come to a soc sec supplemental you can't beat it. There is about a 25% off the United Health care we have. Full coverage, no OOP, no deductibles.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Looked at the discount link the PP listed and you can save 10% at the Landry restaurant which are Rainforest T-Rex. Yak and Yeti is not on the list but they are a Landry restaurant so you might get the discount there too.


Didn't know you didn't have to be 50 to join so I joined. Selected the autorenewal and my first year membership fee is $12.00 Can't wait to start saving! And I get a free insulated tote bag that is a great size to take to WDW.

 

[DizMe]

I am fine with AARP's ideology, but I have not found a membership to be of any benefit to me. I've joined twice, but have not used the discounts enough to justify membership because either I was unaware (popcorn at the movie theater? Didn't know!) or, more often, I've gotten better discounts on my own or through AAA. I also don't use AAA discounts as often as I could for the same reason. I can't keep track of what they are!

I think if, like me, you live in a rural area and don't find benefit in their travel discounts, it's not really worth it. However, the cost is minimal so it doesn't hurt to try it out.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

IF that was their agenda THAT WOULD be wonderful.

But that's not their agenda. Their agenda is straightforward: Support a certain political party regardless whether it's policies hurt or help older Americans.

Which party/ideology? Curious. Also may join if others seem to like it, altho my ego can't get past that I'm old enough now.