I love a deal. Who doesn’t? Now imagine a good deal on a membership that leads to even more discounts—it’s a no-brainer. I signed up for an AARP membership when I turned 50, when my daughter jokingly told me, “it’s just what you do.” I didn’t know then how greatly it would impact my day-to-day life.
An AARP membership costs $12 for the first month, then $16 per month after that. I spend at least that much on my weekly lunch date with my sister. It really is a manageable expense, particularly considering the exponential value it offers. Here is a list of my best uses for my membership.
1. Daily discounts and advocacy
I’ve never been one to clip coupons, but I do always look for a sale. Those deals I mentioned above are now sprinkled throughout my daily life, and yet somehow the experience never loses its luster. AARP members can find discounts on groceries, flowers, gas, and insurance—the things that affect our spending every day. I recently saved 50% on glasses when my prescription needed to be updated, and we receive a discount on our phone bill each month. There are tons of other benefits, too. They have a team dedicated to advocacy for issues like medicare, insulin prices, and more. If we want to plan a trip, there are tons of opportunities for discounted flights and hotels and cars, as well as help with planning if we desire. It has been much easier to budget with these perks.
2. Job search tools for sunsetting careerists
I retired from teaching at age 55, after 25 amazing years. I was thrilled to have more free time, and especially looked forward to Tuesdays, my day with my baby grandson. But I still desired to feel useful doing something that was my own. I wasn’t sure where to begin finding a part-time job that both suited my availability and matched my experience, short of having to tour my town asking for job applications like a teenager would. The AARP Job Board turned out to be where I found an opportunity to tutor students, a path I loved for many years. My wishes for my lifestyle recently shifted again, and I revisit the Job Board often to find community service days in which to partake. I wouldn’t have had access to this without my membership. Members with other job-related needs will find skill-building courses and resumé advice through this tool.
3. A community of people who can relate
The pace of my days is slower than it once was, and without a job or regular recurring commitment, I desire more social outings. I love our town’s local culture, and my husband and I patronize our local restaurants when we’re celebrating an occasion. However, some of my closest girlfriends—the ones I have the most fun with—I met through AARP events. My local chapter holds everything from cooking classes to yoga and pilates workshops, even lectures on interesting topics like True Crime, and most of them are free. I’ve really enjoyed meeting folks who are in a similar season of life as me through these outings.
4. Our weekly movie night
My husband and I have always looked forward to Sundays as our movie night. This goes way back to when our kids were young. We go all out with sodas, popcorn, and some candy, we turn the lights low, and we have a strict no-talking policy while the movie is on. We have come to go looking for our next movie exclusively in AARP’s Movies for Grownups. My husband is drawn to the historical films and documentaries that have exclusive screenings for members, and I love looking at the lists of movies by category that they provide. It helps me find what I’m in the mood to watch when it’s my week to choose.
You won't regret an AARP membership
Believe it or not, there are even more benefits to having an AARP membership than what I’ve listed above. This membership is affordable and has nearly endless payoffs. Everyone over 50 should be taking advantage of this membership!
