[bobeaston]

Know what you are supporting: AARP is a pimp for United Healthcare, and United Healthcare was the central architect for ObamaCare. "If you like your doctor..."

[gbs317]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

I know that membership offers many potential benefits and discounts, but:

1) of how many of these do you take advantage?

2) are the same benefits/discounts available through other sources anyway?

Thank you

I always sent my friends a one year membership and a pill box when they hit 50 years old. We are all in our late sixties now and most, including myself, still have and use both.

[tsmall22204]

I belong to AARP. My problem with them is that after you join they keep asking for money. They have gotten as bad as NRA. I dropped my NRA membership over that and will probably not renew AARP.

[BlueStarAirlines]

The bottom line is AARP is a for-profit organization whose primary focus is to make profits. Secondary is advocating for those over 50. While this could be overlooked because of all their coupons and discounts, these are available from many other sources.

I could see no reason to join. They are like Costco where there is a membership fee, they try to sell you stuff, and instead of free food samples you get coupons and discounts at other retailers.

If you really want to fund an organization that advocates for seniors, join AMAC (link previously posted). If you really like the coupons and discounts, join AAA. If you want to help fund a corporation, then join AARP. The CEO make around $1.8 million last year, so I'm sure he is grateful.

[Rwirish]

Inexpensive and worth it imo. Support their efforts fighting the TRUST ACT WHICH would cot social security and Medicare benefits.

[Nell57]

Originally Posted by JohnN

AARP gives a $5/month discount on Consumer Cellular. If you use them, that pays for itself.

Let me know if you are still receiving a $5 discount. They reduced mine to $3.50 about a year ago. (Love Consumer Cellular…quality service at a terrific price.)
I agree that AARP lobbies strongly for senior rights. They deserve our support

[banjobob]

I have had it for several years hardly ever used , consider not renewing every year and won’t renew it this year.

[Luggage]

Most hotel discounts are false. You should always check your pricing with and without putting in the AAA or the AArp codes

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by tsmall22204

I belong to AARP. My problem with them is that after you join they keep asking for money. They have gotten as bad as NRA. I dropped my NRA membership over that and will probably not renew AARP.

That won't stop them from asking for money. It may cause them to ask more often. I have never joined, and they have been asking me for money ever since I turned 50.

[jbrown132]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

I know that membership offers many potential benefits and discounts, but:

1) of how many of these do you take advantage?

2) are the same benefits/discounts available through other sources anyway?

Thank you

I was a member for about 10 years. Did not join the last time my subscription was due. I felt I got the same benefits from AAA and I know they are supposed to be an advocate for the retired but in my opinion they don’t seem to be very effective. Except for SS and Medicare, which they had nothing to do with, I cannot think of anything they have done for the elderly.

[FromDC]

I belong to AARP. Their magazine and newspaper have good, informative articles. I have been a member for a year.

Call their Customer Service at 888-687-2277 to opt-out of their third party marketing and donation solicitations. Best call I ever made! Their opt-out process really works.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Pinball wizard

An alternative to AARP is AMAC. Lots of discounts and benefits but leans in a different direction.

AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

From the first page of that AMAC link: “AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with member benefits at all levels. We need you. America needs you.” The direction is clear.

I joined AARP when I got here, but now I just toss everything they mail me without even looking at it.

[WindyCityzen]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Also, keep in mind that they are owned by an insurance company.

Incorrect. AARP has relationships with insurance carriers and derives royalty income from the carriers only.

[joelfmi]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

No longer useful. Most discounts that were worthwhile are gone

Thank for your transparent comment.

[MidWestIA]

The newsletter & magazine give you insights for our age you won't get anywhere else