Has anyone joined AARP?

Was wondering if anyone has joined AARP, what are your advantages or disadvantages, if any?

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We originally joined AARP when we turned 50, a decade or two ago. We didn’t renew. Although there were advantages with discounts at hotels and different places, we do not agree with their politics and didn’t want our money to support something we didn’t agree with politically.

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I joined once, but soon tired of it. I like to read about real people, not old celebs. And the constant push to buy insurance was agitating. To each his own.

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@dboothe posted:

We originally joined AARP when we turned 50, a decade or two ago. We didn’t renew. Although there were advantages with discounts at hotels and different places, we do not agree with their politics and didn’t want our money to support something we didn’t agree with politically.

I’m just a little perplexed - I did some research and it looks like AARP is non-partisan. Did you not find that to be the case?

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We used to belong. We never used it. We will not be renewing ever. It was not worth the money to us. We are trying to limit subscriptions.

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We keep getting bombarded with mail from them, a lot of money must go into advertising. Always a come-on to get you to sign up-free this and that, something you can get at a dollar store, like a calculator. The promo we recently received was $12/year with a renewal subscription clause. Sounds like a permanent way into your money. Thanks, we’d rather keep our money.

They have changed quite a bit – they have a non-paid model that is rewards based and is targeted to a wider audience. Not just for retirees anymore – but also younger audiences looking to learn how to save for retirement. Have a look at their new offering here!

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My question would be, do they still have a liberal agenda?

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My wife and I joined AARP many years ago, though we don’t agree with many of their positions politically. We do get the discounts offered through them. We also joined their conservative counterpart AMAC (Association for Mature American Citizens) which is more in line with our beliefs and financial practices. I hope that more of you will look at AMAC. They have great discounts as well. We’ve had them for three years and have three years left on our membership. We still have two years left on our AARP.

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They have great recipes and mind games! I didn’t renew.

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At least that is half a positive.

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I have been checking out AARP for awhile now. thank you all for your input.

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@dboothe Their agenda is wholly liberal. You’ll never see a conservative article in their publications. They strictly follow the Socialist Democrat party line. They definitely aren’t the “Blue Dog” Democrats of back when my great uncle was president of a chapter of AARP in Indiana in the 70’s.

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I’ve belonged to AARP for 20 years. My better half pointed out to me that they were a Left lean… I appreciate most of the political input that has to do with Seniors, I can figure out what supports my agenda with little problem. But then I love doing research, too. I really enjoy the two publications they send out, The AARP Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. There are wonderful articles geared to Seniors on Health, Finances, political alerts, product information, insurance etc. We don’t use the discounts offered that much because we have other club discounts that match the same services that AARP does, but it’s there in case.

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My husband and I have been members for many years. I don’t pay attention to their political views but I like their publications, the magazine and bulletin. They have good articles for health and well-being. I will look into the AMAC. Sounds interesting. Thanks for the info!

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@mintjulep I’m glad you’re one who can spot the left lean. Personally, I try to let those who lean left, lean that way. I’ve never been one to be any further left than moderate. Still, like you, I DO enjoy many of the articles in both of the publications. It’s always good to know both sides of the political spectrum. We, too, have several of the same benefits through other programs, but we’ve found it good to have them overlap at times. May you continue to be a Champion Penny Pincher! Have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend.

AverageJoe

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No, I never “joined” but they gave me a membership when I was in my 30’s

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I have been a member of AARP for many years. I like the discounts, the magazine, and the news updates. The information they provide has been a great help to me. Well worth the membership fee.

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@lismox posted:

I’m just a little perplexed - I did some research and it looks like AARP is non-partisan. Did you not find that to be the case?

Lismox, my other 1/2 explained the left lean to me a few years ago. I’ve never noticed. It seems to me that one time there was a political agenda I didn’t agree with, but then I don’t always agree with my own moderate right political agendas either! In general I have found issues they advocate for or against have been for the benefit of Senior citizens. I find their articles and forums to be very beneficial and they are usually quick “out of the gate” if not the first to provide information on the latest trends and important changes on medical and financial news.

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@mintjulip I believe under the current editor that they have tried to move back to center-left instead of far left. I try to read the articles openly, and as I stated, my great uncle used to be a regional president for their group in Southern Indiana down around Mitchell. He confirmed that they financially supported some causes that I didn’t and never will. I won’t mention them here. We all have to be financially responsible and accountable to ourselves for where our money is spent. So, I “take the meat, leave the bone” on most things that they support. I do, however like the idea of having an alternative to AARP, and AMAC fills that void.