When my husband turned 50, one of the first things we did was to join AARP – this was before we even knew about the AARP discounts that were available. While we knew we would get many discounts on many things including restaurants and entertainment, we didn’t realize there were many more discounts available including discounts on travel, entertainment, clothing, gifts, and the list goes on and on. AARP is a champion for today’s 50+ population (Gen Xers and Baby Boomers). They keep up to date with the constantly changing realities. It helps “US” navigate through the next phase of life from financial well-being, health, how to contribute to society and local communities, and how to fully enjoy life.

The AARP Magazine 

We get the magazine but I never spent any time reading it. Last night I stopped at my moms and was telling her about working with AARP and how surprised I was with everything. She started rattling off all the benefits she’s been taking advantage of like, car insurance, house insurance, and movie tickets. She then showed me articles she cuts out of the magazine that she can go back to. I started reading all the articles and found one on how to cut my mortgage down by years! I got so excited that I couldn’t wait to get home and read my AARP magazine.

The AARP magazine is bi-monthly and has articles that will entertain as well as provide information on everything under the sun. Some of my favorites were: A garage sale guide, best places to live, health at 50+, and the summer movie quiz that matched me with which movies I should see. I must say, I was pretty impressed when it told me to watch Ocean’s 8 or Incredibles 2, these are both movies I loved!

The AARP Website

You don’t need to be online savvy to navigate the AARP website. It gives us reminders of the membership benefits we should be taking advantage of and the latest news and advice, plus so much more. You’ll find help to understand Medicare in the resource section and you can be connected with the AARP community in your state as well as locally. Ours needs are not the same, for instance, I can take advantage of AARP at 50 but I also find information that pertains to my mom.

AARP Discounts and Membership Benefits

I can go on all day about the great AARP discount and membership benefits but for now I will give you my top seven. We already went over the abundance of information you receive through the website and magazine but there are benefits that will truly add fun and adventure to your life. I am very active, I love to travel and I need to stay busy. These benefits help me do just that!

1. AARP Medicare Supplements – You may be thinking, “how can this be fun?” I have always made sure to have medical insurance when traveling and when my husband started receiving Medicare, I turned to AARP to help me navigate and understand what we needed for our peace of mind. This also goes for prescription coverage with discounts at many pharmacies. Medicines can be costly so every discount helps!
2. Travel – There are discounts for car rentals, hotels, cruises, flights, and vacation packages. Truthfully, I just found out about these and as a traveler, I am so excited because the more I save, the more I can travel. WIN WIN!!!
3. Restaurants – My husband and I go out to eat a lot now that we’re empty nesters. I had no idea that we could receive discounts on some of our favorite restaurants! The Chart House and The Outback Steakhouse are two of my favorites and we get 10% off EVERYDAY by just showing my AARP card.
4. Events – Do you love sporting events and shows? I found amazing discounts Yankees tickets, The Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, and other shows I would love to attend in my area.
5. Shopping – Who doesn’t love to shop! When you show your AARP card, you can receive up to $1,000 in savings offers at Tangier Outlets! I love to stop at White House Black Market, Orogold Cosmetics, and Uggs to keep up with the trends in fashion and beauty.
6. Movies – You can now go see your favorite blockbusters and stop waiting for them to get on DVD with the discounts on movie tickets. Members pay $9.50 for Regal ePremiere Tickets purchased online
7. Gifts – It seems like I’m always needing a gift for a birthday, graduation, and anniversary. You can find great gifts at a discounted price with the AARP Membership. From flowers to chocolate to personalized wall art, you will find a unique gift that fits perfectly!

As the years go by, I’m finding the phrase true, “If only I knew then what I know now!” Don’t wait to get your AARP Membership and wish you had started saving and living the fullest life you could! To learn more on how to start your membership and find all the information you need, go to AARP!

What AARP discounts and membership benefits are you most excited about?