AARP – American Association of Retired Persons
Even though AARP targets people over the age of 50, it’s sort of a joke that you will likely hear from them in your early 40s.
AARP is a United States–based interest group focusing on issues affecting those over the age of fifty. According to the organization, it had more than 38 million members as of 2018. Plus, the magazine and bulletin it sends to its members are the two largest-circulation publications in the United States.
Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus (a retired educator from California) and Leonard Davis (later the founder of the Colonial Penn Group of insurance companies), AARP evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA).
Today, AARP addresses issues affecting older Americans through lobbying efforts at the state and national governmental level, an activity permitted by its 501(c)(4) status. Middle-class security has been a major focus for the organization in recent years.[20]
AARP also provides extensive consumer information, volunteer opportunities, and events including an annual National Event & Expo.
Public Reviews
AARP was first mentioned on PissedConsumer on Sep 12, 2008 and since then this brand received 437 reviews.
AARP ranks 50 of 257 in the Non Profit Organizations category. The overall rating of the company is 1.5 and consumers are mostly dissatisfied.
Should You Join AARP?
Pros
- Low annual cost, as low as $12 per year for auto-renewals
- Savings on dining, movies and entertainment
- Discounts on home, auto and renter’s insurance
- Financial tools to help you get ready for retirement
- Health savings and discounts
- Travel offers and savings on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises and more
- Help with finding a job and learning work search skills
Cons
- Annual fee that you have to pay even if you don’t use the membership
- Resources skewed toward those age 50 and older
- You can find similar discounts without a membership
- Savings may overlap with other discounts programs such as AAA
- Aggressive advertising practices toward members (members complain about an increased amount of junk mail since signing up for AARP)
Our Take Away
All in all, we think this one is up to you to weigh. While our online community personally had many great things to say about AARP and its low membership costs, it’s all about how much you want to support their ability to advocate for seniors and weigh that against getting some of the more aggressive advertising practices.
Member Benefits:
- Discounts
- Travel (They have partnered with Expedia)
- Health & Wellness
- Insurance
- Financial Tools
- Job Search
