SAVE MONEY WITH YOUR AARP CARD!

Do you remember how you felt in your late 40s when you began to receive the AARP magazine? How dare they include me in a phase of life I was not at all ready to accept? When I was 46, I certainly didn’t want to be confronted with the reality of turning 50! Many of my peers still seem to have a negative attitude toward AARP. Some toss the magazine in the recycle bin. “Very few of us are retired anyhow”, they protest.

Are we into a bit of denial? Why do I sometimes turn the magazine face down in the gym? I hate to admit it, but I guess I must have some  vestiges of internalized ageism, even though I love my life at 63 and I truly believe that this is the most powerful time of my life. 

We might want to let go of our attitudes for our own benefit!

WHY TO JOIN AARP:

• To protect our rights to Social Security and Medicare as the government sniffs around in search of  funds: powerful lobbying
• A truly amazing annual conference that brings fabulous celebrities, entertainers, and experts for a $25 admission fee
• To receive two content-rich publications addressing all aspects of thriving as we age
• To enjoy discounts on travel, dining, and myriad other purchases. For example:

A BONUS AT WALGREEENS:

This past week, I opened my mail to find a shiny, new plastic AARP membership card. The enclosed letter informed me that I could use the card for all kinds of discounts, including purchases at Walgreens. 

Yesterday, as I handed my card to the checker at Walgreens she screwed up her face in confusion. Never having seen or heard of this new partnership with AARP, she called the manager. Same confused response. “Sorry, we have no information about this.” An obvious lack of communication! She even tried swiping the card…nothing!

As the checker rang up my total, out shot 2 AARP coupons! One was for a $5 discount on any future purchase. The other was a $4.99 discount on a specfic product. In these hard economic times, those kinds of savings could make a difference!

I hope this information is helpful to you and that you will “share” this with those you care about.  

 BTW, the AARP conference is in Los Angeles in 2011. See you there?