How to save money easily: benefits of membership in Costco and other retail chains

According to a study on the Slick Deals trading platform, Americans spend an average of $ 134 more than they planned on average per week. If you are looking for ways to cut costs in your daily life, it’s wise to start by opening a wallet and revising your membership cards. Writes about this CNBC.

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Membership in many organizations offers many discounts and free services.

Membership in the American Automobile Association (AAA)

The cost of joining an AAA can be as low as $ 21 per year, depending on where you live and what kind of insurance you have. The organization has more than 58 million members, so perhaps you already have a membership card in your wallet.

According to Christine McGrath, an expert on shopping at Offers.com, you can join the roadside assistance organization, but AAA also offers transportation discounts. For example, many hotel chains offer discounts from $ 5 to $ 10 per night for AAA members.

You must show your card in order to get a discount.

“One day I forgot to bring my AAA card and was quickly charged the full price at check-in for all nights of my four-night stay,” says McGrath. “So don’t forget your card at home.”

If you search the AAA Discount Portal, you will find offers for many other purchases. For example, a 10% discount at certain restaurants.

"Some particularly good deals include 20% off Samsonite luggage and 35% off HP products," says McGrath.

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Membership in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

“AARP has one of the most reliable discount options for its members,” says McGrath. “And while many people think you have to be older to join, you can get an AARP card at any age.” This means you can take advantage of these discounts at any age.”

Roger Ma, a certified financial planner at Life Laid Out, said he joined AARP at the age of 35 and saves between $ 200 and $ 300 a year using his membership.

AARP membership costs only $ 12 in the first year and $ 16 a year thereafter. With it, you can get discounts, for example, from 10% to 25% on car rentals from Avis and Budget Rent a Car, and up to 20% on ticket prices in Regal.

Many restaurant chains also offer discounts: AARP members can save 15% on Denny's and 10% on Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Italian Carrabba grill.

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Library card

Local libraries often offer more than just books. Fishing rods are one of the most frequently issued items of the Chicago Public Library. All libraries in Philadelphia, Sacramento, and Phoenix rent out tools.

If you need to use Photoshop, a 3-D printer, or other expensive technology, you can see if they are in your library. Houston Public Library and the Los Angeles Public Library have creative labs where you can use Adobe Creative Cloud products. Some libraries also have sewing and craft machines.

According to 2017 data provided by the EBSCO library service, almost half, or 43%, of libraries offer free museum passes. For example, as a member of the Brooklyn Public Library, you can get free passes to many institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History, where a visit is $ 23 for adults and $ 13 for children aged 2 to 12 years.

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Membership in Costco, Sam`s Club, BJ's

If you are a member of Costco, Sam's Club or BJ, you can use other low-cost services and products, in addition to goods that you can buy in bulk.

For example, an eye test usually costs less than an ophthalmologist. In the whole country, the average cost of eye examinations is just over $ 100. For retailers, the price is around $ 70.

Also, in the pharmacies of retailers, generics are often cheaper than in stores.

“Use your card to save money when you buy your medication at Costco Pharmacy,” she says. “The program also offers free home delivery.”

Using your existing membership card, you can easily save money on weekly expenses.

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