Committing to a membership service can be a difficult decision because you’re paying for access rather than anything concrete. The price also tends to be quite high up-front, which looks scary regardless of the membership’s length. Why pay $60 for a Costco membership if you can shop at other stores for free? Well, actually, there’s a lot more to it — memberships like this will often save you money in the long run. Here are seven you might want to consider.
1. Online Medical Services
Human bodies are fickle things, and getting sick can happen for any number of reasons. Some people are more prone to illness, which means more frequent needs, more appointments, and higher medical costs. With the healthcare system in its current state, how do you get the help you need without breaking the bank?
Many in-person doctors offer telehealth services, but membership to a full online service gives you access to additional benefits. You can schedule appointments sooner, get a convenient online doctor’s note for work, and even receive follow-up messaging services. There’s no need to pay for gas to drive there, and you can also get discounts on your copay.
2. Big Box Stores
Big box stores like Sam’s Club and the aforementioned Costco limit entry to paying members yet maintain reputations for affordability. They mainly sell items in bulk, which reduces the price per unit. And, as a result, it can end up being cheaper for the consumer. Because of the guaranteed membership fees they receive, these businesses can keep prices down without sacrificing quality.
These savings add up quickly — so quickly that you’ll likely make up for the membership cost on your first trip! If you use it just once a month you’ll still feel the effects, and that may be all you need. Buying an item in bulk also has the financial benefit of lasting much longer, reducing trips to the store.
3. Roadside Assistance
It’s easy not to consider the need for a roadside assistance program membership if you don’t have vehicle issues often. But it only takes one unexpected mishap, fault notwithstanding, to cost you hundreds of dollars in support. If you are a member of an association like AAA, you have access to financial and technical help for less.
For example, if you find yourself in need of a vehicle towing, it could cost you nothing as a member. Without a membership you’d have to pay for towing, which could be as high as triple the potential membership fee. Other services include emergency gas deliveries, free tire replacements, and bonus discounts like 15% off select hotels.
4. Family Activities
Entertainment centers like zoos and theme parks tend to be single day trips due to cost, travel, novelty, etc. In recent years, many of these locations have introduced memberships to bring more consistent income — providing members benefits in return. If you or your children gravitate toward certain activities that are too costly for multiple visits, becoming a member can help.
Zoo memberships, for instance, often waive entrance fees, giving you a return on your investment after two or three visits. You might also enjoy members-only hours, express lines for rides, and steep discounts at theme parks and other similar places.
5. Amazon Prime
Amazon makes it incredibly easy to make affordable purchases without paying through the nose or even leaving the house. But as with many online stores, the shipping durations and fees often stop customers in their tracks. For regular Amazon users the price of a Prime membership is more than worth it for the fast shipping alone.
Amazon generally provides basics for very low prices allowing you to get anything you might need in an emergency. And with the free 2-day shipping, it rarely matters where you live or how soon you need the item. Prime memberships also come with discounts and deals for various other services and items.
6. Your Neighborhood Library
A library card is the holy grail of money-saving memberships because, after all, it is 100% free for locals. There is no need to buy books when they’re available at your library. You also don’t need to pay for access to any research they have. Additionally, the knowledge you can access grows exceedingly over time as more libraries join online services like Libby, Overdrive, and Kanopy.
Books and other media forms aren’t the only items your library might provide — you just have to ask. An increasing number of libraries will keep items like cookware, tools, and gardening supplies in stock for borrowing as well.
7. Local Recreation Centers
Local recreation centers are established to provide low-cost public access to activity and fitness-related services. Membership is usually lower-cost than private gyms and programs and they always have classes and activities going on. You can go to work out or learn to cook while your child plays basketball with friends.
One of the biggest benefits, when it comes to parenting, is that these centers usually also have swimming pools. It’s the perfect place to take your children on a hot summer day without paying too much. Your local recreation center has a myriad of opportunities to get fit and keep your children entertained affordably.
If the upfront price of an annual membership is too much, then you can usually pay a monthly price instead. Do note that annual prices tend to be cheaper when divided per-month than monthly prices, but it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll be glad to have joined when the need for the service arises, and you’ll likely save money too.