Memberships Have Their Rewards!

By Larry Lane for InvestorZoo.com

If you’re shopping for anything from auto insurance to vacations, chances are you’re eligible for a money savings discounting pricing utilizing a membership, club, bank, or credit card company you already shop with. Go to your club’s website and check out the benefits section. I think you’ll be surprised with the discount and offerings that they offer.

Check out some examples below:

1) Local chamber of commerce-If you are a small business owner, meet with your local chamber of commerce. In addition to networking with fellow business owners, your chamber of commerce may offer exclusive discounts. Your local chamber may offer discounts on warehouse memberships such as Costco, discounts on health care, prescription drugs, and discounts from selected local and national retailers.

2) Credit union-Your local credit union is a great source of friendly banking and member benefits as well. You usually do not have to belong to a union to bank at one. Typically, your credit union will give you your first book of checks for free (usually $20-30), free ATM withdraws and discounts on wireless service. I’m able to save 10% off my monthly wireless bill (about $6 per month or $72 per year) simply because I bank at a local credit union.

3) AAA-AAA road side assistance has been available for decades. Did you know that being a AAA member entitles you to a number of discounts? Walk into your local AAA office and get free maps, free detailed trip planning, lodging, and free American Express travelers’ checks. Going to the airport? You can get discounts on airport parking or shuttle service. There are also discounts to local and national retailers, car insurance, 10% off dinner coupons, buy one get one free coupons to local and national museums, prescription medication, and gym discounts. If you are a satellite TV user, AAA members are eligible for $10 off per month for 20 months; this is a great way to save $200!

4) AARP-If you are over 50, you can become an AARP member for just $16 per year. Discounts offered by AARP are plentiful. They range from 10% off your monthly wireless bill, discounts on individual as well as group travel. If you’re looking for savings at home, you can save $75 on ADT home security, 20% off internet access, as well as prescription, eye, health auto life and long term care insurance.

5) Credit cards-If you are a credit card customer, you may be the beneficiary of some great benefits. These would include receiving frequent flyer miles for your purchases, travel accident coverage, discounts on car rentals, travel, free insurance if the airlines lose your baggage, and access to concerts before tickets go on sale to the general public.

Before paying retail for any item, check with your local membership club, credit card company or association. Discounts are available on mostly everything if you do your homework and search.

Larry Lane is the editor for InvestorZoo.com, a social networking site dedicated to personal finance. Email questions and comments to Larry.Lane@Investorzoo.com