10 Monthly Subscriptions That Are Totally Worth It

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One annoying trend is that everything you buy is moving to a subscription model. Instead of being able to buy something outright, you are paying every single month.

This is great for businesses but bad for your wallet.

Still, some excellent subscriptions out there are worth the money.

One person online wanted to know what the best subscriptions were to have. The answers very well may save you thousands of dollars.

#1. AARP

When you think of AARP, you most likely think of seniors signing up for various discounts.

But anyone, regardless of age, can sign up to take advantage of the discounts it offers.

One person said, “I got an AARP membership at age 24. Has literally saved me thousands of dollars in random deals. Cruises. Plane tickets. Restaurant discounts. Senior kickbacks on car rentals. Golf memberships. Hotel and casino comps. Monthly discounts on cell phone. All for $16 bucks a year. Been over 18 years. $288.00 in membership fees has saved me over $15,000 overall.”

So no matter your age, look into an AARP membership and see if it can help save you some money.

#2. Student Subscriptions

If you are in college, taking advantage of all the discounts you get on products and services makes sense.

For example, Amazon has a discounted version of Prime for students. Many movie theaters have reduced pricing for college students. The list goes on and on.

And while it might have been odd in the past to flash your student ID when you are a middle age person, know that many people go back to school later in life for a degree, so it’s more common than ever for people outside the typical college age to get the discount.

And arguably, the best bonus is that many people report that their discounted subscription to things auto-renews, and it’s been years since they graduated, so they continue to save money.

#3. Library Card

While you don’t pay a monthly fee to access the library, your local taxes pay your “subscription,” in this case.

And many people highly encourage people to check out their local library. While you can borrow books, there is a world of additional benefits.

Many librarians commented in the thread, informing people of the advantages because most people are unaware.

These include:

• Movie rentals
• Video game rentals
• Free internet access
• Free hot spot to borrow with data included
• 3D printers
• Free tax prep and planning
• Photoshop

The point is the library is much more than it used to be.

Related: Discover cheap fun things to do on the weekend when bored

#4. AAA

Many people skip a membership to AAA because they get towing and roadside assistance included with their auto insurance.

But what many don’t realize is the coverage is limited. For example, most insurance towing options only provide a tow for up to 20 miles. The nearest service station might be farther away if you are out in the country.

Another feature people enjoy is the TripTik feature. This allows you to plan your road trip on your phone. And once you have the route set up, you can easily find gas stations and things to do along the way.

#5. TSA Pre Check

For travelers, many people recommend paying for TSA PreCheck. It’s around $100 and lasts for five years until you have to renew.

The benefit? Airport security lines are shorter and move faster since you don’t have to take off your shoes or empty everything from your checked bags.

For nervous fliers, this is a game-changer. And if you fly internationally, most people recommend paying for Global Entry. It allows faster access through customs. The bonus is that it includes TSA PreCheck.

#6. New York Times Cooking

Do you search online for recipes, only to become frustrated when you find one because the actual recipe is buried at the end?

You have to scroll through the life story of how the person discovered or fell in love with the dish, where they love eating it, and more. And don’t get me started on the ads.

You can avoid this with a New York Times Cooking subscription. For a measly $5 a month, you get recipes from world-famous chefs that tell you how to cook the meal without the fluff. And there are no ads.

#7. Warehouse Clubs

Buying in bulk is a great way to spend less money on groceries. But there are other perks to warehouse clubs as well.

The biggest is discounted gas. You can purchase gas at the warehouse club for $0.50 to $1.00 less as a member. Over the year, this adds up.

Another benefit? Tires. Not only are they usually less expensive, but you can get free installation, free tire balance and rotation, and free road hazard coverage.

Of course, there are savings on buying in bulk, too, making a subscription to one of these clubs a no-brainer for many.

Related: Learn the best ways to save money at Costco

#8. Alltrails

If you enjoy hiking and mountain biking, Alltrails is an app to check out. It helps you find local trails to explore and map your route.

The biggest benefit here is that many people report the comfort they feel knowing they won’t get lost when going on an adventure.

#9. Spotify

So many people recommend a subscription to Spotify. For $10 a month, you can access virtually every song ever made.

The benefit of using this service versus a different one is the algorithm. Almost every person commented on how Spotify was excellent at recommending new music that they actually enjoy.

Other services get around five songs deep before things go off the rails.

If Spotify sounds like your jam, people suggest paying annually to save money.

#10. Circle K Drink Club

This one is for you if you live near a Circle K convenience store. For $10 a month or $6, if you pay online, you get 64 ounces of coffee or tea for free once per day.

If you are a coffee lover, this will significantly reduce your monthly budget!

And if you don’t have a Circle K near you, check in with your favorite coffee shop or convenience store. More and more and offering subscriptions to increase revenue.

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This thread inspired this article.