Bargain Babe

WalletPop gives readers the Top 5 memberships that would be worth your dime.

I looked up some of the local establishments listed below in my area and did some comparison pricing so be sure to checkout my examples

1. Zoos and Aquariums

Cost: $100.00 a year; This is especially nice if you have children because what child honestly gets tired of seeing animals? Most should include perks like free parking, guest passes, free rides and tours. Since most zoos are considered non profit organizations, your season membership should be tax deductible.

About: Going to the zoo is a fun, recreational activity if you have children, but even just one visit to the zoo can put a strain of anyone’s budget. Zoo and aquarium alleviate the costs by almost 50% and it’s a way to keep the kids busy and out of the house for activity and education.

Example: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, it costs $59 for an Individual pass, for a Zoo Pass it costs $69 (for two adults + child). The membership includes free admission into the zoo plus more than 100 accredited zoos across in the country and in Ohio, free parking, free members magazine and newsletter, special invitation to members only events, 10% discount at the gift shop

If you, your husband and child visit the zoo once, it’s $10 per adult and $7 per child and parking is $5. There’s $32 just to get into the door, not including food to eat for the day and buying souvenirs and rides for the child. Just one visit to the zoo costs almost just as much, if not more for the membership to go more than once.

2. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)

Cost: $12.50 a year, less if you pay for a long term membership.

About: AARP is a U.S-based non-governmental organization/special interest group that enhances the quality of life for people ages 50 and over. With a paid membership it offers it’s members unique benefits, special products, and services for everything from leisure, travel, health insurance etc. while also selling insurance, investment funds and other financial products.

Example: WalletPop explains, “Without an AARP membership, a three-day weekend at Chicago’s four-star Raffaello Hotel would set you back $328 a night for a room with a king-size bed. AARP members get the room for $296 a night. You’d recoup your membership costs and save an additional $86.”

3. Warehouse Clubs

Cost: Costco, $50; BJ’s, $45; Sam’s Club, $40;

About: Buy the things you need in bulk at stock up at a great deal.

Example: I drink Red Bull almost everyday. If I go to the convenience store every day for just one can at $1.99 a can (not including the tax) after a month I would have spent over $60. Sam’s Club sells a 24 pack case of Red Bull for $30. Buying it in bulk cut down my caffeine crave cost by 1/2.

4. AAA

Cost: $48 per year, plus a one-time $10 enrollment fee for new members;

About: 24-hour roadside assistance should you get a flat or lock the keys in your car, you if you present your card at chosen retailers, you get a discount. When traveling, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott properties all offer AAA members discounts of up to 10%.

Example: After an accident, your vehicle is towed to the nearest auto repair shop. Paying on your own, you can expect to cough up an average $100, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With an AAA membership, the service is free of charge. You’ll recoup your membership and save $42.

5. Amusement Parks

Cost: Varies

About: With a park membership you can practically pay for your membership in just one visit. And just like memberships for zoos and aquariums, amusement park memberships offer discounts on food, merchandise, parking and much more.

Example: WalletPop explains, “Someone heading to Six Flags Great Adventure and the Wild Safari park would pay $60 at the gate. Buying a season pass for $100, he would recoup his membership costs with a second visit to the park — and save an extra $20 just during that one visit. The pass includes 32 free passes for friends on specific dates and $300 worth of in-park coupons.”