Reviewing Memberships

When my kids were young, we had several different activity memberships, mainly the Columbus Zoo and COSI (Center of Science and Industry). These memberships saved us quite a bit of money because we visited these places so often, and free admission, free parking and food discounts made it very worthwhile. Even when we traveled, reciprocal agreements with other zoos and science centers allowed us to see different attractions for free. Now that my kids are teens, we haven't actually been to a zoo in several years, and we maybe get to COSI once a year for a special exhibit. That makes those memberships not such a good deal for us any more.

The only membership I continue to pay for is with AAA. We travel quite a bit, and I appreciate the security that comes with knowing they are just a phone call away, no matter where we are. One of the benefits of AAA is getting their travel magazine. Besides giving us information on not only local day trips but longer vacation ideas, they always have an abbreviated list of some of the places where your AAA membership will score you discounts. I have always been aware of discounts on amusement park and sporting tickets, but I tend to completely forget about discounts at stores! With AAA's Show Your Card and Save program, I could be saving 10% at my local florist or at my daughter's favorite shoe store, Payless. I could be saving $1 per ticket on the occasions that we do go back to COSI. And I could save up to 30% on eyeglasses at Sears, just by remembering to show that card.

It only takes a few minutes to pull out your membership cards and refresh your memory on what additional benefits and reciprocal agreements you have available. It's all about getting the most for your money and taking advantage of opportunities you have already paid for!

Head on over to http://www.lifeasmom.com/ for more Frugal Friday ideas! And happy anniversary, Life As Mom!