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The Kitchen Table

AARP--new way of getting money?????

12 years ago

Sorry, decided to remove posting. I was irritated about the new card they sent, which included 3 additional benefits, but will cost more. Not worth it--for me

This post was edited by marie-ndcal on Thu, May 15, 14 at 15:24

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Comments (13)

dedtired
12 years ago
Today I got a thick envelope from them saying I was pre-approved for something. Whatever it was, I didn't want it and I recycled it, unopened.
socks
12 years ago
Dedtired, you were "pre-approved?" Congratulations!!! That's just wonderful, lucky you!!! (Just kidding. It's ridiculous, isn't it?)
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I've used the Money Maze/Bilz Box several times (I may not have kids of my own but I've often had quite a few around with their sticky little hands out ;-)) and it always goes over well - meaning the recipient swears a lot at me while they try to solve the puzzle. *evil grin* If one doesn't take a hammer to it ;-) and hangs onto the outside box, it recloses nicely so it can be reused for someone else. Only six boxes, Mareda? ;-) Someone dear to me once did that with over twenty boxes, starting with a washing machine box and ending with a tiny box with a pair of diamond earrings (which were promptly stolen from my dorm room - people can really suck). You can keep the momentum rolling for a youngster, who might get discouraged, by taping a dollar bill to one of the inside boxes every so often. One year when DH and I were especially flush we gave my little brother - high schooler at the time - cash folded up very tiny and stuck into a walnut shell (which I admit I bought from Michaels, not being successful in getting a walnut to open nicely myself) which I painted gold and hung from a ribbon. I think I put something like "for my favorite nut" on the tag? Mom said he looked rather crestfallen thinking that stupid little walnut was his present - I think the painted walnut shell was an "in" craft that year - but she was in on it and told him to break it open. He just about croaked. Someone in the household has to be in on the joke, or perhaps in another little box you could wrap up a dollar-store nutcracker as a hint. I've use cash as a bookmark in a favorite book - I once bought a book in a used bookstore with a $50 bill stuck in the middle where you wouldn't find it unless you read the entire book! I don't do that, I leave it sticking a tiny bit out of the top. (I called the bookstore to see if they had a record of who had turned it in for credit, but they didn't, so I split the $50 with the local animal shelter.) I think that would be an especially great thing to do with a book on money management for teens/young adults.
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sushipup1
12 years ago
AARP sells its name, not a product. They sold their name to an insurance company to market Medicare Part D and supplemental insurance, they've sold their name to a bank that issues credit cards, which is what you have.
lucillle
12 years ago
I'd like to know how they got MY name, they are constantly sending me stuff and wanting me to join. Annoying.
sushipup1
12 years ago
Everyone sells mailing lists. Your personal information is readily available.
mary_c_gw
12 years ago
They sent me a new card also. This is just a membership card - NOT a credit card, nor any sort of health care plan. Yes, it contains 3 new "benefits".

It was nothing I personally signed up for, but DH joined AARP about 20 years ago, so I was automatically enrolled. I get the benefits (discounts and such) simply from having the card. Do I use them? No, it really never occurs to me.

I have never sent them a penny, and never will. DH has never sent them another penny either, beyond that first $5.

And, yes, if you live anywhere in the US, AARP will find you and put you on their mailing list - along with all the hearing aid salespeople and pre-planned funeral salespeople. So I do get lots of junk mail from them, but I just toss it in the recycling.

Mailing lists are sold - but if you hit a certain age, your name is harvested from property lists, driver's license lists, etc. These are all public records.
susanjf_gw
12 years ago
it's changed a lot in the past several years...when my uncle was able, he belonged to the state council and they did a lot of political elder things (he was in Kansas) and he used to rave about the supplemental ins...but this was at least 5 -10 years ago...
Deeby
12 years ago
I swear if I get one more final arrangements letter asking me if I want cremation or burial I'm gonna write "SURPRISE ME !" across the face of it and mail it back !
wantoretire_did
12 years ago
"I swear if I get one more final arrangements letter asking me if I want cremation or burial I'm gonna write "SURPRISE ME !" across the face of it and mail it back !

Oh I like that one :-) Now if someone could come up with a robocall solutionÃ¢ÂÂ¦Ã¢ÂÂ¦..
Kathsgrdn
12 years ago
I get them all the time too...started before I hit 50! Kinda pissed me off.
angelaid
12 years ago
Our mailbox started overflowing with that cr*p after we bought a new RV. I was 23, hubby was 28! LOL
I sent them a cease and desist letter, with a copy to BBB and Attorney General and never heard from them again.
dedtired
12 years ago
Deeby, that cracked me up.

I have AARP Supplemental, but never paid dues to jpin. Then I got a letter saying some other company had given me a gift membership and I started getting their magazines, a card, etc. As far as I can see, they offer a lot of the same benefits as AAA (which has gotten very expensive), although not road side assistance -- yet.

I have the impression that they advocate on behalf of seniors. IDK.
momrox4
12 years ago
My 25 yo son is getting AARP stuff in the mail.........

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