Yes, Folks Younger Than 50 Can Get an AARP Membership

Are you waiting for your 50th birthday so you can purchase an AARP membership? As it turns out, you probably can get one now, regardless of your age.

A growing number of 20-somethings are turning to AARP memberships to help them cope with inflation, according to The Wall Street Journal.

It may sound like these whippersnappers are doing something nefarious, but in truth, they are simply shrewd enough to know how the program works. According to AARP itself:

“While AARP is dedicated to people over 50, there is no minimum age to join. People of all ages can get an AARP membership for as low as $12 per year with auto-renewal. Anyone can become an AARP member and gain access to hundreds of discounts, programs and resources.”

An AARP spokesperson confirmed to the WSJ that there has been rise in the number of younger folks purchasing memberships.

Using an AARP card in your 20s takes some gumption. Sydney Phillips, 23, of Austin, Texas, told the WSJ that she recently had dinner with her 76-year-old grandfather. When both diners pulled out their AARP cards for a meal discount, the waiter gave the younger Phillips a funny look.

As she told the WSJ: “You have to be brave enough to ask about it, show it and prepare for the double take.”

Sarah McMahon of Dana Point, California, has a membership that cost her $12. The 29-year-old recently booked a car rental in Utah and saved $80 thanks to her card.

She was so pleased that she’s now trying to cajole her boyfriend into joining. He is in his 50s.

If you are looking for ways to save money, check out “9 of the Best Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget.”