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If you’re gearing up to celebrate your independence this Fourth of July by taking control of your future, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is ready to help you make the most of it. And good news: membership isn’t just for those 50 and older anymore. While many AARP perks still kick in at that milestone age, anyone 18 and up can now join to start saving early and build a more secure retirement.

Some benefits may come with age-related restrictions, but regardless of your current life stage, joining now can help stretch your hard-earned dollars even further.

AARP offers year-round discounts, helpful resources, and expert guidance on everything from healthcare and travel to financial planning, so you can celebrate freedom from stress and overspending.

Here’s how to unlock all the perks and maximize your membership just in time for summer savings.

AARP membership is affordable, with options to suit various budgets. Join today for just $15 for the entire year!

Your membership automatically renews unless you opt out. You can cancel or adjust your membership anytime, but with the savings we see below, you will feel like it’s free (almost).

Now that you have more time, traveling never looked so good but can feel a bit out of reach. Not with AARP, you can get discounted rates on airfare and car rentals like Avis and Budget with free upgrades and lower-priced GPS rentals.

Save up to 30% on cruises and receive onboard spending credits and other perks from major cruise lines. We’re talking Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and more. If ships aren’t your thing, you can also get 30% off select hotel chains.

Many popular grocery chains offer seniors discounts or exclusive offers on certain days of the week. Plus, there are programs that help you earn points toward gift cards.

Aging has its perks and minuses; your body might be popping more pills than usual, so AARP works with pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS to provide discounts on prescription drugs, health-related items, and even vaccines.

Get access to life insurance with no medical exams (praise be). Find special dental, vision, and hearing coverage rates and access Medicare Advantage and Supplemental insurance plans. Through AARP, pay as little as $78 a month on car insurance with The Hartford company.

Now you can revisit your favorite Hitchcock classic, ahem, “North by Northwest,” and spend the day at the museum just like its leading lady, Eva Marie Saint, appreciating art (or shaking off stalkers). Really, how you spend your day is up to you, but with AARP, you’ll be able to take advantage of movies, museums, theme park discounts, and even streaming services from Hulu to The New York Times.

If Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Lobster are on the tip of your tongue, then you will like this next bit. Get senior discounts, free birthday meals, and special deals.

Using Walmart to grocery shop? Well, good news, they, along with other retailers, provide mega savings.

Make sure you regularly check the AARP website and app for up-to-date offers and promotions. Deals change frequently, and being proactive means you won’t miss out.

AT&T and Consumer Cellular offer some great senior plans through AARP.

AT&T: With your AARP membership, you can save $10 per month per line on AT&T’s Unlimited Premium plan. And receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.

Consumer Cellular: Get 30% off accessories and two lines of unlimited talk, text and data for $55 a month (that’s $10 off per month!).

AT&T:Get discounted internet plans for seniors, with eligibility based on participation in programs like Medicaid, Lifeline, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in California. These plans provide affordable high-speed internet options.

Verizon: For 55 and older, save up to $42 monthly when switching providers. Or get $84 monthly for two lines when enrolling in AutoPay. 

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