By David Eifrig, MD in Retirement Millionaire:

According to its own financial statements last year, the AARP took in $773 million in ads and royalties from private insurance companies. This doesn’t sound like some sort of grass roots group of old people doing good for the retired person.

AARP is one big lie. I used to assume the American Association of Retired Persons was looking out for the interests of... well... retired people. But it's not. For example in the healthcare debate they are supporting cuts in Medicare… to the tune of $460 billion. And the reason is simple; they collect royalties on the so-called “gap” insurance-the private insurance that Medicare doesn’t cover. The less Medicare, the more private insurance, and thus the more AARP makes. But not you.

In fact, AARP along with its foundation are as left-leaning liberal as you can get. The foundation is a separate but highly linked and related to AARP group that’s business is to raise money to lobby congress. And the foundation is essentially a special interest group bent on keeping large institutions in control of your life. They lobbied against privatizing retirement accounts funded by your own Social Security taxes… why? Again it’s because they’re in bed with big business.

More than half of AARP’s income is from advertising and royalty payments from big business. And the deals from companies in their publications and website aren’t even competitive. You can find better deals yourself on almost anything.

If you’ve been paying your $16 a year AARP fee, you should think again. Ask for your membership money back and tip your garbage collector instead. I guarantee you'll get more personal benefit next year from it.

Crux Note: It’s just these sorts of in-your-face deceptions and myths that Doc Eifrig uncovers every month in Retirement Millionaire. Readers also get actionable insights on saving money... staying healthy... food & wine... travel... entertainment... and the best investments for retirees... making Retirement Millionaire one of the greatest values we know. If you're not already a subscriber, you owe it to yourself to learn more...

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