Subscriptions have a way of piling up, but here are a few to consider that are truly worth their cost.
If you aren't careful, the list of recurring payments you sign up for over time can really creep up. It's a good idea to periodically do an audit of every recurring payment you have to weed out the ones you no longer need or want. However, some recurring payments are worth the investment—in this thread, Redditors recommend memberships that are worth every penny of their cost. From an airport pre-check membership to a cooking magazine, here are some of the best.
People who enjoy studying or developing new skills might want to consider a subscription to The Great Courses. Reddit users recommended their courses, a list that includes everything from physics to learning the piano. Plans are priced at $20 per month or $150 per year. There's also a 14-day free trial.
If you enjoy hiking and nature, you should consider getting a U.S. national parks pass. This pass is a value for those who visit national parks or other national recreational lands more than twice a year—and if you time it right, your National Parks pass can actually be valid for 13 months. If you buy this pass on the first of the month, it's valid through the year and until the end of the same month next year. For example, if you buy it on April 1, 2024, your pass will be valid till April 30, 2025. Bear in mind that you may need to reserve an entry slot at some of the more popular parks, and the pass doesn't cover state parks.
The fee for most people is $80 per year, but senior citizens can get one for $20 per year (or $80 for a lifetime membership). Some of the biggest national parks in the U.S. charge an entry fee of $20 per person or $35 per vehicle. This pass also covers the day-use fee for sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers. As a pass-holder, you're also likely to encounter shorter lines at entry points for some of the more popular parks. Your pass covers entry for one private vehicle or four people to the park at a time.
Those who enjoy comedy should consider a subscription to Dropout.tv. It emerged from the ashes of CollegeHumor's online presence as the parent company decided to pivot to a premium online subscription service. The streaming service has many high-quality shows that Reddit users recommended, and you can try it for free before you decide to pay. You can either get a free trial with Dropout, or check out to its YouTube channel to get a feel for its content. Several Redditors said they subscribed to Dropout initially for one specific show, and then found many more they enjoyed. The annual plan costs $60, but you can get the first year for $48.
Signing up for an airport security pre-check membership can save you a lot of time in the form of shorter lines, a faster security screening process, and reduced scrutiny at airports. These memberships are only available to people who are considered low-risk travelers, and there is an application and interview process involved in getting a pre-check subscription. To know more, check out our in-depth guide to the best airport security pre-check memberships.
Some of the most common problems with HVAC systems can be prevented simply by replacing the air filter at regular intervals. If you find yourself forgetting to buy air filters, or if you forget the right size for your air filter, you should consider getting an air filter subscription. This way, air filters of the right size arrive at your doorstep just as you need them. Reddit users recommended FilterEasy and praised its hassle-free service.
There are a whole bunch of recipe websites on the internet, but the Cook's Illustrated magazine still holds its own. Published bimonthly by America's Test Kitchen (ATK), the magazine includes great recipes, explores food science to help you understand the "why" behind cooking methods, and has tips to help you become a better chef. Redditors said it's better than most free recipe sites because Cook's Illustrated tries making the recipe a few different ways and runs it by a test group before publishing it in the magazine. If that appeals to you, you can get the magazine subscription at $25/year or digital access to all ATK content at $50/year. You could also check whether your local library gets the magazine, which is a good way to read it for free.
