Youngguns,

I was once in your shoes. I couldn't afford to join but wanted to. Now that I'm a bit older I pay for my membership and I've paid the first year for a bunch of family members.

There is a lot of pride in membership. I keep my card displayed in the see through window of my wallet so that anytime I open it, the card serves as a constant reminder.

Save up your change it isn't all that much. I think if you speak nicely with the representative they'll even lower your first year membership by about $10. There are also lots of websites out there that will pay the first $10 of your membership if you sign up through the link.

Tom