Battling obesity for most of my life, I now believe that some of my weight-related health issues may have come from low self-esteem that manifested in my choices. I did not feel worthy enough. I did not put value on my life until it was too late. Reversing some of the ill effects of not taking care of myself has been a struggle and costly.
Value, worth, and cost. Three words that are often misused but are at the heart of any discussion concerning money.
We all have different perspectives about value because it is an individual feeling. We have different expectations and experiences. Value is broad and more subjective. Worth is objective, like putting a price tag on something. How much we value something will then determine its worth. I hope we all can agree that health and life are precious commodities, and both should be valued highly.
Deciding on what is a fair price to pay is not easy. It depends on what I intend to purchase. If it is something that I really want, somehow the cost becomes irrelevant. I want to continue on my journey of being the healthiest I can be, and I have realized that there will always be a cost.
To illustrate my point, l will share a personal experience. I collected comic books during my younger years. Since I am a DC fan, I would be willing to pay up to $100 for older issues of Superman or Batman. Spiderman or Iron Man issues were available at the same cost; however, because I valued DC comics more than Marvel, I did not make the purchase.
All of this is to say that I am refracting on the recently announced membership fee increases. In the Jan/Feb 2025 TOPS News issue, I have an article that breaks down some of the major expenses in operating the only non-profit weight loss organization. These expenses are what drive the membership fees. Membership fees have only increased by $13 over the past 17 years – a modest adjustment compared to the rising costs seen in many other areas of life.
An accelerated approach to shore up TOPS’s financial infrastructure was needed. At the same time, it was necessary to shield long-term TOPS members from absorbing the full cost. This was achieved by revising a tiered fee process used many years ago.
A Newcomer member will pay the highest fee. This fee will cover the cost of providing materials to show this new member the value of TOPS. TOPS then hopes this Newcomer will see the value and renew, thus helping us blaze new trails on the journey to a healthier lifestyle and continue Mrs. Manz’s legacy. This next tier, called Trailblazer, is set at a lower rate than the initial joining cost. However, both of these fees are designed to cover the actual costs of membership.
The majority of our membership will renew at the third tier, appropriately named Legacy. This fee is below the actual cost of providing membership in TOPS. We respect the loyalty you have to TOPS and as an organization, we will attempt to recover the difference with other revenue streams.
We all make choices each day that affect the next day. The challenge is to choose wisely based on our own experiences and to support others who may struggle with their own value and worth.
Instead of raising prices to where people can’t afford to join how about stopping the magazine. our chapter has only a little over $300 in our treasury. A couple of new members would pretty well wipe us out! The magazine is an option we can do without. You people are putting our chapter out of business. If you want to keep TOPS around this is not the way to do it.
Even though the price increase was at first, a surprise, I think it’s still a great price compared to all of the so called weight loss deals that promise weight loss, and when it comes down to it, you still have to eat sensible and exercise to loose the weight, and then you still need support to keep it off. TOPS has all of this without the expense.
Thank you Rick,
Being a member is more than just access to benefits—it’s about belonging to a community that supports and uplifts. My membership in TOPS has connected me with like-minded individuals, provided leadership opportunities that promoted the growth of self-confidence and offered many resources that have enriched my personal journey. Like a great friend, TOPS has been with me through many ages and stages. TOPS has enriched my life. The friendships and experiences have been priceless, making the value of my membership truly immeasurable.
Thank you TOPS for showing me, that I am worthy of the yearly monetary investment that keeps me connected to such a great network of support.
Hello Mr. Danforth,
Our Chapter has a question. We have a husband and wife in our chapter and in years past when it came for renewal of their Membership, one paid the full price and the other paid half price. Is that being offered to couples that are in the same chapter?
Thank You for your response.
Have A Blessed Evening.
Respectfully,
Sue Ellen Kennedy, Leader
TOPS OH 2240, Sebring
Yes, the half-price options remain in place.
TOPS has been worth a million dollars to me to be a member having access to sound resources and research regarding sensible, healthy eating and healthy lifestyle practices, a safe place to be weighed by personable, well-informed and encouraging weight recorders and assistants ( volunteer, at that) and the support and social aspect of long time and new friends sharing your challenges. It has not been a cold, business establishment to walk into and get weighed every week. !t has been a purposeful gathering place for my overall health for over 30 continuous years – a highlight of my every week. Had I continued the flip flop of buying a magazine every month for the latest fad diet or every few years rejoining an expensive weight loss business for these last 3 decades, both my finances and body would be in a sad shape at this point. I don’t imagine I would be celebrating this week my twentieth anniversary of keeping off 70 pounds without this reliable, realistic, affordable organization. TOPS minimal dues and maximum resources and benefits paid off for me. I wish all people, everywhere, struggling with weight issues, even celebrities, could wake up to the worth of TOPS .
You will lose a lot of members in Canada now. The fee to join will be a great deterrent.
I completely understand the increase in fees. The magazine alone is valuable and the meetings and website are terrific! Thanks to you, Rick Danforth for your work making the financial decisions. I watched the Top’s club YouTube in which you outlined the financial changes you have made. Kudos to you !