These days, many consumers are continuing to struggle with higher living costs. In March, annual inflation was measured at 3.5% as per that month's Consumer Price Index. So you may have reached the point where you're eager to start cutting expenses from your budget rather than taking on additional bills.

If you're of that mindset, then you may not be particularly interested in signing up for Amazon Prime. But here's why the $139 a year it costs to maintain a Prime membership may be more than worth it for you.

1. You've moved to a rural part of the country

There can be big benefits to living in a rural area, like peace and quiet and, in some cases, more square footage for less money. The downside, however, may be that you're no longer conveniently located to supermarkets and big-box stores like you once were.

That's why you may want to consider an Amazon Prime membership if you're new to country living. A Prime membership could spare you the time of having to drive long distances to the store. And it could also save you money.

In fact, let's say that your closest big-box store to offer a comparable selection to Amazon is 30 miles away, each way. A 60-mile round trip that uses three gallons of gas might cost you $10, depending on prices. So a weekly big-box store visit could leave you spending $520 on gas in the course of a year. If you can cut out a lot of those trips by placing Amazon Prime orders, you stand to reap nice savings even when you account for your $139 fee.

2. You just got rid of your car

AAA says it now costs an average of $12,182 a year to own a car. You may have come to the decision that between auto insurance costs, loan payments, and maintenance, you'd rather just rely more on public transportation and, as needed, use ride-hailing apps like Uber.

But if you're now without a car, then you may find an Amazon Prime membership to be more than worth paying for. After all, it's a hassle to have to wait for the bus each time you need to pick up a few items at the store. And you may not be able to justify the cost of an Uber over to Target and Walmart for a few non-perishable grocery and personal care items.

A Prime membership could have those items at your door in no time. And if you're no longer covering the costs of owning a car, you might easily manage to afford the $139 fee.

3. You've recently gone back to work and are struggling to find time for errands

Returning to the workforce after a career break can be a huge adjustment. If that's the situation you're in, and you can afford the $139 annual fee, then you may want to consider joining Prime for the express purpose of making your transition back to work easier on yourself.

Think about it -- we all pay for conveniences and time savings here and there. When you order takeout because you're in the middle of a hectic week and don't have time to cook, it's an expense that's easy to justify. So you might feel similarly about an Amazon Prime membership if you're suddenly tasked with running a household while also commuting to work and holding down a full-time job.

Amazon Prime isn't for everyone. If you live down the block from Target and have a flexible schedule, you may not need to rely on a service like Prime. But if any of the above situations apply to you, then you may want to consider signing up for a membership this year.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon and Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Target, Uber Technologies, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

3 Times It Pays to Get an Amazon Prime Membership was originally published by The Motley Fool