Hi, AutumnAngel --
I am a lifetime member of WWs at goal since 4/96. I lost about 30 lbs and managed to keep it off by attending a meeting (for free) and weighing in at least once a month.
One of the best "side-effects" of following the WWs plan is that you are setting a healthy example for your family and tend to be feeding them a better-balanced diet.
As far as the cost, you are worth it! There's no price that can be put on your good health and happiness...oops...I didn't mean for that to sound so "preachy".
You'll need to check with WWs in your area but in ours (Eastern Region of WW internatiol) there are two different pricing plans.
One plan is where you go every week and have to pay for the weeks you miss. That is $9.95 +TX in our area
the second plan is $13 +Tx per week, but you only pay for the weeks that you actually attend. In order to stay a "current" member, you will need to weigh-in at least once every 4 weeks.
I'll bet you can tell that I just LOVE this program!
One more thing, if anybody out there is truly unable to pay the full fee, I do know that WWs offers some scholarships for reduced rate memberships (about $5/week).
I just wanted to add something:
If there is any way you can manage to make it to the meetings (rather than doing the program online), I would highly recommend it. Make sure that you get your money's worth by staying for the meeting
Best of luck to you.
Jane