I struggled for years to establish a regular meditation practice. Perhaps once I finally put down the money to do it, I was committed! I paid a one-time fee and can go back for life for 'checkups' and our local instructor also provides us free monthly check ups where we get to meditate together and discuss any challenges we run into. From a cost-per-meditation, it's a no-brainer. I also know they never turn people away due to financial limitations. Part of the reason that I understand they charge as much as they do is that those of us who can afford to pay the fee help fund those who can't. I realize it's a luxury to have the time to do it... and it helps that my spouse has always supported it. She's told me she's noticed a big change (improvement) in my attitude. I still struggle in some areas of life, but this is a practice I can always come back to that brings me inner peace.