The biggest value I've seen from VPNs is when certain networks block SSH. This happens to me all the time when staying in hotels. For my work I need SSH.

I've also had edge-cases where I need to obscure my country of origin. For instance, I couldn't stream Game of Thrones via Hulu/HBO Go this Summer while in Mexico. For some reason, Mexico is blocked. My VPN solved that.

For security? It's unlikely to help unless I am on an unsecured wireless network or something like that. Good read nonetheless.