Let's be honest ... there aren't a whole lot of benefits to getting older. However, one benefit we should all take advantage of are the senior discounts. Starting at age 50, you will start to be eligible for certain senior price breaks at a number of businesses. More special deals kick in at age 60 and there are an even larger range of discounts available by the time you are 65.
In addition to the ones listed below, make sure you are aware of any special discounts in your area ... free classes, reduced price meals at local restaurants, special days at museums, etc.
It is important to know, however, that in general you must ASK in order to get your senior discount. The businesses are happy to forget about them, unless you ask.
Restaurant Discounts - In addition to the restaurants that offer a discount through AARP, there are other restaurants that offer a price reduction on their own, including Arby's, Boston Market, Chili's, Subway and Wendy's. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to ask for them. Some businesses will require you to register for the discounts before you can get them.
Special Deals on Travel - Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and US Airways all offer discounts for people over the age of 65. However, my husband has pointed out that it is smart to see if you are able to get an even lower fare by using discount ticket sites. He has found that often the senior prices are not the best deals. Dollar Rent-a-Car offers discounts to seniors, whether they are members of AARP or not. Amtrak also offers a 15% price reduction on the lowest available rail fare for people over the age of 62. Bus service discounts are also available in many cities. Lower prices on cruises are also available. Make sure you check out Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines for their special offers.
Department Store Price Breaks - Many stores offer senior discounts, but again you have to ask for them. Sometimes the deals are only available on certain days. For example, Kohl's has lower prices on Wednesdays for customers who are 55 and over. Ross has the same deal on Tuesday's. Belk offers 15% off on the first Tuesday of each month. Banana Republic offers 10% off all the time for customers over the age of 50.
Lower Prices at Drug Store - Rite Aid offers 20% off your entire purchase on the first Wednesday of every month, if you are over the age of 65. I keep a list of items I buy regularly, such as vitamins and shampoo, and pick those items up on that day each month. You have to register your Rite Aid card in order to get the price break, and then it is automatically entered when you check out on that day of the month. In addition, I qualify for Plenti points for purchases that I make at Rite Aid and Macy's, as well as for my AT&T phone bill. These points add up quickly and can easily be converted to cash that I can spend in those stores. Every little bit counts!
Movie Theater Discounts - Most movie chains offer a special price for seniors. Our local theater not only has a normal senior discount that is available all the time, but on Wednesdays and Thursdays the price is even lower.
More Price Reductions for Seniors - The senior discounts that are available are constantly changing. For a current list, be sure to check out The Senior List website for a current list. Look for the tab at the top of the page. You might be surprised what you will find.
You will also get more helpful ideas from this this list of Senior Discounts for People Over 50 that was listed on the Mogul website.
Looking for more helpful retirement information? Use the tabs or pull down list at the top of this article to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles on where to retire, financial planning, medical issues, and changing family values.
You are reading from the blog: http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com
Photo credit: www.morguefile.com
In addition to the ones listed below, make sure you are aware of any special discounts in your area ... free classes, reduced price meals at local restaurants, special days at museums, etc.
It is important to know, however, that in general you must ASK in order to get your senior discount. The businesses are happy to forget about them, unless you ask.
Senior Discounts You Can Use
AARP Discounts - Once you turn 50, be sure to sign up for AARP. Your membership will only cost about $16 a year, and it will make you eligible for a whole range of discounts including hotels deals, especially at Best Western and La Quinta, as well as other travel packages. Restaurant discounts at Landry's, McCormick & Schmick, Rainforest Cafe, Outback Steakhouse, Denny's, and other places. Sears Department Stores offer a discount on their Road Handler tires. You can also get reduced prices on prescription drugs that are not covered by your medical insurance. The AARP magazine and website will provide you with more information about the deals that are available. However, my husband and I simply ask about AARP discounts everywhere we go, especially when we are traveling, going into museums, or visiting tourist attractions.
Restaurant Discounts - In addition to the restaurants that offer a discount through AARP, there are other restaurants that offer a price reduction on their own, including Arby's, Boston Market, Chili's, Subway and Wendy's. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to ask for them. Some businesses will require you to register for the discounts before you can get them.
Special Deals on Travel - Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and US Airways all offer discounts for people over the age of 65. However, my husband has pointed out that it is smart to see if you are able to get an even lower fare by using discount ticket sites. He has found that often the senior prices are not the best deals. Dollar Rent-a-Car offers discounts to seniors, whether they are members of AARP or not. Amtrak also offers a 15% price reduction on the lowest available rail fare for people over the age of 62. Bus service discounts are also available in many cities. Lower prices on cruises are also available. Make sure you check out Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines for their special offers.
Department Store Price Breaks - Many stores offer senior discounts, but again you have to ask for them. Sometimes the deals are only available on certain days. For example, Kohl's has lower prices on Wednesdays for customers who are 55 and over. Ross has the same deal on Tuesday's. Belk offers 15% off on the first Tuesday of each month. Banana Republic offers 10% off all the time for customers over the age of 50.
Lower Prices at Drug Store - Rite Aid offers 20% off your entire purchase on the first Wednesday of every month, if you are over the age of 65. I keep a list of items I buy regularly, such as vitamins and shampoo, and pick those items up on that day each month. You have to register your Rite Aid card in order to get the price break, and then it is automatically entered when you check out on that day of the month. In addition, I qualify for Plenti points for purchases that I make at Rite Aid and Macy's, as well as for my AT&T phone bill. These points add up quickly and can easily be converted to cash that I can spend in those stores. Every little bit counts!
Movie Theater Discounts - Most movie chains offer a special price for seniors. Our local theater not only has a normal senior discount that is available all the time, but on Wednesdays and Thursdays the price is even lower.
More Price Reductions for Seniors - The senior discounts that are available are constantly changing. For a current list, be sure to check out The Senior List website for a current list. Look for the tab at the top of the page. You might be surprised what you will find.
You will also get more helpful ideas from this this list of Senior Discounts for People Over 50 that was listed on the Mogul website.
Looking for more helpful retirement information? Use the tabs or pull down list at the top of this article to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles on where to retire, financial planning, medical issues, and changing family values.
You are reading from the blog: http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com
Photo credit: www.morguefile.com