It’s Time to Enjoy Your Senior Discounts

The first time I realized I was a senior, was on a trip to see our son in Southern California. It wasn’t the hundreds of miles of sitting in the car. Nor the fact that I had to stop to use the restroom, too often. It was a stop we made at Taco Bell. We ordered our usual, but since we were on a long trip we opted for small drinks.

I am all about following the rules and paying my dues – and in this case my full bill. I kept thinking they hadn’t charged me enough for the meal. Upon review, I realized they forgot to charge us for our drinks.

I went to the counter with receipt and money in hand. I explained the error and offered my money. “No error,” he explained, “we gave you the senior discount. Free small drink with a meal.”* I was a bit surprised, but I did thank him.

Subsequently, I walked back to our table and gave my husband the news – we were officially old. We were now eligible for senior discounts, something that had never occurred to us.

Remember to ask

You worked for many years. Maybe you have raised a family and in the process put your family ahead of yourself. Now the house is quieter. The discussion of retirement has come up. Maybe you plan to travel more, now that you have more time. Life is more relaxed. You’ve earned this time to take advantage of the senior discounts. Depending on the discount, you may be eligible as early as age 50. I urge you to take advantage of these perks of your older age.

We now try to remember when we go out to eat, to request the senior discount. It’s hard for me to remember every time, but I try. I’ve gone as far as writing myself a note and putting it in my wallet next to the way I will be paying for the meal (credit card, gift card, or cash.) If only I were younger, it would be so much easier to remember.

Try using an App

There is a free app that I have on my phone that helps me to look to see what, if any, discount I can get at a particular place. It’s called Senior Discounts. It’s free. They have a list of AARP and a list of “not AARP” discounts. I used it the other night when we were at Outback and I didn’t know if they offered a discount. Sure enough, there was a 10% discount on our food from AARP. The discount didn’t apply to alcohol, taxes, and tip, all of which I expected. The app includes the age when the discount is accepted. We had to be 55+. Not a problem. And it told us that it was nationwide.

If you don’t see it listed on Senior Discounts, don’t be afraid to ask. Even if I see something listed I try to confirm that it is still valid, just in case.

Go beyond your senior discount

We had gone to Outback Steakhouse for our 44th wedding anniversary. Our meal was a super deal. We tend to get water as our drink when we are out for dinner. It’s healthier, I can’t tolerate caffeine that late at night, and it’s free. Thanks to free gift cards we earned through AARP, in the amounts of $20 and $25, our dinner was very inexpensive.

Our total bill, less our 10% discount, less the $45 in gift cards, only cost us $11, including tip. We had a shrimp appetizer, I had a hamburger and fries, and my husband had an 11 oz. sirloin steak. It was less expensive than going to most fast-food restaurants.

Interested in earning free gift cards for meals, gifts, car maintenance, and more? Check out this post: Learn and Earn Free Stuff https://growingoldereveryday.com/learn-and-earn-free-stuff/

Food and travel

We mainly use our discount on food. We are, however, taking a trip in a few months and I plan to also use discounts on car rental, hotels, and maybe entertainment. Discounts are available at movie theaters, Museums, Zoos, Las Vegas shows, National Parks, and more. Food discounts range from A & W Rootbeer to Landry’s Seafood. There are also discounts for Krispy Kreme, Piggly Wiggly, Puritan’s Pride Vitamins and Supplements, Schwan’s Home Service, ShopRite, Waffle House, White Castle, and much more.

And don’t forget about Amtrak and many airlines. Amtrak starts at age 65 and offers 10% off. Most Airlines start at age 62 or 65, with the discount varying.

Shopping and household expenses

Shopping discounts are available on special days, sometimes weekly and sometimes once a month. These can range from 10%-20%. Be sure to check with the stores you frequent. It could be worth looking for a new outfit on Wednesday instead of Tuesday if you are able to wait. Some stores that participate in shopping discounts include Walgreens, Stein Mart, Goodwill, Marshall’s, Ross, and Kohls.

There are even discounts for hearing aids, Sears Optical, Target Optical, LensCrafters, Great Clips and Supercuts, and 1-800 flowers. And look for discounts at these places: Ace Hardware, Hallmark Stores, Harry & David, JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, Michaels Stores, AMC Theaters, The Popcorn Factory, and Vinesse Wines. Be aware that some places may have a minimum purchase requirement.

Phone/Cell Service and vehicles

Places you may not think of may offer a discount for you if you ask. Places like AT&T, ConsumerCellular, GreatCall, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Keep in mind these discounts can be to new customers only and they might not work for your personal needs. For your vehicle maintenance needs check with Pepboys, Midas, and Jiffy Lube for their senior discounts.

Be sure to check with your car insurance company. Older drivers with a good driving record may get a discount that is definitely worth asking for. If your company won’t give you a discount, maybe it’s time to switch companies. If you own your own home bundling it with your car insurance can also save you money.

Verify what is being offered

Remember to check with your serer or call in before you arrive, to verify the details:

• Is the discount available on only a certain day?
• At what age do they offer the discount?
• What is the percentage of savings?
• Do I need to be a member of AARP, AAA, or another organization?
• Is there a minimum purchase requirement?
• Is the discount available at this location?

The discounts are out there waiting for you to request them. Occasionally, a venue might ask if you are over a certain age so they can give you their discount. I have found that to be rare. So be sure you take a few seconds to ask. No matter what kind of budget you have, saving a little here and a little there always puts a smile on your face.

*Please note that each Taco Bell has the right to offer a senior discount. At the location closest to my home, they give a percentage off the total cost, nothing close to the value of two small drinks. Some Taco Bell locations may not have a senior discount policy. Be sure to ask. Enjoy the perks of your older age.

[mc4wp_form id=”393″]