How Seniors Can Participate in Senior Savings
Each retailer defines “senior” differently, with some using 55 as the magic age, others 60 or 62. So, everyone who has blown out 55 candles should check the business establishments they frequent, to find out whether a senior discount is available and how to participate. Some stores require proof of ID and a loyalty card, others simply take the customer’s word that they qualify.
There are several valuable websites dedicated to locating discounts for seniors. Sciddy.com has a growing database of retailers and service providers who offer discounts to baby boomers. Their website is free and searchable, providing discounts in eleven categories, from auto parts and home repair to entertainment such as bowling and movie theatres.
SeniorDiscounts.us also provides senior discount information, but requires a membership fee to search the database by location and service. However, members can submit discounts they discover by posting on the site, and those posts are free to view. Joan’s Boomer Blog is helpful for seniors in general, and addresses discounts in their coupons and freebies section.
There are so many places that offer discounts it would be impossible to list them all, so getting older is something every senior should celebrate!
Senior Discounts from Grocers and Restaurants
Since the cost of groceries and eating out keeps rising in today's ecomony, it's even more important for seniors to take advantage of the grocery chains and restaurants that offer discounts.
Grocery chains such as Fry’s, Krogers, Albertson’s, and some Safeways cater to the over 55 crowd by offering a 10% discount in many states on groceries purchased on a specific day each month. Other grocers may offer discounts of a lesser amount, or discounts on specific products and services. For instance, Safeway has offered flu shots to seniors at a discount.
Many restaurants such as Lubys, Village Inn, Denny’s and Coco’s, have long been a dinner destination for silver-haired regulars. Some, such as IHOP and The Old Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix, Arizona even have a senior menu. Other tasty spots for discounted meals are Elephant Bar, Macayo's, Golden Corral, Sweet Tomatoes, Applebees, Fuddruckers, Home Town Buffet and Cracker Barrel.
In certain locations, fast food restaurants such as Arby’s, Boston Market, Burger King, Wendy’s and Dairy Queen welcome hungry seniors by offering a discount, if asked. Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, and Chick-fil-A offer seniors their choice of an overall discount or free drink. Hardees’ offers a daily 33-cent drink to seniors.
Seniors with a sweet tooth should check out Dairy Queen and Ben & Jerry’s because select locations offer discounts to seniors. For morning dunkers, some Dunkin’ Donuts offer free coffee!
The key to discovering what eating establishment offers senior discounts is to ask! This is because often the discount is not advertised, and employees might not inform the customer for fear of insulting them. Patrons should make their inquiries before ordering their food, to avoid an embarrassing incident at the cash register.
Senior Discounts on Clothing and Household Goods
Many clothing stores advertise senior discounts right in their windows. The fashion conscious senior can look for discounts on apparel and home goods at many retailers. Examples:
- Ross – 10% discount every Tuesday
- Dress Barn – 10% discount
- Kohl’s – 15% discount on select Wednesdays
- SteinMart – 20% off red dot items and clearance items on the first Monday each month
- Big Lots – 10% discount
- Goodwill and Salvation Army (10-15% depending on the location)
Discounts Seniors Won't Want to Miss
Senior discounts on meals are almost expected, but other lesser-known discounts are also available.
Travel: Discounts are available on airfare (Alaska Air, American), car rental (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise), and hotel stays (Best Western, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, Marriott). Many of these services are provided at a discount to AARP members, so that becoming a member of that over-fifty crowd pays for itself.
Fun and Fitness: AMC, Regal and Harkins theatres offer up to a 30% discount on movie tickets. Bally Total Fitness offers a substantial discount for senior gym rats. Baby boomer fun-seekers should ask about discounts when visiting Disneyland, SeaWorld and all U.S. National Parks. The New York Mets and Yankees even offer discounts on select game days to seniors!
Technology: Verizon, AT&T and Jitterbug offer discounts on cell phone service for seniors.
Beauty and Health: Seniors can get a haircut at Great Clips, Fantastic Sams and Super Cuts for a few bucks less than the youngsters. Walgreens provides weekly specials for AARP members, and Enchantments Salon and Day Spa in Phoenix offers 10% off services on Tuesdays.
Auto: Senior discounts are offered at many national auto servicing chains such as Pep Boys (10%), Jiffy Lube and Midas, as well as various local businesses around the country, from as Auto Glass by Jerry in Rockwall, Texas, to M&M Auto Werkes in Campbell, California.
This list of senior discounts is certainly not complete, and opportunities for baby boomers to save money will undoubtedly expand in the future. The important message for seniors is this: Find out about discounts before every shopping trip, vacation, or evening on the town. A simple inquiry can save thousands of dollars during those golden years!
Resources:
senior-discounts.us
sciddy.com
giftcardgranny.com
Jan Peterson - I'm a retired banker, published songwriter, cyber journalist, and member of the advisory board for the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall ...
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