AARP posts 10 Places to Ask for a Senior Discount
A post by Jeff Yeager, at AARP lists ten places where you can get a discount if you are a senior. In addition, he says, "shopping on certain days or asking for a price break can save you money."
Clothing
Kohls gives a 15 percent discount to those age 55-plus every Wednesday. Ross offers 10 percent off to shoppers 55 and older on Tuesdays when they sign up for the Every Tuesday Club. If youre in the market for some lightly used clothing or other previously owned goods, many Goodwill stores give seniors a discount on select days each week. Discount days vary by location.
Gym Membership
The YMCA offers $5 off its monthly membership rate for seniors 65-plus.And if youre in a retiree group health plan or in a Medicare plan, you may be eligible for a free SilverSneakers membership, which gets you access to more than 13,000 participating fitness facilities around the country as well as special classes and activities.
Utilities
Its worth contacting your utility providers and municipal government about discounted rates for seniors. You could qualify based on age and/or financial need. For example, Georgia Power offers seniors 65 and older a discount of up to $18 on their metered service if they meet income qualifications, and the city of Chicago exempts homeowners 65-plus from sewer service charges if they apply for the discount.
Auto Services
National chains Jiffy Lube and Midas offer service discounts. The age requirement and the discount varies by location. If youre shopping locally, it never hurts to ask if your neighborhood auto repair shop offers a senior discount.
Movie Tickets
Seniors 60-plus can save up to 30 percent on regular admission at most AMC Theatres and up to 60 percent on Tuesday Senior Days offered at select locations. Showcase Cinemas offers a discounted $6 admission for the 60-plus crowd on Senior Wednesdays. Senior day discounts at Cinemark theaters vary by location.
National Park Admission
For $10, seniors 62 and older can purchase a Senior Pass thats good for lifetime access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites and national parks. (Note: If you apply by mail, there is a $10 processing fee.) Depending on the venue, the pass could entitle you to discounts on other amenities such as camping or swimming.
Groceries
On Thursdays, grocers Kroger and Harris Teeter offer a 5 percent discount off the entire bill for those 60 and older. Note: The discounts usually dont apply to tobacco products or prescriptions.
Transportation
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival cruise lines offer discount rates to cruisers 55 and over. Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount to travelers 62 years or older. Those of you that same age also qualify for a 5 percent discount on Greyhound bus travel. Southwest Airlines offers special senior fares for those 65-plus.
Haircuts
National chains such as Great Clips and Supercuts may trim the cost of your next haircut. Because most national salon chain locations are individual franchises, terms and conditions of senior discounts (if any) vary by location. Locally owned barbers and salons may give seniors a price break as well. Just ask.
Education
Continuing education programs are available at many colleges and universities to those 60 and over for a small fee. It may even be free, so check with the programs near you.