Although the age to claim Medicare is 65, many senior benefits and discounts start considerably earlier. When you reach age 50, you can join AARP or AMAC and begin taking advantage of senior discounts. Other discounts out there have minimum age limits that vary by job or area and might range from 50 to 65 years.
Are you unsure whether a location offers a senior discount? Look into it, and be sure to ask them upfront. Because not all businesses explicitly advertise whether or not they provide senior discounts, some inquiries may be required.
Save Big on Shopping
As a senior, extending your budget can help you save money, and taking advantage of available discounts can make regular shopping much more affordable. Before your next shopping trip, know that there are a variety of money-saving offers available across popular retailers:
Every Tuesday, Goodwill offers a 10% discount to customers aged 60 and up. Seniors on Medicaid or SNAP can enjoy full Amazon Prime benefits for only $6.99 per month, which is significantly less than the standard fee. Every Wednesday, Kohl’s offers a 15% discount to customers aged 60 and up, while Michaels offers a 10% discount to everyone over the age of 55. Also on Wednesdays, Hy-Vee customers 55 and older may save 5% on their groceries. Rite Aid also offers savings to seniors 65 and older, such as 20% off on the first Wednesday of each month. Walgreens provides discounts to customers 55 and older and AARP members, making wellness basics more affordable. Finally, on Thursdays, seniors aged 55 and up receive a 20% discount at various Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.
Save On Groceries
If you want to stretch your grocery budget, many businesses in the United States provide senior discounts, which can accumulate over time. While these discounts vary by location and are subject to change, they are a great way to save money on staples.
Every Monday, American Discount Stores provides a 10% discount to consumers over the age of 62. Next, every Wednesday, Bi-Lo provides a 5% discount to customers aged 60 and up. Customers aged 55 and older receive a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of each month at Fry’s Food Stores. On Thursdays, Harris Teeter provides a 5% discount to customers over the age of 60. Hy-Vee also participates, offering a 5% discount on Wednesdays to seniors 55 and above, however the specific offer varies each store. Every Wednesday in the Pacific Northwest and California, consumers over the age of 65 receive a 10% discount on most items at New Seasons Market.
Cut Down Auto Insurance Payments
Many seniors wind up paying far too much for car insurance, often because they simply let their policies renew automatically year after year without investigating other options. If you’re over 45 and paying more than $38 per month, you’re undoubtedly overpaying for your insurance. Fortunately, most seniors can now save more than $400 per year by using Coverage.com, a free auto insurance comparison service.
All you have to do is go to the website, answer a few simple questions, and check the insurance options available. That’s all it takes—it’s quick, easy, and may save you a lot of cash!
Slash Your Auto Service Bill
As a senior, saving money on car maintenance may be quite beneficial, especially as costs grow. Before having your car serviced or repaired, look into senior discounts, which can help you save money on items like oil changes, new tires, and routine maintenance. Many auto repair shops provide special discounts to older customers.
For example, at participating Jiffy Lube locations, AARP members enjoy a discount. Midas offers a 10% discount on labor and services, whereas Pep Boys offers a 10% discount at select locations to customers aged 60 and up. STS Tires & Auto Centers also helps seniors by offering a 5% discount on tires, services, and accessories to customers aged 55 and over. Taking advantage of these bargains allows your money to go further when keeping your car in good shape.
Take Advantage of Health Discounts
Older Americans often overpay for their healthcare needs, which range from basic medications to crucial wellness goods. These costs can quickly add up, causing financial difficulty for many. Fortunately, there are several programs available to help seniors better manage their finances in regard to healthcare.
For example, Rite Aid’s Wellness 65+ Program offers a 20% discount on purchases on the first Wednesday of each month, as well as a complimentary consultation with a pharmacist. Walgreens’ free myWalgreens membership saves seniors 55 and older 20% on both online and in-store purchases. The RxFreeCard also saves elders money on prescriptions, while Atera Spas offers discounts on products intended specifically for older people. Furthermore, AARP Prescription Savings allows members to save an average of 61% on FDA-approved medications that are not covered by insurance.
Reduce Travel Costs
If you often take vacations, visit family, or travel for other reasons, consider senior travel discounts. Travelers aged 55 and older usually obtain special privileges and discounts from various travel operators. For example:
American Airlines provides a range of senior discounts on specific flights, but you must contact them for further information. Amtrak provides a 10-15% discount to seniors in most destinations, and Alaska Airlines gives savings of up to 10% depending on the travel season. Southwest Airlines provides special Senior Fares to passengers over the age of 65, which can be booked online or through customer service. United Airlines also provides reduced pricing for travelers over 65; simply select the “Over 65” option when booking. Hertz’s Fifty Plus Program offers a 20% discount to customers aged 50 and older, as well as features including speedier service and reward points.
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Source: Walletjump