Reaping the rewards of seniority:
Knowwhere to find better deals on meals, merchandise
There are some good things about being a senior citizen, such as grandkids; lower real estate taxes; retirement; and discounts at stores, restaurants and other venues.
Moreover, there are 76.4 million baby boomers in America today. This creates a large client base for any business. So, offering discounts and other benefits for senior citizens is a winwin for both seniors and businesses.
But the key to these discounts is to either have a Senior Discount Card to present, or to ask about the discounts prior to receiving the bill.
Acouple of these discount cards include AARP’s, or AARP’s competitor, AMAC, with annual dues of around $12- $16, and Senior Citizens Discount Card that is free and can be printed from its website at www.scdcard.com.
Amazon also has a 50+ Active andHealthy Living Store, where customers can schedule deliveries of household products, personal care items, vitamins, incontinence care, etc. and usually discounted 15 percent. There are many other benefits for those using the site. Just search “Amazon 50+ Store.”
There are also good deals for cell phones, such as from the No. 1 pick, MetroPCS, or Consumer Cellular, AT&TandRepublic Wireless. All of these companies offer low rates for seniors usually 65 or over
Movie theaters lead the waywith some of the highest discounts. Regal Cinemas offers up to 35 percent off tickets for those 60 and over on most days, Cinamark Theatres up to 35 percent on Seniors’ Day, andAMCTheatres up to 30 percent off for those 60 and over
on most days. Hotels come in second for the best discounts for seniors with Marriott offering 15 percent, and InterContinental Hotels, which include Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites, offering 10-20 percent off.
Seniors with a Reward Card or AARPmembership can receive 15-20 percent off at Walgreens. But the offer is only valid one day a month, so check your local store. AMAC also offers
discounts for travel, insurance, credit cards, pet insurance, real estate transactions, cell phones and more.
Most restaurants and fast food places usually offer 10 percent off or a free or discounted drink for those 55 and over. However, Denny’s restaurants offer one of the highest discounts for seniors.
“Denny’s 55+ Menu features a number of affordable and delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. For example, Denny’s 55+ Fit Fare Loaded Veggie Omelette. Guests can also try a number of great dishes like the 55+ French Toast Slamor 55+ Grilled Tilapia. Additionally, Denny’s guests that showtheir AARPmembers cards at participating Denny’s restaurants can save 15 percent off of their total check. This offer is valid all day, every day,” said Jillian Hutwagner, spokesperson for Denny’s.
The best list for these eateries is www.theseniorlist.com.
The Senior List offers reviews, senior housing information, discounts for travel, prescriptions, etc.
When it comes to services, beauty salons and barber shops also offer discounts that usually run around $1-$5 off a haircut. But you have to ask.
Car parts and repair places also offer discounts, such as Jiffy Lube offers 10 percent off service and/or parts.
Pep Boys offers 10 percent off on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for those 55 and over.
Goodwill stores offer 1030 percent off, for those 60 and up. These discounts are only on Senior Days.
Houston is seeing cooler weather, so it is a good time to get out and about, have some fun, enjoy a meal out, andmaybe a movie, but most of all, don’t forget to ask for your senior discounts.
After all, every penny counts, and pennies add up to dollars.