This was the first year that I realized that getting to 65 has its advantages. I got my reduced fare permit and have enjoyed traveling on the Metra and CTA transportation at significant savings over my rides at 64. Although I am quickly reminded by my elder neighbors that I missed out on the last few years when it was âfreeâ for seniors. Thatâs okay. I knew that wouldnât last forever and getting older faster wouldnât be worth it.
I have gotten more into the habit now of asking businesses if they offer senior discounts. Also, I spend some time browsing the Internet looking for senior discounted opportunities. My wife is a super shopper, and if there is a coupon or a discount available, she is in the know. She forwarded me a web article the other day from the MSN Money site that identified a number of discounts available to seniors. Here are a few good ones in case you might have missed them.
I found out that the days of the week make a big difference for seniors. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to shop. On Tuesdays, Michaels (the craft store) offers 10 percent off with an AARP card, and Ross Dress for Less has an Every Tuesday Club that offers 10 percent off to members once a week. Customers must be 55 or older. Also, at Joe Caputo & Sons grocers, customers 55 and over get 10 percent off. Tuesday is also discount day for seniors 60 and over at AMC Theatres. On Wednesday, Kohl’s offers 15 percent off for people 60 and over.
A number of eating establishments offer discounts throughout the week for AARP card carriers â Dennyâs: 20 percent discount from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Also, coffee is just $1 all day. At Colonial Cafe, Claim Jumper, and Rainforest CafĂ©, you get a 10 percent discount. When it comes to mobile phones, both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have plans for seniors (65 and over) that provide 200 anytime minutes and 500 night and weekend minutes for $29.99 per month.
When it comes to travel and lodging, it is probably best to surf the web with priceline.com, hotels.com, or one of the other search engines that find you the best deals, but did you know that Hyatt hotels provides 50 percent off for seniors over 62? (Just in case you donât find a better deal when surfing.)
With summer weather coming quickly, you might be thinking about trips to the parks. The National Park Service has a fabulous deal for seniors 62 and over. For $10 you can obtain a lifetime America the Beautiful pass to the U.S. National Park Service. The same pass costs younger people $80 annually.
Yes, there are a few perks with getting older. Sometimes you just have to ask and show your age for the bennies.
Keep those letters coming, folks. Send your ideas to: The Frugal Forum, P.O. Box 693, Huntley, IL 60142 or by email to: thefrugalforum@gmail.com.
