10 Discounts and Financial Perks Every Senior Should Know About

This article was written with the assistance of AI.

As you step into retirement, it’s time to unlock the countless benefits available exclusively to seniors. From travel discounts to utility savings, these perks can help you enjoy life while managing your finances more effectively. The key is knowing where to look and how to make the most of these offers.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 major categories of discounts and perks, providing specific examples and actionable steps for accessing them.

1. Travel and Transportation Discounts

Seniors can enjoy significant savings on travel, whether by air, train, or bus.

Examples:

Amtrak: Offers 10% off for travelers aged 65 and older.

Greyhound: Provides a 10% discount on bus tickets for seniors.

Delta Airlines: Offers senior fares on select flights (call for details).

National Parks: Lifetime Senior Pass for $80 gives free or discounted access to over 2,000 parks and federal recreation sites.

How to Access:

Always check directly with travel providers when booking, and carry identification to verify eligibility.

Source: National Park Service - Senior Pass

2. Dining Discounts

Enjoy your favorite meals for less with senior deals at restaurants and fast-food chains.

Examples:

Denny’s: 15% off for AARP members.

IHOP: Special senior menu with discounted prices.

Chick-fil-A: Some locations offer free drinks or small discounts for seniors.

Applebee’s: Discounts vary by location; call ahead to confirm.

Tip:

Keep your AARP card handy for additional savings at participating restaurants.

Source: AARP - Dining Discounts

3. Retail Discounts

Many retail stores and outlets offer exclusive shopping days or discounts for seniors.

Examples:

Kohl’s: 15% off every Wednesday for customers aged 60 and over.

Ross Stores: Offers 10% off on Tuesdays for seniors.

Goodwill: Varies by location but often includes 10-20% off for seniors.

Walgreens: Seniors Day on the first Tuesday of the month includes discounts of up to 20% on select items.

How to Access:

Inquire about senior discounts at the checkout counter or customer service desk.

Source: Walgreens - Seniors Day

4. Utility and Telecom Savings

Utility providers often have special programs to help seniors manage costs.

Examples:

Energy Assistance Programs: Reduced rates for electricity and gas bills in many states.

AT&T Senior Nation Plan: Offers reduced rates on cell phone plans for seniors.

Lifeline Assistance Program: Discounts on monthly phone or internet services for eligible low-income seniors.

Tip:

Check with your local utility provider about discounts or financial assistance programs.

Source: Energy.gov - Assistance Programs

5. Prescription and Healthcare Savings

Save on medications and healthcare services with senior-specific programs.

Examples:

GoodRx: Free service to compare drug prices and get discounts at local pharmacies.

Medicare Savings Programs: Covers premiums, deductibles, and copays for low-income seniors.

CVS and Walgreens: Offer discount memberships for prescriptions.

How to Access:

Consult with your pharmacist about programs like GoodRx and explore Medicare’s official website for detailed savings options.

Source: GoodRx - Senior Prescription Discounts

6. Grocery Store Discounts

Cut down on grocery bills with senior discount days at local supermarkets.

Examples:

Albertsons: Discounts for seniors vary by store; call your local branch.

Safeway: Offers senior discounts on specific days in select locations.

Publix: Discounts for seniors in some areas; ask at your local store.

How to Access:

Sign up for loyalty programs to maximize discounts and savings.

Source: AARP - Grocery Discounts

7. Fitness and Wellness Perks

Stay active and healthy with senior fitness programs and wellness discounts.

Examples:

SilverSneakers: Free or discounted gym memberships through participating Medicare plans.

YMCA: Reduced membership rates for seniors.

Local Community Centers: Often provide free or low-cost fitness classes for seniors.

Tip:

Contact your health insurance provider to see if SilverSneakers is included in your plan.

Source: SilverSneakers - Fitness Program

8. Technology and Internet Discounts

Seniors can access affordable internet and technology services.

Examples:

Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers discounted internet plans for eligible seniors.

T-Mobile 55+ Plans: Unlimited talk, text, and data plans at reduced rates for customers 55 and older.

Best Buy: Senior tech support discounts through Geek Squad memberships.

How to Access:

Visit the provider’s website or customer service desk to inquire about senior plans.

Source: T-Mobile - Senior Plans

9. Financial Services Perks

Banks and credit unions often provide exclusive benefits for senior customers.

Examples:

Chase: Offers free checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees for seniors.

Bank of America: Reduced rates on safe deposit boxes and other services.

AARP Credit Cards: Cash back rewards tailored to seniors’ spending habits.

Source: AARP - Credit Card Perks

10. Educational Discounts

Seniors can access free or discounted courses at local colleges or online platforms.

Examples:

Auditing College Classes: Many public universities allow seniors to audit classes for free.

Coursera and Udemy: Online platforms offer discounts or free courses for seniors.

Libraries: Free access to e-books, online courses, and more.

Tip:Contact your local college or library to learn about senior education programs.Source: Coursera - Free Courses

By taking advantage of these senior discounts and perks, you can save money, enjoy new experiences, and make the most of your retirement years. Remember to ask about senior benefits wherever you go—they might not always be advertised.

What perks have you discovered as a senior? Share your tips in the comments below!