Getting old? Senior discounts you must ask for.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

I don't know how accurate this information is. It was forwarded to me from a friend and I don't shop at very many of these places but it might be worth asking.

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Keep this list and send a copy to your senior friends and relatives.
As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 get 10% off everything on the menu, every day.
Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too.
This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and howsome of them start at the young age of 50 .
This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.
Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 .
If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.

YOU ;mustASK for your discount !

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT ;:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - - - and remember ----

YOU must ASK for your discount ---- no ask, no discount.
I Know everyone knows someone over 50 please pass the one on!!!!!

[Newest Reality]

1. Food Lion?

Ah, that 60% off on Monday has to be a typo, no?

[OffWithTheirHeads]

2. Don't know.

[etherealtruth]

56. Looks like it is 6%

Grocery Store Discounts for Seniors - More With Less Today
As of 2-29-12, Food Lion no longer offers senior discounts. Offer: At select locations, those 60+ receive a 6% discount on Mondays (day is subject to change).

[mwooldri]

87. It's definitely a typo.

If Food Kitty does have a senior citizen discount, their website does not publicize it at all.

Plus this list was posted on a Snopes chatboard last year : http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=80899 - that page says 6% there. But I have my doubts about the validity of this discount.

[madokie]

3. Thanks,

I found out a couple years ago if you're a Vet Lowes gives a 10% discount every day. Its saved us quiet a bit of cash as we shop at Lowes often

[sammytko]

19. So does Home Depot

Bealls also has military discount of 15%

[AnotherMcIntosh]

58. Good to know. The Lowes' policy is published on their web site:

"•A 10% discount to all veterans during Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends; and a 10% discount every day to all active, reserve, retired and disabled veterans who carry a valid, military-issued photo ID card."

http://careers.lowes.com/military.aspx

Officially, they don't give a 10% discount to all vets every day.

Unofficially, even if you are not "active, reserve, retired or disabled," but have bought a big-ticket item on one of the holidays so that a manager has personally given a discount, the manager and/or those that operate the cash registers and report to him may automatically give you discounts thereafter.

[madokie]

61. I'm legit but my two brothers isn't according to this but they get the discounts as if they were

No fraud on their part as no questions are asked nor are either aware of their policy. I didn't even know that was the policy either.

[sammytko]

175. I have to show my ID to get the discount.

[Cirque du So-What]

4. This leads to nothing but trouble

For instance, you can stroll into a McDonalds on any given morning and observe a throng of seniors getting all jazzed-up on their terrible coffee. Imagine all the mischief they wreak after swilling down cup after cup!

[Atman]

36. I rarely have anything good to say about McD's, but...

They are usually the next-best go-to place for a reliably good cup of coffee when traveling and I can't find a good local coffee shop. I don't know about chain-wide, but up here in New England they serve Newman's Own. And because of the volume of coffee they serve, it is always fresh. It's certainly preferable to the swill Dunking' Donuts calls coffee.

Oh, even without the senior discount many McD's location offer coffee for $1 for any size cup.

[SheilaT]

154. Oh, yes. Good old McD's!

Some years back, when I was merely in my late 40's, I was getting a cup of coffee at one. The young lady -- she was probably not over 16 -- handed me the coffee and said, "Twenty six cents please." (This was a good twenty years ago, prices have risen since then.) I responded, "I thought it was fifty-three cents." She said, "Oh, senior discount." and then looked at me more closely and got a nervous expression on her face. I thought it was hilarious, and I put the extra money in the Ronald McDonald box.

I remember all too well when I was not much older than her and working for a company that gave a senior discount, and how insulted some people would get when I'd offer it to them. To a young enough person anyone over 40 looks old.

Nowadays, three months shy of my 65th birthday, I forget to ask for senior discounts, even though I'm eligible. I need to remember.

I have noticed that the AAA discount at hotels is at least as good as the AARP one. I belong to the former, not the latter.

[Atman]

167. AAA and AARP are accepted at most of the same places...so I don't do AARP.

I just have to avoid AARP as long as possible. I got the heavy barrage of mailings when I approached fifty...after ignoring them for a few years they now ignore me. But I find AAA is just as good...without the politics of AARP.

[Buns_of_Fire]

169. It used to concern me that I didn't look old enough to buy beer.

Priorities change. Now I'm concerned that I don't look old enough to qualify for my senior citizen discount.

Ya just can't win.

[SheilaT]

170. Actually, it's been my experience that if you claim the senior discount

you'll never be questioned. Keep in mind that to the very young you do look old.

I do like to think I look young for my age, but I always get the senior discount if I ask for it.

[Buns_of_Fire]

173. I guess. I'm still getting used to people occasionally calling me "sir"

and asking if I need any help getting my groceries to the car.

I chalk it up to my years of clean living...

[Jane Austin]

191. And if you ask them to make you a fresh pot,

They nearly always will.

I rely on McDonald's coffee when I travel.

Edited to add (But I don't buy anything else there.)

[Atman]

202. Exactly! No "food." Just coffee.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

207. Kinda like this?

[Beartracks]

210. +1 Monty Python FTW ... n/t

[graham4anything]

5. Gotta ask for it. Why not. though I wish they would still think I was under 21 (LOL)

[pipoman]

6. I have long believed the discounts

should be for people with young families instead of seniors who many are wealthy or at least have enough to retire..why should the same meal at Applebees cost more for a young family (or anyone for that matter) who is paying for the 15% discount given to some rich retired banker or doctor? Same plate of food..age discrimination shouldn't be tolerated.. It's a crock-o-shit IMHO..

[Nye Bevan]

8. My guess is that the super-wealthy do not typically eat at Applebees (nt)

[pipoman]

10. Not talking about the "super wealthy"..

[pnwmom]

41. Lots of well off older people are tight with their money and eat at places like that.

And as a group, over 50's have a lot more money than people in their 20's.

[loudsue]

76. That will only be the case for the next couple of years. Once the reagan generation gets up there

there will be poverty across the board except for the very few.

[RKP5637]

82. Exactly! That "is" where the US is headed, but many still don't get it,

that they are headed straight for that poverty group. The math applied for capitalism makes no sense at all, except for those pulling the wool over the eyes of the masses, so as to enhance and ensure their continued wealth shenanigans. And most congressmen, TPTB, are full of BS when they politic the issues facing this country.

[aquart]

183. I always appreciate the glory of perfect ignorance.

"AS A GROUP"???

[RKP5637]

77. +1, n/t

[TheCowsCameHome]

13. Um,

it's called advertising. You know, where a business tries to lure customers in?

Good grief...

[pipoman]

14. Hurray for capitalism

in necessary industries!! Great reason to charge minimum wage families more for a loaf of bread at Kroger to subsidize luring in the wealthy retired, eh? Good grief indeed..FFS

[TheCowsCameHome]

22. Wait until you reach that age.

You'll change your tune fast.

[pipoman]

29. I'm close now..

btw, you never did explain why minimum wage families should subsidize your loaf of bread..other than you like getting your stuff cheaper regardless who pays for it..

[A Simple Game]

52. I suppose I don't really want to know how you feel about Social Security. n/t

[pipoman]

69. I suppose you can make some vague connection between

social security and an age discriminatory discount for the wealthy at wal-mart eh?

[A Simple Game]

75. Don't the younger people pay into Social Security to enable the older and

much much richer people to be able to draw their bloated Social Security checks?

You are either committed to your ideals or not, get with the program!

[pipoman]

80. And again, how does this relate to a discount at

McDonalds?

[A Simple Game]

90. One of the two of us is claiming that younger people are subsidizing seniors.

I'm pretty sure it isn't me.

Who does that leave? Or do you feel it is ok if the government does it? So how is the fact that younger people are subsidizing my discount at McDonald's any different than the fact that young people are paying for my Social Security? What is the difference? Where do you draw the line? Didn't I subsidize seniors at McDonald's before I was a senior? Didn't I subsidize seniors before I started drawing Social Security?

Inquiring senior minds want to know.

[fwm]

105. How much is bloated?

I get $561.00 a month. My husband is still working so 90% of it goes into savings until next year when he retires. We have been very frugal for most of our lives. Bought small houses (actually we've bought 3 in our lifetime), fixed them up while living in them. Never charged more than we could afford to pay off every month and didn't buy fancy expensive vehicles. We still have our 1990 Ford F150 which is in beautiful condition.

[PotatoChip]

130. I think that the poster you are replying to was being sarcastic.

Welcome to DU, though.

[A Simple Game]

145. Please don't just pick one post out of a sub thread and accuse the poster of nefarious things

without knowing what is being discussed.

Please read the whole sub thread starting with post #6. Then pay special attention to post #14. And post #29 to a lesser extent.

I start in the thread at #52. Then again with #75 that you responded to, and again with post #90 that I can only assume you didn't read before you responded to #75. Post #69 doesn't say much but continues the tone set by the one I was replying to.

Perhaps if I wasn't old enough to be on Social Security myself I could remember to use the sarcasm thingy.

[Honeycombe8]

124. Didn't the current Social Sec recipients pay into SS to enable the prior recipients

to receive their benefits?

"Bloated"? Seriously? Sounds like you don't know the amount of benefits the avg SS worker gets.

"Rich" people get no more SS than others with less income because there is a cap on SS benefits.

[RebelOne]

142. I paid into SS for over 50 years,

and I deserve every cent of the benefits I am receiving now.

[A Simple Game]

146. Please read post #145. n/t

[mntleo2]

126. Boomers paid for BOTH their parents and themselves

....this was thanks to Reagonomics who jacked up the SS taken from our paychecks. Believe me that hurt a lot while raising a young family at that time. But supposedly it had to be done to prepare my generation for our own retirements because we were going to be eligible in much larger numbers than our parents or children. This was done to protect our children from having to pay as much as they would have. No other generation has had that burden.

So in essence we have at the very least partially paid for ours, and seeing the inflation, age discrimination for work, the loss of many Boomer's housing, which they THOUGHT would be their "egg nests", and so many other things, perhaps this was a good thing for us AND the next generations.

The truth is that the cap should be lifted and the rich should pay a higher amount. If their incomes are over $108,000 a year, they pay zilch, nada, absolutely nothing. But instead of being so greedy because, well, THEY have a secure future, to hell with the rest of us, this would take care of the "problem" for generations to come.


So Dear, unlike any other generation has, we Boomers have already paid into our own funds. This is why it is $Trillion of dollars in the black. PLUS there would be even more in there if the Republican Congress would keep their filthy mitts off of "borrowing" against it, which they have no intentions to pay back. This was the "lock box" issue Gore ran upon that was ignored.

Cat in Seattle <---who unfortunately has a l-o-n-g memory because my own kids suffered greatly while I was working McJobs and we were losing a heueueuege part of our income because of this.

[dmr]

134. Thank you! Either people forgot about this or never knew.

[A Simple Game]

147. Please read post #145. And yes I do know about the excuse Rayguns used

to lower taxes on the rich and raise them on the middle class. Oh, the reasons given were valid, but the solutions were at the best poor if the outcome they said they wanted was valid. The truth was and still is that they never planned for the extra Social Security money to be paid back to the ones that were supposed to get it. It was meant to be stolen from the very beginning, of that I have no doubts.

Now this is all well and fine and we agree 100%, but you should be responding to the person I was responding to. Please read the entire sub thread. I was being sarcastic in post #75. My post #90 should make that obvious.

[Atman]

168. +1000

I've paid into this system my whole life, since my first job at 15. With a PROMISE that I'd have benefits when I got old. No I'm a year shy of my benefits, and the fucking GOP wants to take it away and say "OOPS! Sorry...we messed up." Yeah, YOU messed up, not me. I've paid my dues, I've been my premiums. Now, you rich assholes in Congress with $8 a month insurance tell me that it is MY fault, and want me to give up the 40 years worth of paycheck deductions.

Pipo and you other young punks can kiss my ass. If GameStop changed your membership benefits, you'd march in the streets.

[Buns_of_Fire]

171. Thank you for reminding everyone of that! nt

[Sherman A1]

186. +1000

Yes, we did indeed already pay ahead for our SS.

[truegrit44]

141. I receive $469 a month SS

I don't consider that to be a bloated SS check. My husband receives $800 a month that is our total income and have no savings. There are millions just like us

[A Simple Game]

148. Please read post #145. n/t

[lunatica]

53. Seniors pay taxes too you know

I'm 65 and will have to continue working for as long as I can so I can survive. I'll be paying taxes that long too, and probably after that. I've spent my working life 'subsidizing' seniors and others who need it. I've never resented it, but evidently some people do.

Young families also get tax breaks because of their kids.

[pipoman]

62. We're not talking about taxes..

an would have no problem with income based discounts, only with discounting the 25% of the population who have 64% of the wealth at the expense of the 75% of the population who have 36% of the wealth..it is really a quite liberal position..

[Honeycombe8]

123. You'll find out. Things change when you get older.

Many older people don't get min. wage, since they are unable to work any more. Others have savings & get SS, but they live on a fixed income. Still others have to watch pennies, so small discounts add up...gone are the days when next year means a slight increase in income or new opportunities to come your way.

You'll see. Oh boy, will you see.

Additionally...the poor families who rec'd food stamps, welfare assistance in some states, subsidized housing. Guess whose taxes paid for that for decades?

Finally...these businesses do not say that they pass on the discount to min. wage workers. They may view it as a cost of business, or a gift (some businesses donate a % of sales to charities...does that amount come out of min. wage workers' income?).

[TheCowsCameHome]

129. Keep bashing seniors for getting discounts

because you think the younger set subsidizes them.

That's the conservative way.

[loudsue]

93. "The retired WEALTHY"????? WTF! ARE YOU KIDDING????

What kind of meme is that to start trouble with? Obama just proposed cutting social security by as much as 20% over a senior citizen's lifetime as they get older. That means eating cat food. Who in the hell are the "retired wealthy"??? Are you talking about the 1%? Seniors live on less than minimum wage if they only have social security.

Take that whole "wealthy elderly" meme somewhere else.

[RKP5637]

99. They sure aren't around here. It all sounds like republican talking

points to me. I had a RW'er over here the other day and he was saying similar.

[pipoman]

104. LOL..the stupid go-to of the privileged

talking about means based discounting instead of age discriminatory practices is now fucking republican talking points.."take it from them and give it to me..fuck'em if I already have more than they do" surely isn't a rethug meme, eh? You seniors really are the most under privileged in society, huh? Poor, poor retirees..

[RKP5637]

108. LOL

[RKP5637]

109. Here is an interesting graph that substantiates some of what

you've been saying. I think most youth in this country have a disastrous life ahead of them financially.

http://www.agingstats.gov/Main_Site/Data/2012_Documents/Economics.aspx

PS: I was also looking for a chart on how skewed the wealth distribution is for seniors, but have not found it ...

[pipoman]

100. Again..the stats are there..

25% of the population is 55 and over and that same 25% have 64% of the wealth..it's really quite simple..I'm fine with discounts based on means not discounts based on age for the exact same product..again..this is a very liberal position..some don't like liberalism if it effects their fat wallet..

[uppityperson]

155. What is the breakdwon of the over 55 (25% have 64% of the wealth) as far as who has wealth, who

does not? I am betting that only a very small percentage of the over 55 have a huge amount of the wealth. The uber-rich are over 55, but most over 55 are not uber-rich.

I don't want to give McDonalds a copy of my tax return to get a cup of coffee. Nope, not worth it. And not a very liberal position to penalize all over 55 because there are a few who are undogly rich.

[djean111]

21. I am trying to live on my SS income and also support two other people, one with PTSD.

My sales and real estate taxes go to support the schools those young families send their children to, the parks they go to, etc.. They get bigger income tax breaks than I do, when I actually can find a job situation that will employ a senior.
A discount at a restaurant, in some cases, is absolutely the difference in going there or not, for me, and supporting their business so they can employ people.
I believe it all evens out, and I also doubt, sincerely, that wealthy retirees even give a shit about discounts at most places.
And I don't think there are as many "wealthy" retirees as you may think.

[pipoman]

26. And those working families are paying for many elderly services..

and we all know, no seniors go to parks eh? Obviously not all retirees are wealthy, many, many have a better standard of living than younger people..



Looks like 1/3 of the less able are paying for the discounts of 2/3 of the more able.

[djean111]

32. Yeah, I had to work my way up when I was young, I paid my dues, and now my "up" is pretty much down.

So you are more of a Ron or Rand Paul libertarian when it comes to socialized life in America? Ayn Rand fan, except the young should get help, and not the elderly?

[pipoman]

38. LOL

what a load..and a joke..you capitalists just pretend to care about others when your only concern is for yourself..ann rand indeed..did you just read what you wrote.." Ayn Rand fan, except the young should get help, and not the elderly? ", so doesn't that put you on the same page as her? LOL aren't you arguing exactly that? FFS I am stating parity in pricing and doing away with non-income based, age discriminatory discounts..

[mainer]

128. eye-opening pie chart

No one's saying that all seniors are wealthy, but elders don't have to worry about getting bankrupted by health care, the way young people do and elders don't have to worry about saving for their kids' college.

I look at where my children are (compared to where I am as a Baby Boomer) and I fear for their futures.

[uppityperson]

158. I worry about getting bankrupted by healthcare. Not to Medicare age yet but over 55

I fear for my child's financial future also, though mine is sucking big time. Yes, go back to school, graduate at 61 and...who the hell will hire me? Oh, start my own business? Right. Been there, done that, struggling along. "you have so much experience" but we want to hire youngsters who have more energy and will stay with us longer. $10,000 deductible on health insurance with almost unaffordable rates. It sucks and will be happy if Obamacare kicks in in my state next yr as yes, bankruptcy IS a reasonable fear for me.

[DebJ]

178. Actually, we are elders who may end up bankrupt because of health care pretty soon.

Hubby is 62 and I am 58. I got a teaching degree and $15k in debt in 2008, just in time for all of the teachers to be laid off; I am unemployed. Hubby had to take early retirement because of his illnesses.
Our health insurance is $1525 a month, plus copays, and with all his doc visits, copays for meds and docs will be about $3000 just for him this year. Being forced to retire early cost us $500 a month in social security, every month for the rest of our lives. It cost about $400 a month in pension payments he won't get. So our retirement position is to be down $2425 a month just with reduced income plus the health insurance craziness, for at least the next three years. That's $87.300 in the hole. By this December, our savings will be gone and our expenses will exceed our income by $400 a month.
Our house value dropped 30%; we are still deeply underwater. Though our mortgage is much, much less than health insurance.

And you begrudge me a free cup of coffee? Sheesh. Restaurants that keep their coffee fresh throw out so much coffee it is crazy...giving it to seniors means maybe they will buy something else while they are there and increase sales without increasing food costs.

We NEVER eat out, however.........he can't, with his kidney disease it is impossible. Everything is made by me, and everything possible from complete scratch. Only way to keep him alive.

[uppityperson]

156. I'd like to see the breakdown by # of people with $ money. Betcha it is skewed mightily

so a few have gooey gobs and the majority have little.

[SheilaT]

157. Well, the largest share of wealth is held

my those ages 55-64, and they're not getting a lot of senior discounts.

On average people do accumulate wealth throughout life. Not everyone, buy a fair number. I believe that home equity would be a huge part of the wealth until around age 75. Most of the new-seniors I know (a small sample of personal friends over age 60) are not interested in owning a home anymore, and I know a couple who have either never bought a home, or recently sold a home to live in an apartment so as not to have the headaches and costs of maintenance.

[pipoman]

192. There are answers..

No, the stats are there..

It appears that the median wealth of the 75% of people younger than 55 is around $42k..and the median wealth of the 25% over 55 is 169,096..

AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER
Less than 35 years 6,676 4,151
35 to 44 years 35,000 14,226
45 to 54 years 84,542 25,006
55 to 64 years 143,964 45,447
65 years and over 170,516 27,322
65 to 69 years 194,226 43,921
70 to 74 years 181,078 31,823
75 and over 155,714 20,366

http://www.census.gov/people/wealth/

4th link down..

The first column is median wealth, the second column is median wealth without residential home equity. Also you will notice that the largest share of wealth is actually 65 to 69..

[CountAllVotes]

121. Amen to that!!!

>>And I don't think there are as many "wealthy" retirees as you may think.

My mother's best friend is still alive (92 years old) and she has liquidated her assets were not much to begin with and now lives with her daughter who care for her around the clock.

Her income is via her late husband's Social Security. She worked for awhile, yes, but not long enough to qualify to collect SS.

Hence she receives a whopping $1100.00 a month, the same amount that I receive.

And no, it is no damn picnic for anyone of any age trying to live on $1100.00 a month!

[rpannier]

45. No Good Deed Ever Goes Unpunished

Another town crank speaks

[pipoman]

47. Liberalism only when it doesn't effect "my pocketbook" seems the norm in these parts..

[daybranch]

59. As a senior citizen

I too believe that our young have it hard enough in this world right now. However I see such discounts as a mixed blessing. My wife and I buy food for our children and ourselves and divide up larger more economical packages for them, saving them both time and money. When I buy a tool at Lowes I sahre that tool and often also furnish the labor to use it for my children. I recently was taken out to dinner by my children to Golden Coral. The discount helped them save their own money as they took the old people out to eat.
Your point is that because seniors get discounts younger people pay higher costs. I guess as a senior I am not sure of that. I do not know if the increased sales warrant lower prices for the group and I am sure the companies are doing it as good business.

[pipoman]

67. The stockholders of Lowes and Golden Coral

demand a certain return on their investment, how that return is provided doesn't matter to them, so necessarily if the price is lower for one group it must be higher for another to maintain the stockholder's return on their investment..

This has been a pet peeve of mine for years and it hasn't changed as I have neared the age of receiving the discounts...I will take advantage of them when I am there, it doesn't make it right for the 25% of the population who control 64% of the wealth to receive discounts on the backs of the 75% who have only 36% of the wealth..IMHO..

[KoKo]

79. Are you serious? No one is forcing them to give discounts to Seniors...

so why do you have anger about this? Why do you lump Seniors as wealthy or with enough to retire on when you know that many are at or below poverty level. You think Rich Bankers or Doctors are waiting for "Senior Discount Days" to eat, fly or purchase goods? Also, there are coupons and sales which are available to younger families who have more mobility and access to use them than those who may have health, mobility or financial restrictions.

[pipoman]

85. Stats and all, ya know..

25% of the population is over 55. That same 25% have over 60% of the wealth. It's really quite simple, and very liberal to expect those with less wealth to receive discounts instead of arbitrarily giving handouts to those with the most..No, there is a break with liberalism in these parts when someone thinks it might effect their billfold..many if not most discounts are available to seniors all the time and without asking if the senior is obviously a senior..

[uppityperson]

160. There are a few in the "over 55" that are very wealthy. Remember that 1%? To penalize all is

wrong.

And, it is "affect", not "effect". The effect of discounts is to affect your billfold. You're not quite accurate in your writing. I know, I am not too uppity to pick on grammar flaws.

[DebJ]

180. Yes what happens to that equation if you pull out the wealth of

Mitt Romney, the Koch Bros, and the like?

[RKP5637]

88. +1, n/t

[Shrike47]

98. Not over 60, are you.

I retired last year and my income dropped by about 40%. Not happy making.

[RebelOne]

139. I retired in 2010 and my income dropped by over 50%.

I was working full-time and also collecting SS and was laid off. I decided that because I was already 71 that there would no chance of finding another job. So now I am entirely on SS and it is not easy. Fortunately, I have some savings, but I only use that money for emergencies.

[hollysmom]

166. I got laid off in my 50's

talk about living on savings! no retirement income available, but I did/do have savings to supplement because of working like a dog one year, 7 days a week, 12 + hours a day as an hourly consultant, could not spend money, beside basic expenses, it all went into to long term CDs and supported me until I hit 62, several years later.

I do have friends who are living on SS with no savings, It gets expensive because you have to pay for them when you do anything together. Can't begrudge them because I can see how hard it is and how close they are to losing their homes, which they can't sell in this market.

[JohnnyRingo]

107. Many old people need coaxed out of their money.

A young family may want to give mom a break from cooking, or they may need to stop & buy on their way to an activity, but without these discounts, seniors would just as soon stay home and watch Wheel of Fortune.

It's about increasing counter sales and instilling a routine in a demographic of consumers who proportion their income each month. Businesses don't do it to give anyone a break today, whether they deserve it or not.

I'm an asshole so I've been demanding discounts since I retired from GM at 49 (Hired at 19 + 30 years = pension). Most young counter workers just see an old man and hit the button, but once a young girl looked up and told me: "You don't look sixty (busted)".

I smiled and offered her my license which she very quickly examined before handing it back with a resigned "Ok".

Turns out there's no mental touch screen to do the math. hahaha

[pipoman]

196. Sort of my point..

there are less and less people who can &quot Hired at 19 + 30 years = pension)"...it isn't the same world as it was then...even the US Gov hires many contractors with little or no retirement to fill jobs once filled by gov employees with pensions and benefits out the wazoo..There are many baby boomers in your position, contrary to the cries of starving seniors on this thread..I know some seniors are in poverty and I don't begrudge them any discounts they can get..

[ananda]

114. Most seniors are barely scraping by.

That's a myth about rich seniors.

[aquart]

184. Particularly after years of slight of hand with the COLA.

[mainer]

116. I agree. I'l be eligible for some senior discounts next year

but I feel weird about asking for them because I really don't need the discount, and it seems like I'm taking food out of the mouths of young families.

[ananda]

119. My problem is that I forget.

I have a busy mind.

[raccoon]

125. As a 62 yr old I agree with you. nt

[bike man]

161. If you have the discounted meals/services go only to people with young families, is that not

also a discriminatory selection? You stated "...age discrimination shouldn't be tolerated..." but giving the discount to the young family group is also age discrimination.

[pipoman]

206. I agree..it should be equally available at equal prices

with the exception of those who qualify for discounts on necessary items based on income..pharmaceuticals, food, medical, utilities, etc..

[kiva]

200. They are.

Children - well, their parents - get discounts on pretty much every aspect of food, entertainment, travel, and other amenities.

Bluntly, people without children are subsidizing people with children at movie theaters, restaurants, museums, sporting events, airplanes and pretty much everywhere.

[pipoman]

205. Kid's meals cost less because they are less.

The only place you may have a point is in limited seating venues where children occupy the seat of an adult..then only when it is a sold out event..Understand, it isn't discounts for people who need them I object to, it is the arbitrary age discriminatory way it is dealt out I object to.. and the odds that the group receiving the discount is better off financially than most of the working class who are paying for it..

[kiva]

214. And most senior meals also are smaller.

And I also don't agree that discounts for any group are a bad thing, if you look around you can find discounts and coupons for almost everything - "Wait, it's left-handed, red-haired, green-eyed, identical twin day at Furniture Mart!!!!!", so I don't know that it makes that much difference.

Are there wealthy seniors? Sure. Are they wealthier as a group? Probably. But most of the seniors at DU, and the parents of others here aren't, and you have hit a nerve. Telling someone who is barely surviving on SS that they shouldn't be getting a free coffee at a donut shop will bring reactions.

I know that there are also a lot of younger people here who are hurting; the main difference is that they will have time to improve their circumstances, but if you are 70 and poor, guess what? You'll be poor for the rest of your life, no matter how long that is...and that's a harsh truth that many of us face.

[mainer]

217. People with kids are subsidizing YOUR old age

Because those kids will pay your social security (you paid for the last generation's) and those kids will be your future doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, and cops.

We need people to keep having kids. If no one raised kids, we'd all be dying alone without care.

[kiva]

219. I'm not disagreeing,

just pointing out a fact, and one that is often ignored.

[snappyturtle]

7. Thank YOU! nt

[Le Taz Hot]

9. Can I add one?

Last edited Sun May 26, 2013, 09:50 AM - Edit history (2)

The Interagency Senior Pass: $10.00 for Seniors 62 and over. It's a lifetime pass that will get you into any National Park in the nation for free. I've got 4 more years to go until I'm 62 and I swear ON my 62nd B.D. I'm hitting Yosemite (45 minutes away) and getting my Pass.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

15. Ha! Back in the day, My wife and I would quit our jobs every summer

and spend a couple of months back packing in Yosemite or Kings Canyon or Lassen. we found that if you drive in very early in the morning or late at night, there was no one at the gates to collect fees. Apparently the gatekeepers worked normal business hours so we never had to pay to get in. Now that I am too old to do that shit, we do have one of those lifetime passes.

[Le Taz Hot]

23. Can I just say that does NOT work at

Mammoth base camp going up to Devil's Post Pile? Husband and I crawled in about 2:00 in the morning from L.A., pitched our pup ten and completely crapped out. At approximately 5:00 am, we were rudely awoken by VERY loud rangers informing us that we had not left the envelope in the metal box at the entrance and they'll just "wait out here" for the money.

We used to do EXACTLY the same thing that you describe. Nowadays, though, the rangers patrol the park and check that the cars have the Entrance Fee tag on the dashboard. If not, they'll be happy to "wait out here" for the money.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

27. Yeah, like I said, that was "back in the day".

Back when you could actually quit your job every summer knowing that you would have no problem finding another one when you got back. In other words, pre Raygun.

[Buns_of_Fire]

25. I just got mine in the mail. $20 (cheap).

What caught my beady little eyes was the 50% discount on camping fees (not including hookups, unless they're already included in the standard camping fee, and concessionaire fees).

They call it the "Interagency Senior Pass" now, and the extra $10 I paid is for the extra processing because I ordered it by mail. Still cheap, considering it's good at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites.

It was one of the first things on my list, too, for my 62nd birthday.

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

It took about a month to get it, since I assume they're working with fewer people due to the sequestration. Now, if I only get a chance to use it before congress sells off all the facilities to Koch Industries...

[OffWithTheirHeads]

33. We got ours when we visited the Grand Canyou a few years ago.

The lady at the gate looked at us and asked if either one of us was a senior. My wife was so the nice lady said "have I got a deal for you" I'd never heard of this before but now we have one.

One of the things I have noticed while getting older is that no one calls em early bird specials anymore. It's just "happy hour". Works for me.

[MuseRider]

51. I just told my husband about that

he is 65. I turn 60 this year and told him I wanted that pass for my 62 birthday. Hope one of us remembers, lol. I so want to get back to Yellowstone and see some of the others I have not visited. Thanks!

[onehandle]

11. I'm skeptical of some of those. 40% at K-Mart? 30% at Banana Republic?

Most of those food places will make those discount years brief. AT&T and Verizon are such cheap ass criminals. 65+?

[Agschmid]

68. The retail ones are not correct.

Many of the others are.

[SnowCritter]

16. Dang! I could have used this information yesterday!

I spent over $100 at Big Lots - could have saved over $30.

Bookmarked!!

[annabanana]

17. I just copied this list and made

it pocket friendly.

Thanks!

[RKP5637]

91. Yep! Same here. n/t

[RebelOne]

143. Me too. n/t

[hobbit709]

18. There's about 3 on that list that I might use, and none of those are close to me.

[amuse bouche]

20. "Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +) "

I don't think that is legal?

[pipoman]

31. How is this fair?

You know they have to work harder for the promised ending..

[OffWithTheirHeads]

37. Since when is life fair?

[amuse bouche]

86. Don't worry

You can always make it up in the tip

[RKP5637]

102. LOL

[WCIL]

24. Just as an FYI

The Kohls discount is only on Wednesdays, and it can't be combined with any other discount (like the scratch offs).

[djean111]

28. Can't find anything on Publix website about 15% off on Wednesday for seniors.

But - they do give families with babies quite a lot of free stuff.
Like I said, it evens out.

[DemoTex]

81. My Publix gives 5% off on Wednesdays.

Now, if I could only remember to do my grocery shopping on Wednesday!

[RKP5637]

94. It really does IMO. I also paid a very heavy tax bill for education for years

and I never complained. I had no kids, but I figured it was for the good of all. People I knew bitched like mad about having to pay taxes to support education when they had no kids, but I thought that was a ridiculous position to have ...

[whathehell]

30. Wow...Thanks! n/t

[Arkansas Granny]

34. Wow! I knew about a few of these, but I'm going to start asking every time I shop.

[Smarmie Doofus]

35. Can't find anything on Kmart's site about 40% Wednesday discount for over 50s.

Can you post a link?

[OffWithTheirHeads]

39. No. like I said, This was sent to me by a friend.

I have not personally verified any of this but It won't hurt to ask.

[Smarmie Doofus]

42. Actually, it could be kind of embarrassing if they look at you like you're from outer space.

Ok... never mind.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

43. One of the few nice thing about getting old is that you stop

giving a fuck what other people think.

[rhett o rick]

74. Well said. And you can speak your mind and it's tolerated because your old. nm

[raccoon]

132. Speak your mind is one thing. Saying things that are tactless and hurtful is quite another.nt

[RKP5637]

96. I know exactly what you mean! All of the bullshit endured for

years builds up and builds up where eventually one just says I don't give a fuck what you think. I have that feeling more and more, anymore, like fuck it!

[Smarmie Doofus]

40. Can't find anything on Dunkin Donuts' site re. free coffee.

Or free anything, for that matter.

Are you sure these chains actually *know* they are offering discounts?

[HomerRamone]

65. DD would go out of business if it weren't for the revenue from old people

says this old person...they have discounts but nothing free

[Mira]

44. Copied it. Printed it.

Came back to say: Thank you! and to recommend.

[rdking647]

46. a lot of these discounts dont exist

and are just urban legends
the kmart one doesnt exist
the best western one is actually 10% if your an aarp member

heres a much more accurate list that has been mostly verified,although discounts can change at any time
Alamo
AARP members receive up to 25% off, plus free unlimited mileage.

AMC Theaters
Discount on Tuesdays. Ages 60+.

Amtrak
Everyday. 15% discount on adult rail fare with some exclusions. Ages 62+.

Applebees
A 10% discount with free Golden Apple Card.

Arby's
A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+.

Avis
Up to 25% off. Must be AARP member.

Banana Republic
10% discount everyday. Ages 50+. Discount and age may vary by location.

Belk
First Tuesday of the month. 15% discount. Ages 55+.

Best Western
At least 10% off regular room rates. Late checkouts and other offers also available. AARP or Ages 55+.

Budget Rent a Car
Up to 20% off rates (both standard and promotional). Must be AARP member.

Burger King
Discounts vary by location. Often a free or discounted drink.

Chick-Fil-A
Offer varies by location.

Chili's
A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+.

Choice Hotels
Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, Econo Lodge, Rhodeway Inn
Everyday. 10% discount with Mature Travelers rate. Ages 50+.
20-30% discount with advanced reservations (Sixty Plus Rate). Ages 60+.

Denny's
AARP members get a 20% discount off the total check amount from 4pm-10pm. Coffee is $1 a cup round the clock for members and guests.

DoubleTree
Ages 62+ are eligible for the senior rate.

Enterprise
5% off rental, plus free upgrade; 20% in Florida. AARP members only.

Farm Fresh
5% off Tuesdays and Thursdays. 55+.

Goody’s
Join Club 50 Plus (free), and get 20% off every Tuesday.

Goodwill
10% discount one day a week for ages 55+. Specifics may vary by location.

Greyhound
5% discount on unrestricted passenger fares. Ages 62+.

Hampton Inn
AARP members get up to 10% off best available rate.

Hardee’s
Offer varies by location.

Harris Teeter
5% off every Thursday (with store card). Ages 60+.

Hertz
Up to 25% off rates for AARP members.

Holiday Inn Express
Get a discount at participating locations. Ages 62+.

Hyatt
Save up to 50% at participating hotels. Ages 62+.

IHOP
A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+.

Jiffy Lube
Many locations offer a discount for ages 55+.

Kellogg's
Special coupons just for AARP members.

Kohl’s
Every Wednesday. 15% discount. Ages 62+.

Kroger
Day and age requirement varies by location. 10% off total order.

Landry Restaurants
Bubba Gump, Chart House, Claim Jumper, Landry's Seafood, Rainforest Cafe, Saltgrass Steakhouse and more
10% off food and drinks for up to six people. Excludes alcohol.

La Quinta
AARP members save up to 10%. Also a senior discount rate for ages 65+.

Long John Silvers
Discount for ages 55+ at participating locations.

Marriott Hotels
A discount of at least 15% for ages 62+. Good seven days a week.

McDonald's
Everyday. Discounted senior coffee.

Michael's
Discount on Tuesdays with AARP card.

Motel 6
10% discount at over 900 locations. Ages 60+

Mrs.Fields
A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 60+.

National Car Rental
Everyday. Call 1-800-CAR-RENT for details. Ages 50+. AARP members save up to 25%.

National Parks
Free entrance to national parks with purchase of $10 America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

Norwegian Cruise Line
5% discount for AARP members. Must book nine months in advance.

Radisson
10% off the standard rate. Ages 60+.

Regal Cinema
A discounted senior movie ticket for ages 60+.

Ross
10% off on Tuesdays for ages 55+ at participating locations.

Shoney’s
Everyday. 10% discount. Ages 60+.

Starwood Hotels
aloft, Elements, Four Points, Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin
Up to 20% off best available rates. AARP members or 50+.

Steinmart
A 10% discount the first Monday of every month.

SuperCuts
$2 off hair cut. Ages 60+.

Taco Bell
Free drinks for seniors at participating locations.

Tanger Outlets
Free coupon book for AARP members. Includes discounts of up to 20% off.

TCBY
A 10% discount at participating locations. Ages 55+.

Teleflora
A 20% discount everyday for AARP members.

Wendy's
A free drink at some locations. Ages 55+.

Wyndham
Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Hawthorn Suites, Knights Inn, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge, and Wingate by Wyndham
AARP members get up to 20% off of the best available rate. Non-members ages 50+ get 10% off.

[UtahLib]

54. Thanks for the updated info.

Oh well, should have known some of those were too good to be true.

[russspeakeasy]

57. Thanks rd.

[pink-o]

113. If I may add a local Bay Area place...

The Paul Mitchell school on Folsom St in the City offers FREE haircuts to anyone over 55 on tues and Wed mornings as well as Thurs evenings. The students who cut your hair have pretty well completed their coursed by the time they get near you with scissors and there's always a supervisor overseeing their work.

I'm 58 and haven't paid for a haircut since 2010. But they also offer discounts to all ages on every service.

Here's the link. If you don't live here, cme visit!

http://www.sfiec.edu/sfiec/index.cfm

[RebelOne]

144. My local Kroger only gives 5% off on Wednesdays only

here in North Georgia. Maybe it varies by state or location.

[Buns_of_Fire]

182. Jiffy Lube gives a senior discount?

Wow. I've been searching forever for someplace that'd give a discount for Lubing my Jiffy.

I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. Consider it impending senility, if you wish.

[CrawlingChaos]

190. You're right. For instance, the Big Lots (30%) one is definitely bogus

Having taken an elderly relative there many times, she was never offered a discount. Upon Google searching, some sites claim there's a 10% senior discount, but other sites say there's none at all.

Thanks for posting all that info.

[tabbycat31]

195. Kohl's is not every Wednesday

If they do a senior day it's a Wednesday, but it's not consistent AT ALL (I used to work for them).

They advertise it when they do have it.

And they never advertised enough in advance for the employees to take the day off. The senior discount days brought in the NASTIEST customers ever.

[UtahLib]

48. Thanks for the very useful information.

Also, Kohl's posts the info in various areas within the store. Cinemax also posts the info. I wonder if the others do the same and I've simply never noticed.

[NRaleighLiberal]

49. bookmarking! 58 is next for me...we never think to ask for these things!

and we were aware of hardly any of them!

[Ms. Toad]

63. OT

That tomato on the left looks yummy! I've never seen a yellow tomato with red skin.

[NRaleighLiberal]

110. That's a variety I created called Lucky Cross -

thanks to a bee that crossed Brandywine with a neighboring striped tomato. Lots of interesting stuff has come out of the cross - it looks like one of the many yellow/red bicolored types (Mr Stripey, Pineapple, georgia Streak etc) - but has the flavor of Brandywine!

If you know someone who starts seeds and you can put a plant somewhere, let me know and I can send along some seeds.

[lunatica]

50. Wow! Thanks for this!

I'll be 65 in August and I will use my new found discounts! Yesterday I applied for Medicare and was kinda feeling old, but I feel much better now. Thanks!

This is one reason I love DUers!

[ananda]

118. I'll be joining the 65 club in October.

I can apply for Medicare July 1st.

My health insurance premiums will drop $100, which just
about covers the rent rise here.

[williesgirl]

55. Wow, thanks so much. Will pass on to family & friends n/t

[trof]

60. Many thanks. K&R and printed.

[PD Turk]

64. The only problem I see is

How the hell am I supposed to remember to ask for my senior discount?

[Agschmid]

66. Some of the retail % are wrong...

Please remember that just because you saw it on the Internet it's not always accurate.

But yes always ask, can't hurt!

[DemoTex]

78. Publix is stated as 15%

The Publix groceries where I shop offer 5% senior discounts one day a week. But every little bit helps.

[bike man]

92. Publix also has 2 for 1 deals regularly. We check their website, and adjust our shopping list

accordingly. If any of the items are on our "we use regularly" list, we get several.

[pangaia]

70. Thanks for taking the time to post this

Even though.
I never eat at any of those "restaurants&quot That's what America has come to. We call these places 'restaurants.)

I never shop at those retail/apparel places.
We have a great local grocery.
Travel.. humm. I have my secret ways to get good airline prices. But AMTRACK.. looks good.
rental cars-- Could be useful.
Motels.. good !
Activities and entertainment-- Now THIS one is useful. If I had known this I would have saved lots of money on my frequent visits to- Massage Envy -

Verizon-- BE CAREFUL with this one.. Smoke and mirrors to a great degree..
Okay, back to my coffee

Thanks again for the great info......

[HockeyMom]

71. National Parks

When I went to the Castillo de San Marco in St. Augustine, I asked if they had a Senior Discount. She told me that for $10 I could get a Senior Discount card for free admission to any National Park in the US for a year for myself and 3 additional people with me. No, they did not have to be Seniors.

Good deal if you plan on traveling around the country.

[rhett o rick]

72. Problem is, I've already forgot where I put this list. nm

[RKP5637]

73. Thanks!!!!!!! n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

83. Free entry to high school football games for my dad! Here in Texas, that's a HUGE deal.

[lumberjack_jeff]

89. I ask for the young person's surcharge.

If they can afford to sell old people the chicken fried steak at Denny's for 8.00, and they sell it to me for $10, then by my way of figuring, I'm paying a $2.00 surcharge.

[SheilaT]

162. At a lot of restaurants there's a discount for seniors

and it's a special menu with smaller portions. We old folks often don't eat as much as you young'uns.

[fwm]

95. Useful information-Thanks!

I go to Village Inn 2 or 3 times a year for special occassion breakfasts so that would work.
I get a 3 or 4 pieces of clothing at Kohl's every year. Have to replace those black t-shirts and blue jeans once in awhile.

And Publix. Sure I could get the 9 or 10 items I can't get at my food-coop on Wednesday instead of Thursday.

The coop already gives me a discount on Tuesday and/or Thursday so I'm pretty good to go in the food deapartment.

I ought to check on my favorite plant nursery though. We spent $50.00 this morning on cow manure and zinnias.

I'll send the list to my sister. She'll probably get a lot of use out of it.

[Greybnk48]

97. Thanks for posting this!

I have this bookmarked. It doesn't hurt to ask, and I sure will at all of these places!

[SoapBox]

101. Super-Duper K & R!!!

Cool post...THANK You!

[NJCher]

103. well, thank you!

And just think, yesterday I could have knocked 8 bucks off my haircut at Great Clips! I didn't know about this so I paid the regular price. Ratz!

Information is $$ !


Cher

[CountAllVotes]

106. One for everyone of any age

That is the AAA card. I never new it had any benefits other than if you broke down with/in your car somewhere.

I resented having to pay for that card this year as I have superior towing/roadside service with my automobile insurance for $10.00 a year but I must pay the money for the AAA card because my homeowner's insurance is through AAA.

So I complained about it and was sent a list of local business establishments that give 10% to AAA card members and ANY age.

As for discounts over 50 ... many have changed to 55. Some of the ones that were for those 55+ have now changed to 60.

I am soon to be 58 and find very few "discounts" for people my age.

My husband (who HATES to shop and goes missing on me when I take him with me, is often an irritant and simply not worth the 10% off at a store that will give you the 10% IF you are 65+ these days).

I suspect this trend will continue. If I make it to 60, places giving discounts to those 60+ will soon all be 65+ and on it will go I suspect.

Whatever ...

and no, I am NOT rich unless you consider an income of $1100.00 a month "rich". I don't know where they get these "statistics" from.

[Freddie]

136. Watch for using your car insurance for roadside assistance and towing

Read they can use that as a reason to raise your rates.
AAA is the most wonderful thing invented if you drive older cars like we do. I pay about $140/year for me, DH and our son and we end up using it at least once a year, worth every penny.

[CountAllVotes]

137. I've never had to use this AAA card but once

I think I left the door open on the car and the battery needed a jump. Otherwise, I have not needed to use it.

I maintain my car wisely. In fact, I just put new tires on it for the first time since I bought it in 2002.

I also have it maintained constantly as you must to that when you live in a rural area that has little if no public transportation.

Luckily, my car only has 35,000 on it still as I do not drive much anymore. My insurance premiums are low and I have full coverage as well as the additional towing coverage that is far better than anything AAA sells no doubt.

I could use both forms of towing/roadside service if I got in a huge mess. As for rates, I don't much care any more being I have just the one car; husband now almost blind and no longer drives.

And isn't it just grand that us "rich" retirees have so much (NOT!). If I could afford to take taxis everywhere, believe me I'd sell the car in a flash and do just that!

[FlaGranny]

212. Hope you don't have to use

your insurance company's towing service. I had to once and it was a disaster. Tried explaining to a person in India that our car is broken down on Okeechobee Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach. After 20 minutes the operator told me there were no towing companies in that area. Luckily I had just gotten AAA and called them. The matter was settled in about 30 seconds.

[CountAllVotes]

215. AAA

Frankly, I hate them as an insurance company. I'd love to get rid of their "card" that costs way too much as far as I am concerned.

As for my automobile insurance, you have no idea what policy I have nor with who. I've had a policy with this same company for 25 years now and no, they are not nationwide, they only write policies for certain people in certain states.

I had to file two claims with them in the past two years and no, my premiums did not go up as the claims were not related to an "accident", it was due to some idiot allowing their dog to be running around out in the middle of the freeway at midnight during a huge storm and no, there was no way I could (nor should have attempted to) stop. Claim #2 was due to a rock hitting my windshield and leaving a small crack in it which I had fixed at my own expense and they offered to reimburse me for this without bringing the deductible on the policy into it which was VERY NICE of them!

As for their towing service, they have a LOCAL business that handles calls for them. I found this out before I went for the $10.00 towing/road service and no, they are not in India, they are here where I live.

As for AAA -- many moons ago I had them and my car, the first car I ever had the money to own when I was in my early 20's, was hit by some idiot that ran a red light and plowed into a whole bunch of parked cars, mine being one of them. What did AAA do? They did nothing! I dumped them as an automobile insurance company after I found that I had to retain a lawyer to sue the guy that ran into my legally parked car and oh lucky me, he had State Farm Insurance, another company I'd never do any business with being I had to sue them to get the money back on my car! I hate State Farm Insurance with a passion and will never change my opinion of them after what I had to go through!

It took me three years to get my money back for the repairs that I paid out of my own pocket to fix my car up. It was a 1968 VW with a sunroof and I loved that car and paid $1100. for it used and drove it until the wheels about fell of of it.

I never had money for a "new" car until I was much older and making more than $3.50 an hour. I had to borrow that money from a relative being interest rates on new cars were around 20% or so at that time (c. 1975) and I did not qualify for a loan being my income was so low even though I was indeed working a full-time permanent job. I would never do again nor advise any one else to do either -- borrowing from relatives is a real nightmare.

As for AAA, they are another rat's ass corporation IMO and given my experience with them with their automobile insurance, I'd love to be rid of them but have few choices where I live. In the meantime, I'll use their two-bit card for 10% off at the few restaurants that go along with their little "deal" while it is still there.

[FlaGranny]

220. I had no idea that

AAA had auto insurance. I just have their towing service and it has been cost effective over the years because our vehicles have not been new ones. They have been very good for what we use them for.

The auto insurance I've had has always been with the bigger companies and many, most(?) outsource their towing service call centers and our experience with them has been poor, to say the least.

The only experience I've had with a smaller company is one that went bankrupt and had to start over with a new company. This was homeowners insurance. We lost our prepaid premium and had to shell out all over again. We decided to stick with the big guys after that.

"As for my automobile insurance, you have no idea what policy I have nor with who." Why so huffy? Do I have to put smiley faces all over my posts?

[otohara]

111. Except For The Junk Food...Good Deals

thanks for posting...

Junk food is a bad deal just by putting it in your mouth.

[CountAllVotes]

117. I agree

That movie "Supersize Me" did it for me. I've never been to a McDonald's since I saw that film.

And, yes, you are so right, the junk food is not good for you at all. If I could tell my late brother that *again* (his home away from home was McDonalds's, etc.) maybe, just maybe he'd still be among the living. He died of metastacized cancer of the liver btw ... just like the film "Supersize Me" suggested as a possible outcome (liver failure) from eating McD's JUNK food.

[ananda]

112. I use Consumer Cellular for my iphone.

No contract. Their plans are great.

I use the AARP discount.

[Courtesy Flush]

115. There's an app for that

I just learned about this app today. Keeps you up to date on latest senior discounts.

I'd buy it, but I don't have a smart phone, and I'm only 53.

[ananda]

120. What about public transportation?

I know bus fares drop 50% here at age 65. It used to be free.

[CountAllVotes]

122. public transportation

There is none of that to be found where I live unless you care to go for "Dail-A-Ride" which is not cheap, $17.00 one-way to the local town where all of the doctors are located and no, their "shuttles" or whatever they are are not very accessible for a person with limited mobility and/or someone that is about blind and can barely see.

There is a crappy bus system that takes about 1-1/2 hrs. to travel 30 miles to the nearest town and it is certainly not free nor is it easy to get to -- a good 1 mile walk if you can make it which many cannot if they are elderly and/or disabled.

Yet this country continues to spend spend spend on more wars wars wars when the reality is that the infrastructure is crumbling and no, there are few services for anyone in need of them in rural areas like I live in, that is a guarantee!

[datasuspect]

127. lemme get this straight

they got to work in a world with 35 year jobs they retired from, union jobs everywhere, retirements/pensions, biggest expansion of opportunity after ww2 through the late 70s, cheap gas, cheap cigs, $2500 brand new 71 dodge chargers and now they want a freakin discount too?

o! the hugh manatee!

[TheCowsCameHome]

133. Yeah, we really had it easy.

The money just rolled in, not a care in the world, life was Disneyland day after day.

By the way, what planet do you live on?

[datasuspect]

135. a planet with $5 gas, $10 squares

and 23k 4 bangers.

[SunSeeker]

150. Yup. That's the planet I live on too.

Both my husband and I work full time, worry about how to pay for our 9 year old's future college expenses, drive 8 year old piece o'shit 4 bangers and feel lucky we have jobs. But my father-in-law, who has two pensions and SS coming in, covered healthcare, drives a Benz and lives in a gated community, never forgets to ask for his discount at Denny's. Which I suppose I should be thankful for since he always leaves the tab for us to pick up.

[Skittles]

176. why would you pick up the tab for that guy?

f*** that

[SunSeeker]

177. He's on a fixed income, dontcha know.

Of course, the only reason you can't say our income is fixed is because it keeps going DOWN. But hubby doesn't want to embarrass his dad by making it an issue. What makes me grind my teeth even more is gramps is a total right wing teabagger who sends us anti-Obama emails about how how Obama is instituting socialism, giving away money to takers, blah, blah, blah. I call gramps the "I got mine" generation.

[Skittles]

193. I had an aunt doing the Obama email bullshit

I flat-out told her I considered it racist - she was stunned that I called her out but dammit I call it like I see it - I never heard a peep out of her during the entire disastrous bush misadministration but OMG Obama is this, that, and everything else? RACIST!!!! I do not tolerate that nonsense - I cut her off.

[TheCowsCameHome]

181. He'll keep doing it if you let him.

Time to cut him off at the knees. "Hey dad, this time it's your turn, ok?" and flash a big smile.

[Atman]

204. You have ISSUES!

You resent that FIL is what you perceive to be "wealthy," or at least well-off, while you struggle, yet you pick up the tab at dinner. How about standing up for yourselves. How about "Dad, you're driving a Benz and have a pension and SS and getting a discount, but me and your son and grandkids are struggling!" After all, it's only DENNY's! How much could it cost (except for that anything at Denny's costs too much). Stand up for yourselves!

[CountAllVotes]

140. Disneyland?

Gee, my working class family never had money for the likes of trips to Disneyland (or anywhere else for that matter).

They were too busy paying medical bills and for private schools so my late brother wouldn't end up in an institution for the rest of his life!



RIGHT ON BTW!!!!

[SheilaT]

164. Those of us currently turning 65 were born in 1948.

We did not have 35 year jobs, and the unions disappeared along the way. We entered the workforce in the late 60's or early 70's and the entire world of work was already changing rapidly.

It's our parents' and older siblings' generation who had most of those things.

And in reality, a lifetime job with a good pension at the end was a lot less common than people think. I went to work for an airline when I was twenty years old, and at the time you couldn't even start contributing to the pension plan until you were twenty-five and had already worked there for at least two years. Many, many companies that had pensions were like that. And it would take at least ten years of employment to be vested. I have no idea what the numbers are, but lots of people changed jobs any number of times before they were thirty, back then.

Around the time we, us baby boomers, were settling into a long-term job, the 401k plans came along, and we all know how fabulous they've turned out to be.

[bike man]

174. And there were things like rubella, polio, measles, no streptomycin for TB, scarce dialysis

treatment - but keep your focus on things like cheap cigs.

[TheCowsCameHome]

179. ...and the military draft, gas and food rationing, real threat of nuclear war,

go talk to someone that lived through the depression or WWII if you want to know what real sacrifice meant.

This generation goes five minutes without Facebook or the internet and they think it's a crisis.

[datasuspect]

194. thou doth protest too much

do you talk the same shit to your grandkids?

[DebJ]

185. You aren't looking at the younger boomers. When I graduated from

high school in 1973, unemployment was a problem, and remained so for several years. Raygun came
along shortly after that and unions started diving, and corporations started eliminating mid-mgmt jobs and
dumping the workload on other employees with no compensation as they began to make deep cuts in benefits.

Baby boomers were just being born after WWII, so we did not get to take advantage of things in the 50's and 60s...we were students then.

[olddots]

131. Thanks ---wow who knew ?

they'll really want to get rid us if we ask .

[RebelOne]

138. Kroger gives a 5% discount to semiors 65+ on Wednesday. n/t

[urbuddha]

149. CO and UA are both UA now

Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines. It basically is
Continental Airlines with the United name. They kept United's
mileage program which is superior to all of the rest.

[indepat]

151. Kudos

[Paper Roses]

152. Every bit helps. I hope some of this list will apply to my area. Thanks.

[Yooperman]

153. A very similar list I found

tcardgranny.com/blog/senior-discounts/

[CatWoman]

159. gotta bookmark this

and thanks

[bike man]

163. The list has several errors, and there are several responses pointing out these errors,

AND there are a couple of reponses stating they will bookmark.

Might you consider making your list correct so that the bookmark folks will have accurate information?

Often, when a forwarded email ends with "pass this on" it contains errors, so a prudent/considerate poster might fact check prior to posting

[OffWithTheirHeads]

197. So what do you want from me? I stated in the OP that I could not verify

the validity of any of this but it sure would not hurt to ask! Do you think I should personally go out and try every one before waste your time by posting this? Sorry, I have a life. Maybe some of this is bullshit, Maybe some of it is not but the one thing I know for sure is that if you don't ask for it, you won't get it so deal with that how you will.

[L0oniX]

165. K & R

[stillwaiting]

172. I agree that seniors should always ask for discounts.

I try my very best to not spend any money with most of the multinational companies listed in this post.

I am waiting for the AMERICAN (left, right, moderate) movement that might one day grow that purposefully spends their money on locally owned, mom and pop organizations whenever possible. I'd settle for a leftist movement at this point in time, but I know many right wingers that try and spend their money with local businesses too.

If we're ever going to rebuild our middle class we have to break the backs of the big multinational corporations that continue to transfer money and wealth from our local communities to Wall Street.

Whenever possible, please try and find local businesses to support for anything you spend money on. Many even offer senior discounts too!

[Buns_of_Fire]

187. It saddens me that I'm seeing a certain resentment -- younger versus older...

Okay, so I can get a hamburger at 95 cents while the non-seniors pay a dollar. Rest assured, they're making their requisite profit either way, or they wouldn't be doing it in the first place.

[Jennicut]

188. Many seniors live on fixed incomes.

I don't get the resentment. I am giving this list to my 65 year old parents.

[spooky3]

189. Harris Teeter days may vary by location.

In my area it is Thursday rather than Tuesday.

[slipslidingaway]

198. What Insurers Are Trying to Get Out of Health Reform - Over 50 Age Ratings

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6267263#6291582

Expect to pay more for insurance, but a cup of coffee may be nice.



Given the current discussion of HC costs for the older people could not help pointing out the BIG costs that do not have a discount.

"Health insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage to people based on pre-existing conditions or to charge them more based on health care conditions, health care usage, or gender. These system reforms will allow more Americans to purchase the health insurance they need.

Insurance companies will, however, be allowed to charge higher premiums based on age (age rating). Unfortunately, age rating may be a proxy for pricing insurance premiums based on health status, especially on chronic conditions..."

[KoKo]

199. Interesting Post....thanks!

[slipslidingaway]

203. You're welcome, just pointing out the BIG discount seniors do not get...

in fact they have to pay more for by law.

And I asked at the local Dunkin Donuts, sorry no discount.

But I agree with the original poster that it does not hurt to ask, that was instilled in me from a young age ... all they can do is say no.

[KoKo]

201. After Reading you post and some "Naysayer Replies" ...I SAY HELL YEAH!

If the 1% has been allowed to GET OFF FREE for Bringing Down our Financial System and getting BIG BAIL OUTS...then YEAH...If I was a Senior I'd Damned Well FEEL HAPPY to get a few SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS!

ITS the LEAST "THEY" COULD/SHOULD do for SENIORS!

[Raine]

208. Thanks! nt

[OnyxCollie]

209. Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)

[FlaGranny]

211. Add Consumer Cellular to that list

•5% OFF your monthly rates
•30% DISCOUNT on select accessories
For AARP members. Of course phone selection is limited in comparison to the big companies.

[RILib]

213. riteaid

that may be out of date. That used to be what they did, then they replaced it a year or two ago with a new plan with credits for purchases that inadvertently shut out seniors because government health plans (i.r. Medicare) prescriptions did not count.

The lady at the pharmacy counter however told me yesterday that they were coming out with a plan to fix that soon.

[Egalitarian Thug]

216. Thanks for this. Looking through your list it occurs to me that

if even a quarter of American's lived like we do, the economy would collapse. With only a couple of exceptions, we just don't spend money at these places.

[In_The_Wind]

218. I live in a 55+ community. This will be printed for everyone here to see.

Thanks

[Paper Roses]

221. Why can I not send this list to 'over 65' friends. It will not forward or it

sends a list of 76 pages. I've highlighted the relevant info but it is still a 'no go'
Where is the original list? Perhaps I would have better luck with that.
Thanks