My step-father is now the ripe old age of 64 and was pushed into early retirement through a job loss about five years ago. Thankfully he was a union worker who put in more than enough time to collect a small pension, but with my younger sister still in her teens, that money can only go so far. Teenage girls are wallet vampires. I know because I used to be one.
I’ve thought about ways to save my mom and step-dad money without making them change their habits entirely. I do have to admit that at first, I tried to get them to change their life habits, but I gave up because they’re pretty stubborn SOB’s and they pretty much cursed me out.
While I was at my mom’s scoring free dinner one day, I rifled through their mail and found the AARP magazine. Jackpot! While my parents think that they’re way too young and sexy to be getting the magazine I spied deals and steals galore. This sent me down the rabbit hole of finding as many deals as possible for senior citizens. Are you thinking that they’re just going to save nickels and dimes? Boy, are you wrong?
Did you know that seniors can get free coffee at Dunkin Donuts? Neither did I and your parents probably don’t know either. The thing is, they just have to ASK. How about a “senior day” at Walgreens where they can save as much as 20% off on their purchase? What about automatically saving 5% to 10% off their groceries just for being a senior?
My parents and I were falsely under the impression that most discounts kicked in when you turned 65. These days, many “senior” discounts start at age 55 (which means that you qualify too, mom) and some even begin at age 50!
I’m not going to reinvent the wheel, but I am going to point you to the AARP, of course, where you can sign up to be a member and get access to lots of discounts; Brad’s Deals for their comprehensive list of discounts; and Money Talks News for the video below and for their list as well. Just be sure to read the fine print on the discounts and don’t be afraid to ask the stores not listed if they do have senior discounts.
Now my mom can get her hair done for 25% off, my step-dad gets his daily coffee, and I can drag them to go grocery shopping with me on senior days..for quality time, of course. 😉
Happy saving!
