Senior discounts are no longer just for the over 65 set. Boomers 50 and older can enjoy steep savings on everything from college classes to theme parks and bank accounts.
Even if you don’t look or feel like a senior citizen, in the eyes of many merchants, you are… And now’s the time to take advantage of those great savings. If you’re 50 or over, don’t hide your age, flaunt it and save big:
- Colleges Many colleges and universities offer special continuing education classes for those 50 and over. And often, you can audit classes for free or at a reduced rate. Check with schools in your area.
- Department Stores Most Bealls stores feature a 20-percent discount for customers 50 and over on the first Tuesday of every month. And many Banana Republic locations will give you a 10-percent savings every day but the age requirement varies from store to store. Orlando Premium Outlets offer those 50-plus 10 percent off their entire purchase at participating stores.
- Hotels Holiday Inn offers discounts at most locations. Going to the big Apple? Comfort Inn in midtown, Manhattan will give those 50 and over 30 percent off published rates. You must call their toll-free reservations line directly at 877-424-6423. Days Inn and Fairfield Inn in Orlando offer 10-percent discounts for those 55 and older. For a complete list of hotels and restaurants in Orlando that feature senior discounts, visit the Orlando Travel and Visitors Bureau.
- Rental Cars Dollar Rental Cars extends a 10-percent discount for folks 50 and over.
- Banks Most banks advertise discounts for seniors beginning at age 50 or 55. Bank of America’s senior club begins at age 50. Perks include free or discounted checks, free travelers checks, free or discounted safety deposit boxes, and free or discounted bill pay.
- Theme Parks Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida offers three dollars off a one-day ticket for every adult over 50. Sea World-Orlando will give you the same discount. Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not in Orlando, Florida offers two dollars off daily admission for those 55 and over.
- AARP For 12 dollars and 50 cents a year, you can enjoy discounts on everything from cruises to auto insurance. And what many people don’t realize is that you don’t have to wait until you’re 65 to join. Once you reach the half century mark, you can become a card carrying AARP member and take advantage of all the benefits that come with it.
Taking advantage of senior discounts:
- Remember to ask for the discount before you make a reservation or accept a service.
- Carry your ID at all times, even if you don’t look young for your age.
- Many services doesn’t advertise senior discounts, so you need to ask.
Middle age is not the new elderly. But even if you’re nowhere near your golden years, you can at least save some green before you get there!
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The copyright of the article Senior Discounts at a Younger Age in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Senior Discounts at a Younger Age in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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