Senior citizens with fixed incomes are usually on the lookout for a good bargain, as buying goods and services at a discount can stretch a tight budget a bit farther. Below are some ways for seniors to get more bang for their buck.
Consider spending the $16 annual American Association of Retired Persons membership fee. A membership to AARP can allow you to take advantage of discounts on hotels, car rentals, restaurants, flower purchases and much more.
Both Greyhound and Amtrak offer senior fares for travelers 62 and older. Southwest Airlines discounts its fares for those 65 and up, and all senior fares are refundable.
Some pharmacies like Rite-Aid and Walgreens have special senior discounts for their rewards program members; your neighborhood pharmacy may offer its own discounts as well.
Senior citizens 65 and older can receive discounted cellphone services from Verizon. For active seniors, a senior pass is available from the United States Geologic Survey, which gives free lifetime access to over 2,000 government run sites for recreation, including our national parks. Seniors can also get discounts on camping fees.
Many department stores, restaurants, banks, museums and theaters offer unadvertised senior discounts. Some utility providers do as well; it never hurts to inquire before your purchase is totaled up at the register.
A good resource to identify discounts for seniors is the National Council on Aging’s BenefitsCheckUp. This free service helps seniors and their caregivers locate financial assistance for housing, healthcare, groceries, in-home services and other vital necessities.
One sure way for seniors to maximize resources while preparing for the future is to invest in pre-need long term care planning. Not having to worry about receiving proper care in one’s twilight years relieves anxiety and stress.
A Colorado estate planning attorney can provide more information about estate planning issues that can help you ensure that your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated or after you pass away. In addition, you could learn more about Medicare and Medicaid, which may be able to help with medical costs as you age.
Source: Huffington Post, “Money-Saving Tips for Seniors” Jason Alderman, Mar. 13, 2014