Many businesses understand the buying power that consumers over the age of 50 represent and have made discounts available to encourage them to buy their products and services. This is great news for you whether you are still in the workforce, preparing for retirement, or living on a retirement income because it saves you money on the things you would otherwise buy – but only if you take advantage of the discounts that are available to you.

Availability of Discounts

You may not realize just how abundant these senior discounts tend to be – or how many industries offer them. A quick search around the Internet indicates that you can find senior discounts available in numerous industries including:

• Supermarkets
• Department Stores
• Retail Thrift Stores
• Travel Agencies and Airlines
• Car Rental Services
• Car Repair Services
• Restaurants (fast food and casual dining)
• Entertainment (this includes movie tickets as well as tickets to museums, theatres, ballets, symphonies, and countless other entertainment venues).

Now that you know just how far-reaching and potentially beneficial senior discounts can be, it is time to explore how to put them to work for you.

How to Find Senior Discounts

Honestly, simplicity often works best. Every time you make a purchase, ask if the business offers a senior discount. Some establishments require a specific age (50+, 60+, etc.). Some establishments may not offer them – yet. However, if enough people begin asking about them, they may realize their potential value and consider instituting one.

You can also join nationwide organizations, like AARP, which provides discounts on a wide range of national businesses such as hotels, car rentals, restaurants, florists, and more. Some of the savings can be significant, up to 25 percent on car rentals, for example.

Another thing you can do to find senior discounts is to use your smartphone. Download apps like the Senior Discount App and Senior Savings App. There is a small fee for each of the apps, but once you use them once, they can pay for themselves through senior savings.

Tips for Maximizing Senior Discounts

The goal is always to get more value for your dollars. The first thing you must realize is that the senior discount is not always the best deal going. Ask if there is a better deal or an opportunity to save more on your purchases.

Second, get the details of the discount before you buy whenever possible. That includes details about minimum age to qualify for discounts, discounts that are only available on certain days or during certain hours, and how to redeem the discounts. For instance, some require you to ask for the discount – it is not something many retailers offer without being asked.

Some retailers require you to join an online club or have a membership card to receive the discount – which is something you will need to plan ahead for if you do not currently have the card. Some establishments have special menus that feature smaller portions for discounted meals for seniors. Understanding the details can help you make informed choices that net you the deepest discounts.

Senior discounts can help any budget, no matter how large or small, stretch even further. You have worked hard to get to this stage in life. You have earned it. Now enjoy these discounts that celebrate your years on this earth in a way that is far more meaningful than an extra candle on the cake.