Senior Discounts

For most retirees, there is a significant financial change. My retirement income is much less than my working income; however, my expenses decreased also. My auto insurance premiums are lower because I no longer use my car to get to work. Some insurance companies also offer a senior discount. (Be sure to check your auto insurance policy for these possibilities.) I spend less money on gasoline, automobile maintenance, and work clothes.
I quickly learned to put my pride in my pocket and ask for senior discounts wherever I spend money. Try asking for a discount; it can’t hurt. I live a mile from a gift shop that offers senior discounts on all purchases. I am now a regular customer there.
Department stores, restaurants, movie theaters, museums, colleges and other establishments may offer discounts for seniors but you often have to ask for it. Be prepared to show your ID card. I laughed when I told my daughter that I was “carded” at a local restaurant.
Find out at what age discounts are offered and under what circumstances. Discounts may be offered for people starting at 50 to 70 years of age. Some establishments offer discounts on particular days of the week and/or specific hours of the day. I keep a list of those establishments. For example, the cleaners near my mother offers a senior discount. Between the senior discounts and the use of coupons, I spend considerably less than I did before my retirement.
In future blogs, I will share some of the fun activities I have discovered. Believe me, you can enjoy a great life during retirement. Whether you were forced to take a buy-out or wanted to retire, make the best of retirement both financially and socially.