Let’s face it. When most of us think about getting older, our minds tend to gravitate toward the less appealing aspects of age. But there are perks that come with age, too. Like senior discounts.
There are a lot – make that a lot – of businesses that offer discounts for seniors. In fact, they’re so numerous there’s no way we can mention all of them. So we’ve rounded up 5 of the best, ongoing, nationwide deals for seniors in three categories: stores, travel and services. Today we’ll be talking about stores.
Just a little disclaimer: These discounts were all live at the time this was written. That doesn’t mean they’ll still be around next week, though. So double-check before you shop. And please don’t take this as an endorsement of any business mentioned, or lack thereof if we left someone out.
Here we go.
Senior Discounts in Stores
Dress Barn. If you’re 55 or older, you can get 10% off every Tuesday and Wednesday. Make sure the store near you offers this discount, though, because not every location does.
Goodwill. Okay, so technically Goodwill isn’t a store (that’s where there are 6 in this category). But we couldn’t resist including it because they have a 10% discount for those 55 and older one day every week. Which day? You’re on your own there; each Goodwill branch has a different day, so check out the location nearest you.
JOANN. Are you a sewing or crafts enthusiast? If you are, check JOANN’s website for their next Senior Day. You’ll get a 20% discount (yeah, you read that right) off your total purchase if you’re 55 or older.
Kohl’s. One of America’s largest department store chains (if not the largest) offers 15% off in-store every Wednesday from age 60 and up. You can’t combine this with other offers, though, so be careful when you shop.
Michael’s. So we know this is another crafts store. But if you’re age 55 and older, at Michael’s you get 10% off your purchase. Every. Single. Day. Which makes it worth of being included in this list.
Walgreen’s. Walgreen’s is unique in that their senior discount program (from age 55) isn’t limited to in-store purchases. While the brick-and-mortar discount is higher – 20% vs. 10% online – you at least have the option of saving some money without leaving your comfortable living room. Use code SENIOR10.
So those are the 5 (okay, 6) best senior discounts in stores. Next time we’ll talk about travel and services. But no discussion of discounts for seniors would be complete without touching on senior citizens’ organizations.
Why?
Because there are a whole bunch of businesses that offer exclusive discounts if you belong to one of them. And while they will cost you, membership is cheap enough that it can be worth it. So before we go, here’s a bit of a lowdown on the 3 largest senior citizens’ organizations in America.
Seniors’ Organizations That Offer Senior Discounts
The oldest – and largest – senior citizens’ organization by far is, of course, the AARP. From the age of 50, for $16 a year ($12 if you sign up for a multi-year membership), you and your spouse get access to all the discounts they offer. That includes various types of insurance, travel discounts, rental cars, cellphone plans and discounts at various stores and eateries.
For a long time, the AARP was the only organization of its kind. However, in recent years the organization’s political stances have given politically conservative seniors reason to look elsewhere. If the Affordable Care Act, more lax abortion laws and bigger government aren’t quite your bag, there are two main alternatives:
- American Seniors Association: Founded in 2005, the ASA offers similar discounts to the AARP. So dental and medical insurance, auto insurance, prescriptions, travel, car rentals, identity theft protection, and senior discounts on cellphone plans are all offered with membership. The major difference is, as we said, where they stand on the political spectrum. The other major difference? No minimum age limit: “Everyone will be a senior at some point. Therefore, anyone can join and obtain our benefits and discounts.” Membership costs $15 per year, including your spouse. If you’re younger and single, you can sign up a parent for free.
- Association of Mature American Citizens: This second “conservative alternative to the AARP”-type organization was founded in 2007. AMAC offers similar benefits to the AARP and ASA, and costs $16 per year to join, from the age of 50.
If you decide to join one of these clubs – or if you’re already a member – make sure to do your due diligence, though, and check their discounts against other deals. Sometimes you can get a better price by dealing straight with the company, or better deals on general sites like Dan’s Deals. But for 15-16 bucks a year, the investment might be worth it for you.
Do you know of other businesses that offer great senior discounts? Please let us know in the comments below!