Practical Wisdom from a Seasoned Saver
by Steve Fought
Some 25 years ago, when our youngest daughter and I were standing in line to pay the admission to see a movie, the ticket clerk asked for my ID, “to see if you qualify for the Senior Discount.” Before I could respond to the little twerp for essentially calling me an Old Man, he added, “…because if you do, you get $10 off the ticket price.” Well, that young genius and I were suddenly on much better terms!
After the movie, and with this newfound knowledge, we dropped by Applebee’s and I asked about a discount with them. They had a 15 percent senior discount, but I had to be 60. Oh well, but all of this piqued my curiosity and set up a pattern I would use in the ensuing years. So, this month, I set about sharing my accumulated knowledge.
Fast Food, Free Refills, Fries on the Side
We eat a lot of fast food. I can get a free coffee at every McDonald’s we have ever visited, no exceptions. I have to ask for it, and the Senior Coffee is small, but the refills are free! What-A-Burger will give me a free Senior Drink when I order an entree, as did a few of the Chick-fil-As we visited. Burger King advertises a 15 percent off with an AARP membership. But I have to ask for it.
I’ve also found senior discounts when we take a step up from fast food, but still want to remain on the relatively inexpensive options. In the local arena, IHOP has several senior specials on their regular menu (e.g., the 55+ breakfast samples that had an egg, a piece of bacon, a sausage link, a piece of ham, hash browns, and one pancake, all for just under $11). Denny’s has similar items (e.g., 55+ wild Alaskan salmon — a grilled wild-caught Alaska salmon fillet with a delicious blend of garlic and herbs. Served with a side and dinner bread — also for just under $11).
I’ve also found that the senior discounts with nationally franchised restaurants are not well advertised, nor are they automatic or uniform. The franchise companies generally let the owners of their various locations set the policies. As such, you have to ask if they offer discounts and the answer may differ from location to location.
Some merchants require a senior to be a member of another organization or the merchant’s “club” or only offer the discount on certain days. For instance, on the first Tuesday of each month, myWalgreens members 55+ can get a 20 percent discount on eligible regular-price items. CVS does not have a senior-specific discount program, but they do advertise an ExtraCare Membership with discounts on selected products (you can apply online). As for grocery stores, Randall’s (on Williams Drive) gives a 10 percent discount to seniors on Mondays.
You’ve Gotta Ask
The key is to ask for the discounts, and that is something some of us are reluctant to do because we’re embarrassed to ask for it or sometimes family members/friends think we’re being “cheap”. Personally, I got over both those concerns long ago, but if it’s something you worry about, then practice asking for the discount and use the money you save to buy something nice for yourself and share it with the ones who called you “cheap.”
As I got more at ease asking for these senior discounts, I also expanded my search area. Here are some of the treasures I discovered.
Most movie houses offer significant senior discounts (I’m guessing they figure we’ll bring guests and buy a lot of popcorn to make up for the deep discount!).
Georgetown’s Palace Theatre’s website describes a Senior Flex pass in various forms, which gets you multiple tickets at discounted prices throughout the season (i.e., an 8-Senior Flex option for eight shows, etc.) as well as senior discounts at selected shows.
Several local automotive specialists offer senior discounts, often including reduced labor costs, discounts on parts, or special promotions for state inspections or oil changes.
Secret City Savings
Senior discounts aren’t just offered by merchants. The City of Georgetown offers discounts and special senior programs through the Parks and Recreation Department. A Georgetown resident annual membership costs $265; the 60+ membership is discounted more than $100 to just $150. Along with a wonderful array of fitness equipment and facilities, a senior membership at the Georgetown Recreation Center also gives you access to special senior programs that are restricted to 60+ individuals.
The Senior Adventure Program features things like fishing, hiking, indoor skydiving (my goodness…would love to see that!), kayaking, and zip line riding. The Senior Athletic Program is headlined by Granny Basketball (and that makes the Austin TV Channels). Senior social activities include special tours to important sites in the nearby area (e.g., the National Mounted Warrior Museum and the Alamo).
Online? Don’t Expect Much
Over time I expanded my quest for senior discounts to include travel and vacations. I discovered airlines (especially the major ones) offer senior discounts on some routes, at some times, and during some seasons. These discounts can be significant. You have to ask. Same for cruise lines; they typically offer a 10 percent discount for seniors.
My experience with senior discounts for online shopping hasn’t been very productive. While a very few retailers offer senior discounts for online shopping, most focus on in-store purchases or specific programs.
I wouldn’t want to estimate how much money I’ve saved over the years, but I suspect it’s a pretty good amount and I feel good about it. I also have some suggestions for merchants who might be reading this, as well as for my fellow senior customers.
Hey, Merchants: Make it Easy!
For the merchants, advertise these discounts. If you’re using them to appeal to senior customers, make it well known and obvious. For our restaurant owners/operators, try having a senior menu. Many restaurants have a kids’ menu and seniors sometimes try to order from it, only to be told they can’t. They end up ordering from the regular menu, and getting more food than they want or need. Try having a senior menu or senior choices that still make financial sense.
Pro Tip: Just Ask
For us seniors, remember to ask: Do you have a senior discount? Don’t be shy, or embarrassed. We seniors are very valuable, highly desirable customers. That’s why we get the discounts to bring us in. Business owners want customers who have disposable income, are smart shoppers, and, given a good experience, likely to be repeat customers. And, there’s always the possibility we’ll buy something else to go along with the freebie.
In these days of ever-increasing prices, and with some of us on retirement incomes, having a 10 percent discount on something that costs half-again what it used to cost, is now twice as important to me. So I ask.
Go for it!