Senior Citizen Discount Programs: Getting the Most Out of Your Golden Years
The notion that retirement is a never-ending personal vacation experience for senior citizens is just that – a notion. It is really hard to become a retired person in the post-pandemic era of the 21st century. The average retired person receives a $1,500 monthly Social Security check. However, the average Social Security check only provides about $18,000 in annual income. Also, almost 71% of Americans are scared that Social security won’t exist or won’t have enough funding to meet their financial needs when they retire. The point here is that working-class senior citizens need to save as much money as possible to get the most out of their golden years. You should take advantage of all of the senior citizen discount programs that apply to you.
Senior Citizen Discount Programs 101
Senior citizen discount programs are discounts and reductions in prices for products and services dedicated to people age 50 and over.
That’s right! You can start receiving senior citizen discounts at the age of 50 depending on where you live and the businesses that offer them.
Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t take advantage of senior citizen discount programs because of pride or non-awareness.
Many businesses don’t specifically advertise that they offer senior citizen discounts. And the age requirement to qualify for senior citizen discount programs can be anywhere between 50 and 65.
It is up to you to ask local businesses and vendors if they offer any senior citizen discount programs. Don’t be shy and don’t be picky either when it comes to senior citizen discounts.
You can ask for a senior citizen discount for public transportation services, retail stores, and at any place that offers products or services. Your local utility company may have senior citizen discount programs as well.
However, just remember that not every business offers senior citizen discounts, so always ask before assuming.
Before we provide you a list of some senior citizen discount programs, let’s first explain why you should endeavor to take advantage of them at every opportunity.
The High Cost of Being Retired
You should not let pride or ignorance prevent you from taking advantage of senior citizen discount programs.
Most senior citizen discount programs require you to be over the age of 50 to 65, and if you meet that criteria, it’s basically an entitlement.
And why wouldn’t you want to save money in your golden years? After all, it can be very expensive to be a senior citizen in the United States.
Have you ever heard of the idea that you need a $1 million nest egg to finalize your retirement fund?
First of all, the $1 million nest egg is just a generalization. There is no one-size-fits-all retirement fund metric standard when it comes to retirement.
The average retire needs a steady income of $40,000 annually to pay their cost-of-living standards. So, as long as you live in a small city with low cost of living standards, $40,000 will last 25 years if you have a $1 million nest egg.
Still, when you consider inflation and the ever-increasing costs of living in America, you might actually need a $3 million nest egg.
We all want to live long lives, but the longer that you live, the more likely your body will break down or you will develop ailments.
The average retired couple will need to pay almost $400,000 to cover their medical expenses throughout retirement.
And if you live into your 80s and 90s, you might actually exhaust your retirement income and need to start over from scratch.
The point is that you should take advantage of all the senior citizen discount programs you can find.
Here are some you should consider using.
Utilities
Your local state utility company may offer a senior citizen discount or rebate program. It is up to you to ask and inquire about qualifications.
For example, if you live in the state of Georgia and are at least age 65, you may qualify for an $18 monthly discount on your electric and/or gas bill. You may also qualify for a monthly $6 fuel credit as well.
If you live in Georgia, you could also save $216 annually on your utility bills.
Do you live in Michigan? If you are over the age of 65, the utility company can’t turn off your utilities in inclement weather, like the winter season, even if your bills are unpaid.
Call your local utility company and ask if they offer any senior citizen discount programs.
Auto Repair Services
Midas and Jiffy Lube offer senior citizen discounts. Ask your local auto body or repair shop about qualifications.
Retail Businesses
I couldn’t list the number of retail stores, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and businesses that offer senior citizen discounts in this one article, so here is a list.
The baseline discount at most of these establishments is at least 10%.
Never assume the business you patronize offers senior citizen discounts, but don’t assume that they don’t either. When in doubt, ask.
Senior Citizen Discount Programs
Depending on your perspective, or the state of your finances, getting older in America is a progressively more expensive thing to endure.
Take advantage of every opportunity to save money because you are a senior citizen.
You are just leaving money on the table if you do otherwise.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
