Part one in a three part series

 

Getting older can have its’ perks and FirstLantic is here to help you take advantage of as many of them as possible! In the first part of this three part series, we are going to provide guidance on discounts or free services offered specifically to senior citizens. Some of these are provided by organizations and some are government run programs. In part one of this series, we are going to help you get the most out of your leisure time with helpful hints on perks available for dining out, traveling and shopping. Part two will focus on healthcare and home service allowances and benefits and part three will focus on other services which offer special rate such as tax preparation, banking etc. So, let’s get started and get saving!

 

Discounts for hotels and cruise lines

 

While many of you are already well aware of AARP, you may not be familiar with some of the benefits of membership. Not only can you take advantage of certain hotel discount programs, you can also use the AARP travel center which is provided through a partnership with Expedia where members can receive up to 25% off rental cars and an additional 10% off hotel partners that are already offering discounted rates.

 

If you choose to plan your own trip, you can get discounts directly through the hotels or cruise lines if you are an AARP member. For example, Starwood Hotels gives up to 15% off their regular rates, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers 5% off all cruises, and Grand European Travel offers $100 off any guided vacation.

 

Other hotels that offer discounts include the following: Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge and Holiday Inn among others. Even if you are not an AARP member but are either 60 or 62 depending on the chain, you will most likely qualify for a discount. For a list of other great travel discounts, click here.

 

Shopping Discounts

 

Many stores and movie theaters also offer special discounts for people over 65 and some of them even have special shopping days just for seniors. For example, Hallmark offers 10% off purchases one day each week. AMC theaters also has a senior day where they offer up to 60% off on discounts. Considering the high cost of a movie these days, that is a pretty significant deal!

 

Another great offer is discounted cell phone service. Most major cell phone companies offer special plans for those 65+ but there are also specialty carriers that provide much cheaper offerings with some restrictions. For a comprehensive overview of the best senior plans, click here. Another great source for shopping deals can be found here.

 

Tuition Waivers

 

As we have mentioned in a previous blog, many universities and colleges offer discounts or even free tuition for seniors. The Florida college system waives application, tuition and student fees for those age 60 and above, but you won’t be able to earn credits and admission is granted on a space-available basis. Florida Atlantic University actually made it one of their missions to encourage more adults to continue their education and now has the largest adult continuing program in the United States. For more info, click here: Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society For other states, you can click here for more information.

 

So whether you are a theater buff or an online shopper or you want to travel around the world, there is probably a more cost-effective way to do it. Don’t be afraid to ask for a senior discount anywhere you go even if it is not publicly marketed. As many seniors are living on a fixed income, discounts should be viewed as a way to continue to live your lifestyle of choice even if you don’t make as much money as you did previously. As the famous saying goes, “if you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

 

Don’t miss our blog next week on Health and Home service benefits.

 

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