1. Negotiate A Better Mortgage Rate With HARP
You wouldn't believe how many senior discounts there are out there. You may not be feeling old but if you're fifty-five or older, these discounts apply to you! Most retailer senior discounts can be found at restaurants, parks, on public transport and at hotels.
The hardest part is simply asking the question, “Do you offer a senior discount?”. You wouldn't believe how much you'd save in a year. Here's a list of 19 senior discounts you'll only get if you know to ask about them.
Were you born before 1985 and own a home? Well if you want to save yourself thousands of dollars this year, you should take advantage of HARP. The Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) could help you reduce your monthly payments by as much as $3,500! This is a time-sensitive discount you'll want to jump on fast because it was set to expire in 2017 but has since been extended to 2018.
2. Install A Home Alarm System
We aren't sure about the future of the HARP program, so enjoy it while you can. In order to qualify for HARP you’ll need good or excellent credit, so if you don’t have a very good credit rating then this probably isn’t for you. If lowering your payments and paying off your mortgage faster would help you, then this could be the easiest money savings tip you take.
You don't have to be a homeowner for all of the deals on this list, but for this one you do. If your home doesn't have a security system, it is more than twice as likely to be targeted by intruders. What you might not know is that by simply having a home security system, you could be saving money on your homeowner's insurance policy. You could save between 10-20% on your insurance by having a high functioning home security system installed.
3. Cruise Deals
One of the best alarm system companies – ADT is currently offering over $800 in savings if you just pay the installation fee. That means you basically get a free alarm system for over a year, just by paying a $99 fee. It’s also wise for seniors to have a security system installed so that they can get medical emergency attention in the case of a life-threatening situation.
There are hundreds of amazing cruises at great prices to be found online with Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and Cruise Direct. If you've spent your entire life working and you've recently retired, this is a fantastic way to enjoy your retirement.
4. Get a Lower Auto Insurance Rate
Take that cruise you always dreamed of having time to enjoy! Cruise lines offer a huge variety of discounts for senior citizens, and this includes some of the most well-known companies like Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean, offering exclusive deals to citizens over the age of 55.
Only 5% of Americans over the age of 55 are paying less than $50 per month for car insurance. If you’re currently paying more than $50 per month with an accident-free driving record, you can probably secure a much lower car insurance rate. The best way to do that is to compare quotes from multiple insurers – let them compete for your business.
5. Save on Medicine
In fact, there’s a new website that allows you to do just that – it’s called Best Quotes Auto Insurance. Once you fill out the form on their website they’ll provide you with multiple quotes you can choose from. Otherwise, you could always call up a major car insurance provider and start the conversation by letting them know you're a senior.
Whether you shop at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart or Rite Aid, getting your medication could be a lot less expensive. In today's society, medication is a must as you get older, but you shouldn't have to feel pain in your wallet too. You can get a senior discount at the pharmacy section of the aforementioned stores.
6. Get Paid To Take Online Surveys
In fact, some pharmaceutical companies will send seniors a discount card that you can show when paying for prescriptions. Just remember to check with your local pharmacy to see what discounts are available to you!
We all stress about how much money we actually have to retire on and whether or not it's realistic. Let's face it, you spent your whole life working and now you have so much time on your hands, you just don't know what to do with yourself. What if you could get paid a little bit of extra pocket money just for taking a few online surveys? Would you do it?
7. Save on Life Insurance
There’s a new website called Survey Junkie that allows you to do just that. You provide them with a bit of information about yourself and they’ll match you up with to surveys that you can complete for big brands. You won’t make a ton of money doing this, but it could help pay for a few things every month and it’s easy to do!
Unfortunately, as your age increases so does life insurance premiums. Did you know the premium amount rises 8-10% for every year of age? For senior citizens, rising life insurance policy costs can add up significantly.
8. Go Shopping
The best way to get the cheapest life insurance policy possible is to compare quotes from multiple carriers in much the same way you would do with car insurance, or cell phone plans. Luckily, there’s a new website called LifeInsurance.net that will automatically use your information to find you the best life insurance policy that could save you money!
You might be surprised to learn that a lot of trendy shops give a senior citizens discount, such as Banana Republic, Kohl’s, Marshall’s and Stein Mart. At Banana Republic, if you over fifty, you can get a 10% discount on in-store purchases. At Kohl’s on Wednesdays, you can get 15% off if you're older than sixty. And on Tuesdays, Marshall’s and Ross offer up a 10% discount for seniors.
9. Eating Out
And that’s not all, Stein Mart is treating those over fifty-five with their clearance offer. On the first Monday of each month, you can get an extra 20% discount on clearance items. Just remember to check with the specific store in your area!
If you don’t feel like cooking be sure to turn to these places for good senior dining deals. From fast food to steak restaurants, our compiled restaurant list will definitely help you make your choice.
10. Save On A Siren Alarm
Keep in mind that deals may vary at participating locations and can change without notice. ■ McDonald’s: discounts on coffee and beverages (55+)
■ Whataburger: free drink with purchase of a meal, depending on location (55+)
■ Wendy’s: give free coffee or other discounts depending on location
■ Piccadilly Cafeteria – 10% discount with “Prime Time for Seniors” card
■ IHOP – 10% discount (55+) and a menu for people aged 55 and over at participating locations
■ Golden Corral: Senior discount varies by location
■ Krispy Kreme Senior Discount: 10% off (50+) (age and discount varies depending on location)
■ Perkins Restaurants: Fifty-Five Plus menu Offers special deals (55+)
■ Subway: 10% off (60+) varies by location
■ The Old Spaghetti Factory: Spaghetti Factory “Senior Menu” offers discounted list of menu items
■ Uno Pizzaria & Grill: “Double Nickel Club” 25% off on Wednesday (55+)
■ Sizzler: Offers “Honored Guest Menu” (60+) varies by location
■ Papa John’s Senior Discount: check with your local stores (no standard senior discount policy)
■ Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors (55+)
■ Friendly’s Restaurants: 10% off meal w/ free coffee at breakfast or free small sunday during non-breakfast hours
■ Fazoli’s: Join “Club 62” for special senior menu items (62+)
■ KFC: free small drink with any meal depending on location (55+)
■ Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+)
■ Burger King: 10% discount on purchase depending on location (60+)
The Siren Song uses ear piercing sound with over 130 decibels to deter bad guys and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after safety devices in America. With over 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ having experienced some form of abuse, the Siren Alarm is aiming to raise the bar in protection. Right now if you use the coupon code: “seniors”, you’ll receive a discount of $7 off your order!
11. Get A Reverse Mortgage
The keychain design is perfect for use with house keys or car keys. It can also be attached to a backpack or a purse. It's quickly becoming a household item, especially for your grandchildren as they walk to and from school or the bus stop.
Reverse mortgages allow elders to access the home equity they have built up in their homes now and defer payment of the loan until they die, sell, or move. There are no required mortgage payments on a reverse mortgage, however, the interest is added to the loan balance each month. This could be a great option for you if you have a lot of home equity built up but need some extra money to live during your later years.
12. FIXD – Save Thousands on Car Repairs!
Many retirees have worked hard all their lives and have most of their money tied up in their homes but don’t want to sell because they enjoy the area they live in. That’s where a reverse mortgage can be particularly useful. You can visit Reverse Mortgage America to learn more information.
Have you ever gone to an auto repair shop for an oil change, only to have the mechanic say you need an expensive and mysterious fix or replacement you weren't expecting? Unfortunately, mechanics know how easy it can be to target people who aren't familiar with today's automobiles. But there’s a new device you can carry with you in your car to tell you exactly what’s wrong with it.
13. Hotel Rooms
This brilliant new device called Fixd is used to instantly diagnose any car problem. This means the next time your “Check Engine Light” happens to come on, you’ll know exactly what the issue is and the Mechanics won’t be able to lie to you! In the United States alone, this product did over $50,000,000 in sales in 2017.
If you want to settle down for the night someplace away from home you can be sure to get a discount at Marriott, Comfort Inn, Motel 6 and more. Keep in mind that discounts may vary and change without notice. ■ Marriott – 15% discount (62+). You can book online or call and ask for the senior discount
■ Red Roof Inn – option of “senior rate” when you book online, may not be available for all locations
■ Choice Hotels – 10% discount if you book in advance (60+)
■ Hyatt Hotels – up to 50% off in participating locations.
14. Take a Trip to the Movies
To qualify for this deal you have to make a reservation in advance and book for two people (60+)
■ La Quinta – varying offers at participating locations (65+). Book online or call and ask for senior discounts
■ Omni Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (55+)
■ Motel 6 – 10% discount (60+). Call and book over the phone in order to get discount
■ Wyndham Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (60+)
■ Hampton Inns & Suites – 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
You can find more senior hotel discounts by using Booking.com to look for your next hotel room.
Did you know you can receive a senior discount at AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas & CineMagic? AMC Theaters offer a generous 30% discount to over 60s. While Regal Cinemas are going one better and will give you 35% off if you are 60 and over. If you’re over 60, you can get into weekday shows before 2pm for $6 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, get $1 or $2 off at B&B Theatres and $2 off all evening shows at Celebration Cinemas.
15. Visit Amusement Parks
Fridley Theatres offer a Bargain Day every Tuesday for all ages. And at Marcus Theatres seniors can watch matinees for just $5 on Fridays before 5:30 p.m. Showcase Cinemas offer discounted ticket price on Senior Wednesdays at all locations (except Showcase Superlux) and various discounts for popcorn and a soda. If you’re over 65, you can get a discount of between 10%-25% off your ticket price at CineMagic.
Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando, Disney Land & Dollywood. If you’re up for an adventure, you can use your discount at theme parks too. While your days of riding the rollercoaster might be over, there are still some other great attractions on offer.
16. Tour National Parks
Senior Pass Members at Busch Gardens in Tampa will get various discount offers all year round and SeaWorld Orlando will give you a $3 discount if you are over 50. LegoLand Florida gives seniors a $7 discount on entrance. King’s Island offers seniors over the age of 62 various discounts as well You can also get a senior discount on one-day tickets and seasonal packages at Dolly Parton’s Tennessee-based park, Dollywood, that includes activities for all of the family.
Yosemite, Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Zion, The Everglades & More. With this amazing perk, over 62s can use their age advantage to score a serious discount at America’s National Parks. It’s time to tour Yellowstone, senior citizens, you can get an annual pass for just $20 and a lifetime pass for $80. This pass gives seniors access to all 2,000 federal recreation sites, including National Forests and grasslands.
17. Slash Your Electricity Bill With Solar Panels
You’ll be able to visit all of America’s parks through-out your retirement. The cost of the pass covers your entrance-fee, camping, usage fees for a driver and all passengers. You can take the grandkids camping for free whenever you like. Enjoy wildlife, gorgeous scenery and some well-earned peace and quiet.
For homeowners, rising monthly electricity costs can make you feel like you’re always living paycheck to paycheck. The good news is that now more than ever the government is offering subsidies to install solar panels. That means if you live in the United States, you may be able to qualify for a free installation, and it will significantly reduce your electricity costs in a matter of weeks. In fact, some Americans have saved as much as $183 per month on their energy bills. For starters, you will save 30 percent on the installation because of the federal investment tax credit (ITC), and there’s no cap. (The ITC expires in December 2018.) Your monthly electricity bill will be much lower and might even be $0. Also, your bill will not be affected by rate hikes or spikes in fossil fuel prices.
18. NightSight Driving Glasses
When you decide to sell your home, the panels will increase its value. Buyers will typically pay $15,000 MORE for a home with an average-sized solar power system. Save on the installation. Save on the monthly bills. Earn on the sale of your home. Check out getting solar panels for your home.
Seriously, did you know that the vast majority of car accidents happen at night and right before dawn? A lot of that has to do with glare and the problems with vision many people experience. Maybe that’s the reason these driving glasses are selling at a big discount for seniors over the age of 55. Night Sight HD promises to reduce night driving glare and eye strain, and it will dramatically improve seeing at night during snow or rainy conditions.
It lets you see enhanced colour, is durable, lightweight and is fully equipped with polarized lenses. Unlike clip-ons it protects your eyes from all sides, and you can just slide it over your existing prescription lenses. Whether driving, reading or golfing, these versatile goggles make seeing a whole new experience.