Leonard J. Hansen

Mature adults can pay less, save more because of age

By Leonard J. Hansen

Discover more spending power. Make your money go further. If you’re a mature adult, it is possible because your age is an advantage. At almost any income level, mature adults can save money by paying less for what you want and buy. The process may call for a bit of planning; but it does not demand that you deny yourself by serious scrimping. First, ask for the senior discount everywhere you shop. Most businesses will offer at least a 10 percent senior discount if you ask for it. A reporter’s survey found discounts offered by clothing, hardware and department stores, pharmacies (particularly those in supermarkets), insurance companies, and even liquor stores. Qualifying ages will vary by business. Ask specifically: "What is the senior discount?" It is the easiest and surest way to pay less. There are many ways to save at the supermarket. Plan meals around produce which is coming into season, as prices should be far less than at off-season times. Every week, read newspaper advertising for the current sales at the supermarkets. Buy large quantities of non-perishable items when they are on sale so you can avoid having to buy them at the regular or peak prices. Real savings also come by using discount coupons which are available through newspapers and coupon supplement sections in Sunday newspapers. Devoting 20 minutes each week in reading, clipping, sorting and filing discount coupons for the items you already buy can save 15-20 percent off your weekly grocery bill. Buy those items at sale prices, and the savings may exceed 40-50 percent. Most supermarket chains offer discounts or double the value of discount coupons for seniors - the qualifying age ranges from 55 to 65. A new trend in supermarkets is to offer a value card, for special sale prices. Others will double or triple the value of discount coupons up to $1 in savings. If a mature couple currently spends $200 per month at the supermarket, the combined savings from buying sale items in larger quantities and actively using coupons items should produce cash savings of 25 percent. That’s a saving of $50 month, $600 per year. At the movies, ask for the senior discount admission price. Generally, the cashier won’t offer the discount lest he or she offend a younger person who might appear more mature. Your saving may be as high as 40 percent for each trip to the silver screen. Dine out at a discount. Many franchise and chain restaurants offer early diner discounts for mature adults, at savings averaging 30 percent. Call any restaurant you’re considering in advance to ask if they have a senior and/or an early diner discount. The food and service are the same; you just pay less for it. Auto servicing: Because mature adults can put their automobiles in for service when service shops need the business midweek, many shops will offer a discount of 10 to as much as 30 percent. Checking account: If age 55-and-better, convert your checking account to the bank’s special program for mature adults. Federal banking laws mandate cost-saving advantages for those age 62-plus, but most financial institutions offer their program starting at age 55. Your supply of checks may be free; and the bank may waive per-check charges. The institution may or may not require that you maintain a minimum balance; plus may pay interest (a low rate to be sure, but it is interest) based on the balance. Other advantages may include free notary service, safe deposit box and/or a reasonable number of photocopies. A long-established account may not have been converted to a senior advantage, and if not, get quickly to the bank to make the cost-saving change. On-line coupons. Head for the world wide web for a large selection of discount coupons you can print from your own computer. Access: http://www.coolsavings.com You’ll also find a daily listing discounts available to mature adults at the Third Age website. The web address: http://www.thirdage.com Travel everywhere at a discount: Tell your travel agent your age and that you want either the lowest senior price for air, hotels, auto rentals and more, or the best discount advantage off other published rates/fares. There may be a difference, and the travel agent can easily find your senior advantage discount and rates. Ask your travel agent also about the special senior programs offered by individual airlines. Some offer coupon books, others mileage-based bargain fares. A number of airline programs have free membership; while others may range to as much as $75 per year, but return the value with cash discount coupons worth at least that much. Paying less for what you already buy is an advantage of age if mature adults plan their shopping, clip, organize and use coupons, and ask for the senior discount everywhere. Savings can be in the thousands of dollars each year. Senior discounts are not charity; they are good business for those who want your business.