Senior Savings

(Pierre Amerlynck/SXC)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Early-bird special, move over. Did you know that if you're at least 55, you can get a 10 percent midweek discount at Pep Boys automotive stores? Plus, Pearle Vision offers AARP members 30 percent off a complete pair of glasses and up to 20 percent off contacts.
In addition, many Roto-Rooter franchises give senior discounts, typically 10 percent.

According to Consumer Reports, many merchants and service providers offer seniors a break just for the asking. The only catches... you may have to prove your age, with a driver's license or AARP card. You may have to join the vendor's loyalty program and abide by other limitations. But once you're past those hurdles, you'll find gems like these:

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Cell-phone service: Consumer Cellular, which Consumer Reports rated tops, offers AARP members voice plans starting at $9.50 a month, and text and data plans for as little as $2.38 a month.

Clothing and department stores: Members of Ross Dress for Less' Every Tuesday Club age 55 and up get 10 percent off on—you guessed it—Tuesdays. Belk's discount ranges from 15 to 20 percent for those 55 and up on the first Tuesday of every month. At Kohl's, a 15 percent discount is available every Wednesday for those at least 60.

Craft supplies: Michaels stores grant AARP members 10 percent off on Tuesdays.

Eating out: Expect a break at many lower- and mid-priced chains. Some give discounts only during off-peak hours or days. White Castle starts its price break at
age 55 (you're never too old for a slider); Boston Market makes you wait until you
reach age 60.

Education: Colleges and universities often offer seniors low-cost and free classes. Call your local college or go to osherfoundation.org for names of many participating institutions.

Fitness: Participants in many Medicare Advantage, Supplemental, or other private
group retiree health plans can access free SilverSneakers Fitness Program group
classes and gym memberships at more than 11,000 locations nationwide. Check your
eligibility at silversneakers.com.

Flowers: Senior discounts sometimes— but not always—trump coupon codes. AARP members can choose to shave 20 percent from their 1800Flowers.com order, or to drop $20 off a minimum purchase of $79.99 (a 25 percent cut at that price point).
FromYouFlowers.com takes off 20 percent for those who call (800) 838-8853 and ask
for Discount 484.

Groceries: Some chains shave off 5 percent, typically on one day of the week.
Shoppers 60 and over save 5 percent on Wednesdays at select Publix supermarkets,
except in Florida. On Tuesdays A&P, Super-Fresh, and Waldbaums give 55-plus shoppers 5 percent off purchases of $30 or more.

Haircuts: Customers age 65 and up get 10 percent off services at SmartStyle salons
in select Walmart stores. For locations, check smartstyle.com.

Pet care: Several readers reported senior discounts offered by their vets. At
1-800-PetMeds, the discount for customers at least 50 is 5 percent on orders over $40.

Travel: Southwest Airlines promotes lower fares for its Rapid Rewards members
65 and over; call (800) 435-9792 for details on your desired flight. Travelers 62 and up
can get 15 percent off the cheapest ticket on most Amtrak trains. Greyhound passengers age 62 and up save 5 percent. The National Park Service sells a lifetime pass for those 62 and up for $10 (plus a $10 processing fee); go to http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html. Ask what the regular price is first, and
then request the senior discount, so you know what you're saving.

For a list of hundreds of other senior discounts in North Florida, Click Here