Who You Are May Get You Discounts

So often when folks talk about saving money, it’s in the context of clipping coupons, browsing sales flyers or surfing the internet.

But there are plenty of other discounts to be had, based solely on who you are. Consider these:

Senior Citizens. If you’re over the age of 55 (or 65 in some cases), you can get a discount on all kinds of things from dining out to department store discounts. If you’re a member of AARP, you may also qualify for discounts on phone service, insurance, and more.

Kids. Many restaurants offer a Kids Eat Free day or offer 99 cent meal options with the purchase of an adult entree. It’s worth calling around to your local restaurants to see what days they offer these discounts. Kids often get reduced price admission tickets to movies, museums, amusement parks and other events based on their age. (The younger the child is, the more likely the discount is).

Students. Many restaurants, museums, and theatres offer discounts to K-12 students as well as college students. You’ll likely need a student ID, so plan accordingly. College students can also get discounts on computer purchases and equipement. You may need to show some proof at the time of purchase, such as a student ID and/or a college e-mail address.

Teachers. Teachers can also get discounts on things such as books and computers. Just like the college students, you’ll need to show some proof – either a faculty ID, an e-mail address, or possibly even a pay-stub.
Union Membership. If you’re a member of a labor union, you may want to see if you qualify for any discounts. Union members can sometimes qualify for discounts on gym memberships, car rentals, and more. Often union members can get lower interest rate credit cards or loans, too.

AAA Member. If you’re a member of AAA Club, you can get discounts on hotels, car rentals, insurance and more. You’ll have to decide if the dicounts are worth the cost of membership

Birthday. You just turned another year older, but it’s not all bad. There are lots of freebies you can get on your birthday.

Early birds. Some businesses will give you a discount if you pay your account early or in cash, so be sure to ask. I’ve known people to save as much as 10 percent of their plumbing or dental bills this way.

Late comers. Sometimes being late has its advantages too. If you’re late to a show, concert, or ball game, check to see if you can get in at a reduced rate. My husband and I got into a theme park for 75 percent off the standard price because we arrived an hour before it closed. We saw everything we wanted to see and saved a bundle.

There are many discounts available – and not all of them are well-advertised. It never hurts to ask. You just might be pleasantly surprised.