Taking advantage of senior discounts is a smart solution for stretching funds and managing a monthly budget. Businesses that sell goods and services typically offer senior discounts that can be found posted at the business location or company website. Sometimes these discounts are not clearly advertised; simply asking an employee or doing a search online can result in unplanned savings. Small savings can add up over time and can be a great help to saving money.

Discounts can vary in age requirements, day or time of use, specific locations or be in combination with other programs. Since senior discount savings programs can frequently change, it is advisable to double-check the retailer’s website to confirm the current offer. This article contains current discount programs and will be updated periodically.

Restaurant discounts:

• Dairy Queen -- 10% senior discount at participating locations
• Denny’s -- 55-plus menu with senior discounts
• IHOP -- 55-plus menu with senior discounts
• McDonald’s -- discounts on beverages and coffee at participating locations
• Bonefish Grill -- offers 10% off to AARP cardholders

Retail discounts:

• Amazon Prime -- offers a discounted membership to shoppers enrolled in Medicaid
• Kohl’s -- offers 15% senior discount every Wednesday
• Michaels -- 10% off every purchase, including sales items, every day for those age 55 and older
• Ross Stores -- features 10% off for seniors every Tuesday

Grocery Store Discounts:

• Albertsons -- grants seniors 10% off on the first Wednesday of the month at participating locations
• BI-LO -- offers 5% off on a specific day at participating locations
• Fred Meyer -- includes 10% off on select items for those 55 and older
• Hy-Vee --gives seniors 5% off on Wednesdays at participating locations

Hotel Discounts:

• Best Western – guests age 55 and older can save up to 15% at select locations
• Days Inn – offers senior rates to guests 60 and older
• Choice Hotel – grants AARP cardholders and those 60 and over a 10% discount on reservations
• Marriott – offers a 15% discount or more to those 62 and older on stays at participating locations
• Motel 6 – a senior discount of up to 10% off the best available rate for guests age 60 or over

Airline and Travel Discounts:

• British Airways – AARP members can receive up to $200 off for a limited time
• United Airlines -- offers a discounted price to older passengers for select destinations when booking a flight
• America the Beautiful Senior Pass -- $20 for an annual senior pass or $80 for a lifetime pass, which can be used at national parks and federal recreational lands
• Amtrak -- 10% off on most rail fares for seniors
• Art Institute of Chicago -- seniors age 65 and older receive a $6 discount
• Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City -- $8 off ticket prices for seniors
• The National Baseball Hall of Fame -- $5 discount on admission for seniors

Mobile Plans discounts:

• AT&T -- Provides a Senior Nation plan for those 65 and older
• Sprint -- The Unlimited 55+ plan offers special deals for seniors
• T-Mobile -- Offers several 55+ plans for seniors
• Verizon -- Special offers available for those 55 and older

Source: US News & World Report