Money saving tips and Web sites for finding senior discounts

Age has its privileges, and most seniors welcome the opportunity to save money on a regular basis.

On a fixed income, savings of 10 percent to 15 percent and more can have a significant impact.

Discounts available to seniors cover everything under the sun, from restaurants to entertainment and travel - for instance, the National Park Service offers a $10 lifetime pass to anyone over 62 (visit www.nps.gov/parks/passes_fees.htm for information about the National Park Service's various senior discounts).

But buyer beware. It's important to know ahead of time if the discount is truly a "discount." Some offers may seem too good to be true or may be hidden. For example, when making hotel reservations, always ask for the room rate before you ask about the senior discount. Otherwise, some hotels may quote a higher rate to compensate for the discount.

You are probably already aware of some of the local discounts available to seniors, such as movie tickets, restaurant meals, or certain days of the week for shopping at your favorite stores. There are also an infinite number of Internet resources for senior discounts - here are several Web sites that cover a broad range of discount information:

Go to www.todaysseniors.com/pages/Senior_Discounts.html and click on the following topics to learn about available discount programs: auto insurance, dental care, diabetes supplies and sugar-free foods, groceries, hotels and motels, Internet access, magazines, rental cars, restaurants and warehouse clubs.

For special offers and money saving tips and strategies, visit: www.todaysseniors.com/pages/Senior_Discounts.html

Check out http://frugalliving.about.com/od/seniorcitizens/ for many sources of information about discounts, some specifically in your area, and a free newsletter.

Being aware of the "sales calendar" before you shop for larger items can save a great deal. For example: In May and August you'll find sales on linens and towels, and in October, look for the best prices of the year on automobiles. The Frugal Shopper offers a complete list of seasonal sales at www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/seasonal.shtml.

Senior discounts aren't always advertised, but many businesses will give senior citizens a discount if they ask. After all, they want your business. You might be surprised at how many places will give at least a 10 percent discount - all you have to do is ask!

If you don't ask about senior discounts, you may be paying more than you have to. Saving money is always a good thing. And follow these tips from Senior Something.Com, www.seniorsomething.com/discount/html, a comprehensive directory of information and links to Web sites of interest to seniors, to make sure the discount is genuine and not fraudulent.

Always:

Patronize businesses that post easy to read and understand fees and prices.

Whenever possible, get a telephone number and/or address of a regional office. Quite often this is where the customer gets satisfied.

Ask questions if there's something you don't understand.

If necessary, get the offer in writing and have it explained to you by someone you trust.

And, above all else, remember, if it sounds too good to be true it's probably not true.

Rebecca Warren is a certified financial planner professional and certified senior adviser in Mesa. She can be reached at (480) 357-8380 or by e-mail at Rebecca@WarrenFinancialServices.com.