Senior discounts are the real deal

A young guy working in a restaurant recently made my day. He leaned over and whispered that if I asked for the “senior dinner,” I would save nearly $2, and the senior dinner came with extras. Who wouldn’t want that?

Sometimes the hardest part of getting a senior discount is knowing what age qualifies as “senior.” Do they mean 50, when AARP starts sending us mail? Or 55? Or is it 60, 62 or 65?

To find locations in your area that give a senior discount, check these locations online:

Sciddy.com — The site is called “Seniors Pay Less,” and it organizes the information by category. Put in your ZIP code and the distance you’re willing to travel. I learned, for example, that there’s actually a pizza shop in my area that gives an over-55 discount.

SeniorDiscounts.com — Full access costs $12.95 a year, but may be worth it if you’ll use your senior discounts. As a sample of the free access, go to the site, click on “restaurants” in the drop down menu and put in your ZIP code.

Your best bet is to call businesses and ask in advance (even Senior Discounts has some outdated information). If there are certain places in your area that you like to shop or have a meal, call to inquire about their age cutoff for senior discounts. Make your own list.

Don’t forget some of the big-ticket items, like your property tax. Some municipalities give discounts to seniors. If you’re traveling, ask about a senior discount for motels, airfare and car rental. Ask in places where you routinely spend money, such as the grocery stores, especially the chains.

Carry your AARP card in your wallet, because in many places that’s all you need.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to [email protected] © 2013 King Features Synd. Inc.