Me? Qualify for a Senior Discount??

Not long ago I was chatting with the checkout lady at Walmart about what we were fixing for supper when she chimed in, “Hon, what you really ought to do is go up to the Western Sizzlin’.  Be sure you go before 4:00 so you can get the senior discount.”

“Do I look like a senior citizen??” That’s what I wanted to shout at the whippersnapper checker, who had to be at least 40 and should have known better than to hurt my feelings that way, but I didn’t.  I maintained my composure as best I could, told her that was a great idea, then I dragged my wrinkled, middle-aged ego out the door and back home.

Being the wise older woman that I am, I decided to do some research.  Turns out you don’t have to be 65 and a real, honest-to-goodness senior citizen to qualify for discounts at a lot of places.  For instance, many Arby’s locations give a 10% discount to diners over age 55.  Hmm. So does Chili’s.  Ummm.  And it isn’t just restaurants.  Kohl’s gives a huge 15% discount to shoppers ages 62+ on Wednesdays.  Banana Republic offers a 10% discount to shoppers who have reached the ripe young age of 50!  And the list goes on.  (I found a list here.)

Policies vary by location, so confirm the discount before you budget for a bargain.  When you visit your favorite establishment, don’t be afraid to ask if they offer a discount. You might be surprised how much your pharmacy, restaurant, motel, or movie theater will reduce that bottom line if you’re willing to swallow your pride and admit your age, even if it does leave a bit of a lump in the throat.

Photo Courtesy of PittCaleb

Susan52 is a baby boomer and a giant squid on Squidoo who enjoys blogging and building a business in her pj’s.  She’s too young to be an honest-to-goodness senior citizen, but she does admit to qualifying for a few nice discounts.

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