6 Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season With Senior Discounts
Written by
Andrew Lisa
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Fall signals the start of the expensive holiday shopping and travel season.
That can be stressful for anyone of any age, but for older Americans, especially those on fixed incomes, the approaching months can unravel budgets and breed future financial insecurity.
The good news is that there are many senior-exclusive discounts that they can count on to take some of the sting out of the season of spending.
Do Your Holiday Shopping on Amazon for Less
Amazon offers a discounted Prime subscription rate of $6.99 per month — less than half the regular $14.99 per month fee — to those who receive social support like Medicaid or SNAP, which includes millions of seniors.
If you’re already struggling, it might seem counterintuitive to add another monthly bill to the tally. However, Prime members get free shipping even on small purchases — a godsend for seniors challenged with mobility — as well as access to an ever-increasing list of holiday sales and discounts. Also, the reduced price buys you all the full benefits of membership, including Prime Video, Music and Photos. If you find that the subscription isn’t paying you back after the holidays pass, you can cancel anytime.
Prep for Holiday Travel at AutoZone
Severe weather and road trips are hard on motor vehicles — and for many seniors, the coming months will bring plenty of both.Seniors who are active military or veterans can save 10% at AutoZone as they prepare their vehicles for winter’s automotive rigors. That gives you the chance to finally replace those spent wiper blades, prevent costly damage with a rust inhibitor or anything in between for less.
Spread Goodwill While Saving Money
Goodwill is a nonprofit that fuels its charities by selling high-quality donated items at deep discounts. After all, its motto is “Thrift your way to savings.”
Goodwill offers a unique, eco-friendly and constantly updated inventory of clothing, accessories, shoes and home goods — and shoppers aged 55 and up get 15% off every Tuesday. Just show your ID at the register and save big on gifts, or just to spruce up your own wardrobe for the holidays on the cheap. Also, Goodwill holds Special Sunday Sales every week.
Salvage Your Holiday Budget at the Salvation Army
After you save at Goodwill, head to your local Salvation Army for more of the same. The nonprofit also holds weekly senior discount days for shoppers 55 and up. Savings and sale days vary by location, but you can save 15% to 50% at Salvation Army family thrift stores, boutiques and by-the-pound outlet stores.
Hallmark Your Holiday
Few names are more synonymous with the holiday season than Hallmark, where shoppers of all ages can find not just cards for every occasion, but ornaments, decorations, wrapping paper, gifts, personalized keepsakes, toys and more.
Most Hallmark stores offer older shoppers 10% or even 20% discounts on specific “senior day” sales every week. The specific day varies by location.
Ship for Less With UPS
The holiday season is not just the season of shopping. It’s the season of shipping — and if you’re giving from afar, the UPS AARP Member Program offers seniors 5% off domestic and international shipping and 15% off eligible products and services, including office, moving and packing supplies, as well as shredding, mailbox, fax, printing, computer and packing services.
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