Fabulous Freebies Seniors Should Take Advantage Of
With the cost of everything from chicken breasts to toilet paper going up these days, seniors living on fixed incomes need to do whatever they can to cut corners. You can help make your monthly Social Security benefit check go further by taking advantage of these fabulous freebies and deep discounts discovered by MoneyTalksNews:
Free Checking – Some banks offer checking accounts with special perks just for seniors such as free checks and no maintenance fees.
Tax Help – The government’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free assistance to taxpayers over the age of 60, answering questions about pensions and other retirement-related issues. Many retirees qualify for tax deductions and tax credits so be sure you don’t overlook any savings opportunities.
Prescription Discounts – Healthcare is a huge expense for seniors, luckily Medicare Part D and most Medicare Advantage plans cover some prescription drug costs – there are also prescription assistance programs available to help.
Dining Discounts – Some restaurants offer discounts on food and drinks for seniors, so be sure to inquire. AARP members can also score savings at many restaurant chains.
Shopping Discounts – In addition to special senior shopping hours, many retail and grocery stores offer discounts on certain days of the week.
Transportation Discounts – Whoever said “there’s no such thing as a free ride” must not have been a senior. Many municipalities offer seniors free transportation on buses and other commuter lines.
Travel Discounts – Rental cars, hotels, and even cruise lines offer special senior rates so be sure to inquire before booking your next trip.
Gym Discounts – Many medical insurance programs offer discounted or free gym memberships as preventive care. Seniors on Medicare should look into the SilverSneakers program, which offers access to over 17,000 gyms and fitness centers nationwide.
Internet Access – Look for companies that offer seniors free internet access, providing basic service such as email and web surfing. Many cellular phone companies also offer discount plans for seniors to stay connected.
While it’s great that so many free or discounted services are available to seniors, the bottom line is retirees should not be forced to scrimp and save just to make ends meet. The Seniors Trust is working hard to pass the Social Security Expansion Act which would provide older Americans with much needed – and deserved – additional monthly benefits. It would also establish a fairer cost-of-living adjustment making sure that each year benefits go up to help cover the increasing costs seniors face in their daily lives.
