These Popular Retailers Offer A Senior Discount For People In Their 50s

Between inflation and generally higher prices (consumer prices are up 21.4% since February 2021, according to a Bankrate analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data), finding ways to save extra money can be a lifesaver. This can be especially true for seniors, who often live on fixed incomes and need to make their money count, considering just how many older Americans are worried they will run out of money during retirement. As the goalpost for exactly how much to save for retirement feels like it keeps moving, many seniors find themselves financially struggling. This is why the senior discount can be more important than ever.

While being considered a senior citizen used to be reserved for those over the age of 65, more contemporary changes surrounding when people do or don't choose to retire has changed how many people think about what age constitutes a senior. While there are still definitely bona fide rites of passage for seniors, like qualifying for your full retirement age for Social Security, other things, like being able to order a senior special lunch at your favorite restaurant, may have changed. In fact, increasingly, retailers and restaurants are offering senior discounts to consumers in their 50s.

These discounts, while mostly modest in their savings, could make the difference when it comes to staying within your budget. Plus, it's important to realize that even a small discount can help offset the current rate of inflation, allowing you to save on your everyday expenses. Let's dive into the best "senior" discounts available for people in their 50s.

Some of the largest retailers offering senior discounts to those in their 50s are Michaels, JOANN, and Walgreens. However, you have to be somewhat strategic about when, exactly, you shop in order to take full advantage of any potential savings. For instance, Walgreens offers 20% off, but only on the first Tuesday of every month. Meanwhile, JOANN offers 20% off on what it refers to as Senior Day. What day JOANN deems Senior Day depends entirely on each store, so make sure to check your local store for upcoming dates. Michaels, on the other hand, offers an easy 10% off for customers aged 55 and over, with no specific day or time restrictions.

For those who like doubling up on deals and shopping discount retailers, both TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less offer senior discounts. TJ Maxx offers 10% off on Mondays, while Ross offers 10% off on Tuesdays. Both companies offer these discounts to customers aged 55 and older. Or, if you prefer thrift shopping, Goodwill and the Salvation Army both also offer senior discounts to customers aged 55 and older, and both companies offer very similar styles of senior discounts for their customers. Essentially, they offer a percentage discount (10-25% at Goodwill, up to 50% at Salvation Army) off of your purchase on a certain day of the week. However, which day that actually ends up being depends entirely on the specific location so, just like with JOANN, make sure to do some research on your local store's discount schedule before showing up.

Eating out has become more expensive than ever. In fact, according to data from the Consumer Price Index for food, eating food away from home increased by almost 26% between 2020 and March 2024. It is also worth mentioning that eating out accounted for 58.5% of all total food expenditures in the U.S. in 2023, the highest share of consumers' total food spending ever recorded. This is why utilizing a senior discount at restaurants could be particularly useful when saving money. While some restaurants, like IHOP and Perkins Restaurant, offer special senior menus that feature discounted prices, other food establishments offer percentage discounts much like retailers.

For your morning pick-me-up or afternoon donut craving, both Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme offer senior discounts. Dunkin' offers 10% off or a free donut for customers 55 and over while Krispy Kreme offers 10% off or a free donut with the purchase of any coffee beverage. It's important to note that Krispy Kreme has one of the lowest ages for senior discount qualification, with this discount available to anyone age 50 or older.

It's also worth mentioning just how many restaurants, as well as hotels, car rental agencies, airlines, and even cellphone companies offer discounts to members of AARP (or the American Association of Retired Persons). Full AARP membership is available to anyone age 50 and older, and membership provides a wide range of discounts on some of your favorite restaurants and/or fast-food options.