The average Social Security check paid out in 2018 was for just $1,404, according to The Motley Fool.
That works out to just $16,848 per year... hardly enough to get by comfortably on these days.
And that’s before taxes!
It's no secret that retiring in today's economy is harder than ever for seniors. The costs of healthcare, housing, utilities and even food has all skyrocketed. And unfortunately the Cost Of Living Adjustment just isn't cutting it for some seniors.
That's why we've compiled this extensive list of the top ways that seniors can save money and make their retirement last longer. Enjoy!
1. Go Out To Eat For A Discount
Here are some awesome senior discounts at popular restaurants:
Applebees: 10% discount
Burger King: 10% discount and discounts on drink items
Denny's: senior menu with discounted prices
IHOP: senior menu as well as 10% off
Sonic: 10% discount
Golden Corral: discounted menu prices for 60 and over
Subway: 10% discount
Wendy's: free drink (or 10% at some locations)
Outback Steakhouse: 10% off for AARP members
White Castle: 10% off for 55 and over
2. Check For Mistakes With Your Social Security
You get a Social Security statement every year. Do not assume it is accurate. Check the numbers and report any errors to the Social Security Administration.
Remember, your benefits are based on the average of your 35 highest-earning years. A miscalculation for even one or two of those years could impact your benefit for the rest of your life.
3. Buy in Bulk
One of the easiest things you can do to instantly start saving money is to buy in bulk! Retailers often give a MUCH better deal on products such as paper towel, toilet paper, detergent, etc if you buy in bulk.
This might seem like an obvious one, but we often forget how much money we waste by not buying in bulk.
4. Save On Your Property Taxes
Did you know that every state has some sort of property-tax benefit for seniors? Several states have programs that freeze property taxes completely for seniors, and 10 limit how much a property's tax value can increase. Also, the homestead exemption can be larger when a homeowner reaches a certain age. (The larger the exemption, the lower the tax.) In Colorado, seniors 65 and older can exempt up to 50% of their residence's first $200,000 in value.
Check with your local township to see ensure you're getting the senior discount!
5. Veterans Get a Massive Discount at Lowes
All active military and veterans are entitled to get a 10% discount on all in-store purchases at Lowe's.
To make it even better, Lowe's extends this offer to their spouses! Need new tools? How about new appliances? How about a kitchen remodel? Lowe's carries a variety of things, so take advantage of this incredible discount!
6. Ace Hardware Offers a Senior Discount!
Ace Hardware is a great store for quick shopping and friendly service. And what makes shopping there even better for seniors is that they now offer a 10% senior discount! This does vary by location, so give your local Ace Hardware a call and see if they offer it.
7. Born Before 1964? Get $3,000/year Off Your Mortgage With The Lucrative Government Sponsored "HiRO" Program
Banks Don't Want Homeowners Knowing This
Still unknown to many is a brilliant Government sponsored program called the High LTV Refinance Option (HiRO) that could benefit millions of Americans and reduce their payments by as much as $3,000 per year! You could bet the banks aren't too thrilled about losing all that profit and might secretly hope homeowners don't find out before the rules change.
So while the banks happily wait for this program to end, experts are making a nationwide push and urging homeowners to take advantage. This program is currently active as of 2020, but the rules could change soon. But the good news is that once you're in, you're in. If lowering your payments, paying off your mortgage faster, and even taking some cash out would help you, it's vital you act now and see if you could qualify for HiRO or a better rate in today's marketplace.
8. Get A Home Warranty
Still unknown to many is a brilliant Home Warranty Program called the Choice Home Warranty that could benefit millions of households and help them never pay for covered appliance failures, furnace breakdowns, electrical issues and so much more! You likely have homeowners insurance, right? A Home Warranty Plan is similar to a homeowners insurance plan, but it actually covers many things that an insurance plan won't like a broken refrigerator, a broken furnace or an electrical malfunction on a ceiling fan.
Often times, new homeowners are offered a 1 or 2-year home warranty plan when they purchase a home. This is generally a huge plus for the home buyer because it takes away the stress of having to pay for likely issues that might come up during the first year or two of owning the home. Issues such as a broken refrigerator or dishwasher aren't fun to deal with. Or how about a broken furnace or air conditioner? These would likely cost $1,000s of dollars to fix!
Luckily, homeowners now have the option to get a home warranty plan anytime after they bought their home. Even if you've lived there for 20 years, you can still get your own home warranty plan that will cover the cost of many unforeseen home repairs!
9. Slash Your Cellphone Bill
Did you know that many of the large phone companies offers special discounts to senior citizens? These discounts add up quick!
AT&T: AT&T offers a special Senior Nation Plan for account holders 65 or older for $29.99/mo. It has 200 Anytime Minutes, Mobile to Mobile Minutes, and Nights and Weekends, without roaming and long distance charges.
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers a special 55 plus nationwide unlimited talk and text service plan to customers who are 55 or older. Check to see if your location offer this with Verizon.
Consumer Cellular: Consumer Cellular offers AARP members who are 50 or older exclusive savings on monthly service charges in addition to discounts on accessories.
10. Travel For Less
Here are some senior discounts you can use when flying:
Southwest Airlines: Offers various discounts for 65 and over
United Airlines: Offers senior fares to selected travel destinations for customers who are 65 and older. Ask for more details on these great fares when you make your reservation or select the seniors (age 65 and older) category when you make your booking on united.com.
American Airlines: Offers special deals for those who select the 65+ passenger option when booking a flight.
11. Can't Sleep? Get a Sample of GNC's #1 Sleep Probiotic To Try
If you have trouble sleeping and also deal with gut issues, you've got to give Peptiva Nighttime Probiotic a try.
Peptiva helped break the stereotype that probiotics are only for people looking to fix their stomach issues. Peptiva's groundbreaking formula also helps de-stress so you can enjoy a deeper, more satisfying sleep. GNC stores secured the exclusive rights to Peptiva's US launch, but you won't find this exclusive sample offer there.
Dr. David Katz, a health and wellness thought leader and the Director and Co-founder of the Yale Prevention Research Center, helped formulate a groundbreaking probiotic supplement.
The key ingredients in Peptiva include a powerful combination of 6 clinically validated probiotic strains, which are also guaranteed to keep their potency up to the expiration date (many probiotics are only guaranteed at the time of manufacturing.)
Benefits include being less bloated, having embarrassing digestive issues vanish, less frequent bathroom trips and amazing sleep through the night. GNC stores secured the exclusive retail rights to Peptiva’s US launch but may soon be available in Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, Walgreens and more. Right now new customers can try Peptiva to see how it works for them.
12. Health Discounts for Seniors
Health related expenses can add up quick for seniors. Be sure to use these:
RiteAid: Offers a wellness 65+ program for seniors that includes 20% off of purchases on the first Wednesday of each month. The program also includes a free consultation with a pharmacist.
RxFreeCard:: Includes discounts on prescriptions for seniors.
Atera Spas: Includes special prices on products for seniors.
AARP prescription savings: Members save an average of 61% on FDA-approved prescriptions not covered by insurance.
13. For The Sake Of Your Family, Get A New Life Insurance Policy
If you don't have life insurance, you better read this.
It's not something any of us like to think about or plan for. But when the worst happens, it's essential to know your family and loved ones are covered financially. That's why it's essential to have a life insurance. A good life insurance policy can help cover the cost of a mortgage, childcare costs and safeguard your family from inheriting any debts you might have.
But the sad truth is, a shocking number of Americans do not have a life insurance policy and their family is at financial risk if the worst should happen.
There is a service called National Family that is now allowing users to get free life insurance quotes from some of the top insurance companies out there. People are shocked at how cheap an excellent policy is after requesting their free quotes. But the reality is, life insurance rates are at a 20-year low and thanks to new program policies you could qualify for a great new policy at an extremely affordable price.
To get your free quote today, click below and complete a few questions (about 60 seconds). Once you're done, you will be presented with choices and rates you never thought possible (no login required). Enjoy your savings!
14. Auto Service Discounts
Is your car due for service? Be sure to use these:
Pep Boys: 10% off for 55 and over
Jiffy Lube: 10% off for 55 and over
15. Save On Your Groceries
Did you know that many grocery stores offer senior discounts? Here are the best senior discounts at your local grocery stores!
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (62+)
Fred Meyer: Senior Discount: 10% – 15%, depending on dept., first Tuesday of each month (55+)
New Seasons: 10% off every Wednesday most items (65+), 10% off every Tuesday for military
Publix: Publix grocery stores have discontinued their weekly discount for senior shoppers. "Effective Dec. 27th, Publix will no longer offer the 5 percent senior discounts to customers."
16. No Tickets In 1 Year? Save Big On Auto Insurance
Here’s what auto insurance companies don’t want you to know...and what thousands of consumers are quickly learning about their current auto insurance plan:
If you're paying more than $63 per month for auto insurance, this auto insurance comparison tool can help you check to see if you're overpaying in a few minutes. This is something every driver should be doing every 6 months or so to ensure that they are getting the best deal.
Insurance companies are always competing to win your business, but if you turn a blind eye and keep the same policy in place for a long period of time, your rates might have increased. By checking rates, drivers saved an average of $531 per year with a new policy.
17. Use This Debt Payoff Plan
Here’s what credit card companies don’t want you to know...and what thousands of consumers are quickly learning about paying off their debt:
If you owe more than $15,000 in credit card debt, this proven debt relief program may reduce the amount you owe. Consumers could resolve their debts with absolutely no loan required and pay it off at a rapid pace. If you’ve struggled to pay your credit card debt, act now before your debt balloons further.
18. Health and Beauty Discounts
Here are some various discounts that could certainly be useful:
Great Clips: Great Clips offers various discounts for seniors
YMCA: YMCA offers discounted membership fees for 65 and over
19. Seniors With Bad Knees Get A Sample Of GNC's #1 Joint Compound Instaflex Advanced To Try in November
If you deal with joint discomfort, you need to see how you can claim a 2-week sample of GNC's #1 Joint Compound to try.
Formulated by renowned Doctor, David Katz, Instaflex Advanced has become the best selling joint solution product at GNC and Walgreens. Thousands of seniors across the US and Canada are enjoying joint relief everyday with it.
The best part? You only have to take 1 small capsule a day and many start to feel a difference very quickly!
The company behind Instaflex Advanced has agreed to allow new customers to try a sample throughout 2020. You can go to their website by clicking the button below to claim your sample to try. Samples ship within 24-48 hours, so you'll have it quickly too!