Save Big $ With Senior Discounts

Bargain Hunter Explains Where To Look For Savings

(CBS)  Go To Health Fairs - Bowman says, "Medical centers, hospitals, community centers, parks and recreation all hold health fairs. They check for free a lot of things like vision, hearing, cholesterol, and, of course, don't forget about free flu shots."

Get Group Discount - Entertainment is the other area where there are always discounts, Bowman says. "Investigate, if you have a bunch of people with you, will you get a discount? Anything you have to buy an entrance fee or a ticket for, just ask. The worst they can say is:' No, we don't have a discount.' But if you get 10 or 15 percent off, you've got your popcorn and snack for free."

And she adds, "If you belong to a specific group in a church or a group that loves art, try to put together a trip with a travel agent and get a free trip for yourself."

In her book, "Free Stuff And Good Deals For Folks Over 50," she writes: "Senior citizen newspapers often carry advertising by local establishment for discounts of at least 10 percent. Some discounts are good only on certain days of the week or are offered on a 'limited time only' basis. In most cases, you need to ask for the discount at the time of purchase or service." (Pg. 13)

And in page 19, she writes: "Always ask about a senior citizen discount before buying a ticket or paying an entrance fee. It's not always advertised that such discounts are available. You should always carry your driver's license (or other proof-of-age I.D.) or membership card in an over-50 club as proof that you deserve a break. A lot of folks who have kept fit and healthy simply don't look 50 or 55 and may be asked for proof of age."


Here are some Web sites to help you in your research:

• www.aarp.org - Umbrella organization. The American Association of Retired Persons, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to helping older Americans achieve lives of independence, dignity and purpose.
  
  
• www.cyberseniors.org - A site devoted to creating a virtual online community and empowering seniors with Internet skills. It features basic tips for cyber rookies and valuable links to health, hobby, and lifestyle sites.
  
  
• www.seniors.com - Offers regularly scheduled chat sessions three times a week, where users can "talk" about various topics. Lots of information on Internet basics, along with bulletin boards.
  
  
• www.seniors-site.com - It features an array of message boards for general discussions as well as those focused on health and legal issues. "Ask an Expert" feature.
  
  
• www.seniornet.org - It is a nonprofit organization that provides adults 50 and older with an education on how computer technologies and the Internet can enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. SeniorNet currently sponsors more than 170 Learning Centers around the country for training, networking and sociability. They also offer computer classes designed especially for older adults. There are more than 34,000 SeniorNet members linked by a national online computer network.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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