Save Big $ With Senior Discounts

Discounts for the senior citizens go way beyond the early bird special. You just have to know where to look.

For that, The Early Show turns to Linda Bowman, a self-described expert bargain hunter.

The author of "Free Stuff And Good Deals For Folks Over 50," Bowman says it never hurts to ask about a discount.

"Money is money," she says. "A market or a department store may have a discount on a Tuesday for example, so you can save on that. You could go to your local cleaners, they might have a special senior discount."

She also suggests that you:

Carry ID or an AARP Card - Always carry your card and your proof-of-age ID. Bowman says, "Marriotts, Sheratons, Starwood, Quality Inn, most of the major hotel chains, give you 10-15 percent off, but you always need to check because your AARP card is going to give you a discount. You don't always have to settle for the first answer, you can do better."

Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities – There are different opportunities across the country. You can audit a university class, for example, Bowman says. "That's one of the reasons we picked Tucson to live- you've got art shows, plays, other cultural events. It's a hub of activity and a lot of it is free and it's cheap around campuses because students don't have a lot of money."

Use The Internet – Bowman says, "If you're still in the dark ages and you hadn't learned how to use the Internet, get yourself to a library or a learning center that will teach you to navigate the Internet. There's an organization called Senior Net, a nonprofit organization that teaches adults over 50 to use computers. Then if you start to use the Internet, you can compare prices on all sorts of items and do research on health-related issues."

Be Creative When Traveling - Bowman explains, "The trend has been that the senior discounts on airlines are not as big as they used to be. They still give discounts, but you do have to do your homework and make sure the senior discount is as good as other deals they have going on."

Bowman says if you are a retired person and had a career specialty, use it to get a free trip. For example, you can travel on a cruise for free by teaching a seminar. Bowman adds, "If you have any kind of specialty in language, or arts, or music, you can even become a tour operator, someone who helps with the groups. I do a lot of traveling, and in tour groups they have at least two people that help in addition to the guide. You might not get paid very much, but you might get your trip for free." 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.