5 Discounts for Boomers and some Gen X’ers
I’m sure we all know a “Boomer” or two (or a lot!). If you are asking yourself exactly what that means, the official definition of a Baby Boomer is anyone born after World War II, between 1946 and 1964. My parents are Boomers, and my mom is incredibly proud of it! We even have a dedicated life group at my church just for the Boomers.
But here is the best part: some of these fantastic savings will not only apply to Boomers but to Generation X as well. I am a proud Gen Xer myself (though I barely made the generation’s cutoff!). Generation X covers anyone born between 1965 and 1980. That means if you were born in the late 60s or 70s, you officially qualify for select discounts now, too!
One of the undeniable perks of advancing in years is scoring great deals on all kinds of daily purchases. Here are five places where seasoned adults can pull back the curtain and save big money:
1. Amazon Prime Access
Older adults who hold a valid EBT card or are currently enrolled in Medicaid are eligible for a program called Amazon Prime Access for just $6.99 a month. Compared to the regular $14.99 monthly cost, that keeps more than $84 a year in your pocket while giving you full access to free fast shipping, video streaming, and grocery delivery perks.
2. Auto Insurance Safe Driving Rewards
Many auto insurance providers reward years of safe driving experience with specific mature driver discounts for policyholders who are age 55 and older. Some companies even offer premium discounts if you complete a quick, defensive driving refresher course online. Be sure to shop around or call your current local agent to ask if you qualify for an age-based reduction.
3. Dining Out Locally and Nationally
Dozens of national restaurant chains offer discounts, lower-priced senior menus, or free small beverages for older adults. Because many national restaurants are independently owned franchises, exact discounts vary by location—so it’s always best to ask your server before the bill arrives!
Here are a few chains known for offering senior perks, smaller portion menus, or AARP member discounts:
- Denny’s & IHOP: Both feature excellent, lower-priced “55+” menus with perfect portion sizes. Plus, AARP members get 15% off their entire check at Denny’s!
- Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, & Outback Steakhouse: AARP members score a consistent 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Fast Food Favorites: Places like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell frequently offer discounted beverages, free small soft drinks, or 5% to 10% off your order for seniors (ages 55 to 65 depending on the location).
4. Smart Cellphone Plans
From basic talk-and-text phones to the absolute latest in smartphone technology, if you lived through bell-bottoms and Beatlemania, you shouldn’t be paying full price for data!
- T-Mobile leads the pack with their nationwide Essentials Choice 55+ plans, offering deeply discounted unlimited talk, text, and 5G data for lines held by anyone 55 or older.
- AT&T and Verizon also offer special 55+ unlimited plans, but be aware of the fine print: their senior-specific plans are legally restricted to residents with a Florida billing address. However, if you live here in Texas, you can still save on your cell bill by applying an AARP membership discount to standard AT&T plans, or by checking out senior-friendly carriers like Consumer Cellular.
5. Bookmark These Savings Databases
To find the latest unadvertised discounts on travel, groceries, and retail entertainment, use these three gold-standard consumer websites:
- AARP: Their annual membership fee is incredibly small, and the instant retail, hotel, and dining discounts you receive will pay for the membership many times over. You don’t actually have to be retired to join!
- The Senior List & Senior Living: Both sites maintain highly detailed, continuously updated, and completely categorized master lists of senior discounts across the country.
Navigating age-based discounts is a brilliant way to respect your monthly budget. If you are looking to maximize your retirement accounts or streamline your savings, stop by an Abilene Teachers FCU branch today—we are always here to help you manage your money with total confidence!
