Many advantages come with growing older. The experience, wisdom, and memories are only the beginning. The benefits keep on coming, even (or perhaps especially) following retirement.

Some of the best benefits become available as early as 55, while others will wait until retirement age. Either way, they provide financial, travel, and social benefits.

Senior Discounts in Retail

Did you know that many stores and companies offer some form of senior citizen discount? While there are various benefits available, many will not make the offer known – so it is essential to ask whenever their deal is wanted.

Stores that offer senior discounts include Amazon, Bealls, Belk, Goodwill, Joann, Kohl’s, LensCrafters, Michaels, RiteAid, Ross, TJ Maxx, The UPS Store, and Walgreens. This is not a complete list, so make sure to check the stores you frequent the most. 

Grocery stores also offer senior discounts, which is excellent given the fixed income situation many are in. After all, everybody needs to eat, right? Restaurants include Safeway, Fred Meyer, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and more. 

Education Discounts

If it’s a continuing education you’re seeking, there are plenty of colleges that offer free tuition for seniors. These colleges include the University of Alaska, the University of Arkansas, Clemson University, and many other colleges.

Dining and Entertainment Discounts

This may come as a surprise to some, but did you know that many restaurants offer senior discounts? It’s true! TheSeniorList has a comprehensive list of restaurants participating in senior discounts, but here are a few to get you started: Applebee’s, Chilli’s, Burger King, Friendly’s, Jack in the Box, Papa John’s, and Taco Bell.

Likewise, many forms of entertainment offer senior discounts. Theaters like Showcase, Regal, and AMC all offer discounts. Better yet, many amusement parks, national parks, and zoos all offer senior discounts, so be sure to check with your local entertainment industries.

Tax Breaks

While all of the above discounts are undoubtedly helpful (and fun), it’s essential not to forget one of the most significant benefits of all: tax breaks. There are several ways for anyone over 55 to save some money when filing for their taxes. However, experts are the most likely to find all of the best ways to do so.

There are standard deductions available, as well as higher tax breaks in investments and charitable contributions. Again, a tax expert would be able to help sort out all of the details according to federal and state regulations.