Getting older has its perks—especially when it comes to your wallet. While inflation keeps hitting everyone else hard, turning 60 could mean major savings on everything from property taxes to movie tickets. Here’s what you might be overpaying for if you haven’t been flashing that senior status.
1. Full-Price Restaurant Meals
Most restaurant chains offer senior discounts or special menus, usually starting at age 55 or 60. These aren’t just early-bird specials anymore—many places offer all-day discounts of up to 20% off. Some restaurants have special senior nights with extra discounts and modified portion sizes. AARP membership often unlocks additional dining discounts nationwide. Many local restaurants offer unadvertised senior discounts—you just need to ask.
2. Regular Banking Fees
Many banks offer special accounts for customers over 60 that waive monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and ATM charges. These senior accounts often come with free checks, money orders, and safe deposit boxes. Some banks throw in extra perks like higher interest rates on savings accounts and free financial advisory services. Seniors can often get better CD rates and investment options specifically designed for retirement needs. The key is asking specifically about senior accounts, as banks don’t always advertise these benefits.
3. Full Internet and Cable Bills
Internet providers offer special senior plans with adequate speeds for basic needs at reduced rates. Many cable companies have senior packages that include popular channels without expensive extras. Some providers offer bundle discounts specifically for seniors who combine services. Federal programs help eligible seniors get discounted or free internet service. These plans often include installation and equipment at no extra cost.
4. Full Property Taxes
Many states offer serious property tax breaks once you hit 60 or 65, but you have to know to ask for them. Some places freeze your property tax rate, while others offer significant reductions or deferrals based on age and income. The savings can be massive—we’re talking thousands of dollars annually in some areas. You’ll need to check with your local tax assessor’s office because each state and county has different rules and income requirements. Even if you don’t qualify for a full exemption, you might be eligible for significant reductions that could fund your next vacation.
5. Regular Hotel Rates
Major hotel chains offer unpublicized senior discounts that can save 10-15% off the best available rate. AARP membership unlocks even deeper discounts at thousands of properties worldwide. Many hotels offer senior perks like late checkout, free breakfast, or room upgrades. These discounts often apply to online bookings and can be combined with other promotions. Some chains have special senior programs that include additional amenities and services.
6. Full Tax Preparation Fees
Free tax preparation services are available for seniors through programs like AARP Tax-Aide and IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. These services include help with special senior tax situations like retirement account distributions and Social Security benefits. Many professional tax preparers offer senior discounts during tax season. Local senior centers often host free tax workshops and preparation events. These services can save hundreds in preparation fees while ensuring accuracy with senior-specific tax issues.
7. Regular Cell Phone Bills
Most major carriers offer special “senior plans” that could cut your phone bill in half. Providers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have packages specifically designed for older adults who don’t need unlimited everything. These plans often include the features seniors actually use, like unlimited talk and text, without charging for data they don’t need. Some carriers even offer family discounts when grandkids are added to the plan. Many of these senior-specific plans come with extra perks like free roadside assistance or priority customer service.
8. Standard Auto Insurance Rates
Being over 60 doesn’t mean higher insurance rates—quite the opposite if you know what to ask for. Many insurers offer significant discounts for defensive driving courses designed for seniors. Your reduced mileage in retirement could qualify you for low-mileage discounts that younger working folks can’t get. Some companies even offer special retiree discounts just for leaving the workforce. Combining these discounts with a good driving record could save you hundreds annually.
9. Full-Price Prescription Costs
Those medication bills could drop dramatically with Medicare Part D and senior discount programs. Many pharmacies offer their own senior discount cards that work even with insurance. Grocery store pharmacies often have special senior days with extra discounts on prescriptions and other items. Some drug manufacturers provide assistance programs specifically for seniors that can reduce costs to nearly nothing. The key is asking about every possible discount and assistance program—the savings can be life-changing.
10. Full Museum Admission
Major museums across the country offer steep senior discounts or completely free admission days. Many cultural institutions have reciprocal agreements, meaning membership at one gets you into dozens for free. Some places offer special senior tours and programs included in the discounted admission price. Art galleries often provide senior discounts on special exhibitions and events. These cultural perks typically extend to accompanying grandchildren, making family outings much more affordable.
11. Full Price Public Transportation
Transit systems nationwide offer senior discounts that can cut your transportation costs by up to 50% or more. Many cities provide special senior transit passes that work across multiple types of transportation—buses, trains, and subways. Some areas even offer door-to-door senior shuttle services at deeply discounted rates. These discounts often extend to regional transit systems, making longer trips much more affordable. Most systems allow seniors to apply for these discounts online or by mail without visiting an office.
12. Standard Gym Membership Rates
Most major fitness chains offer significant senior discounts or special programs designed for older adults. Medicare Advantage plans often include free gym memberships through programs like SilverSneakers. Many community centers offer senior-specific fitness classes at deeply discounted rates. Some gyms provide special senior hours with additional support staff and modified equipment. These programs typically include extras like pool access and fitness classes at no additional cost.
13. Standard College Tuition
Many colleges offer free or heavily discounted classes for seniors through special audit programs. State universities often let seniors take regular classes for free when space is available. Some community colleges have dedicated lifelong learning programs with reduced rates for older adults. These programs typically don’t require entrance exams or prerequisites. The opportunities for free education extend to online courses and certificate programs.
14. Regular Movie Ticket Prices
Those $15 movie tickets? Not anymore. Most major theater chains offer significant senior discounts starting at 60, sometimes slashing prices by 30% or more. Matinee shows for seniors often cost less than a fancy coffee, and many theaters have special senior screening days with even deeper discounts. Your AARP card is basically a ticket to Hollywood for half price. Some places even throw in discounted concessions, making date night much easier on the wallet.
15. Full-Price National Park Entrance Fees
That annual pass to Yellowstone could be costing you way more than necessary. Once you hit 62, a lifetime America the Beautiful pass is just $80—the same price younger folks pay for a single year. This golden ticket gets you into more than 2,000 federal recreation sites without spending another dime. State parks often offer similar senior discounts that can save hundreds annually. The pass also covers entrance fees for everyone in your vehicle, making family trips much more affordable.
