Tag-Archive for ◊ discounts ◊

Did You Know the AARP Magazine Can Save You Money?

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For the longest time, I must sadly admit, I treated my AARP Magazine as junk mail. Because of what I have discovered I want to ask you a simple question – “Did you know that the AARP Magazine can save you money?” I realize, of course, that you may not be old enough to be involved with AARP, but when you reach the age of 49 (the age I joined) I would suggest that you join.

In the September/October 2010 issue there is a great section on 16 ways that AARP saves you money. I would like to list these here just in case you missed this article.

Many of us have been coupon clippers for many years. It surely is a great feeling to check out at the store and find you have saved, in some cases, more than you have spent. And this happened just because you took the time to clip coupons. With the economy the way it is today, you cannot afford not to clip coupons. The AARP Grocery Coupon center offers coupons for more than just groceries. You can check these out at http://grocerycouponcenter.com.
If you are like me, I am always looking for discounts at the national chain stores. These include Target, Sears, Kmart, and many others. The Everyday Savings Center is powered by Next Jump. You can find discounts on things from books, electronics, furniture and much more. For more information on this service check out http://everydaysavingscenter.com/deals.
Nowadays, it is a blessing when we can find tips on low-cost home improvements, including no-cost ways to improve our energy usage. How many times do we find ourselves postponing a home improvement project because it is too expensive? AARP Magazine suggests checking out http://aarp.org/homeupdates.
Often we forfeit going out to eat as it just does not fit in our budget. Denny’s offers a 20 percent savings off your check every day between the hours of 4 PM and 10 PM just by your showing your AARP card. (please note that this offer cannot be used with other promotional offers and this is valid only at participating Denny restaurants). You can also get coffee for yourself and your guests for $1.00. You can call your local Denny’s to check this out at 800-733-6697 or go to their website at http://dennys.com.
I am most definitely going to be checking this “way to save” out myself. I did not participate in driver’s education when I was in high school but now AARP is offering the first and largest driver refresher course in the classroom and online. This will be at a discounted rate for AARP members. I have a spotless driving record but this could save me money. Check out the regulations in your state. Taking this course could very well save you money on your insurance premiums. For further information you can call 888-227-7669 or go to http://aarp.org/drive.
Who does not like to travel? As our purse strings seem to be getting tighter it is more and more difficult to take those vacations we would like to. The AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia can help you with your domestic and international vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels and rental cars. You can be eligible for discounts from most AARP Travel hotel and car providers, as well as receiving extra onboard credits on select cruises. In addition you will not be charged air or cruise booking fees. Check out 800-675-4318 or http://expedia-aarp.com for more information.
And while you are on your way to the airport, perhaps you will need airport parking. You can save 10 percent at more than 130 off-site discount airport parking facilities operated by Park Ride Fly USA nationwide. They offer complimentary services that include curb-to-curb shuttle service to and from the airport, valet and/or self-parking and luggage assistance (this is an enormous help for sure). Call 877-503-7275 or log onto http://parkrideflyusa.com/aarp for more information.
I do not know about you, but car and home insurance payments can take a big chunk out of your budget. If you insure your home and auto with the AARP Auto and Homeowners Insurance Program you can receive up to a ten percent discount on your homeowners-insurance rates and an additional fifteen percent on your auto insurance. Go to http://aarp.the.hartford.com/msb, or call 800-689-9089, code 440160 for specific information.
If you are looking for ways to save on your cell phone plan, you can receive a free phone from Consumer Cellular when you sign up for a new service. With this program you will receive 5 percent off your monthly service and 30 percent off selected accessories. You will not have to sign up for a long term contract. Call 888-437-9226 or go to http://consumercellular.com/aarp.
Who is not trying to become more physically fit? Visit AARP’s online fitness center for exercise news and motivational tips. You can join an online group, Fat2Fit, and be part of a group that has helped almost 4,000 people lose weight over the past year. If you would like more information on this program check out http://aarp.org/fit.
Most people at this age are looking for ways to save money on eyewear. AARP has a program that can help you save on bifocals, trifocals, lens options and frames. You can realize these savings at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, JC Penney Optical and also at many private practitioners. These savings are offered through EyeMed Vision Care and for more information you can go to http://aarphealthcare.com or call 888-352-3924. These savings cannot be combined without other discounts.
Health insurance is very expense and there are many people who cannot afford a health plan. This means that screening tests are not being performed. You can receive six free health tests for such things as bone density and cholesterol, through the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour. This program is visiting cities nationwide and in Puerto Rico through February 2011. Call 866-484-8687 or go http://aarpwalghreens.com/tour. By logging onto the website you can see where the tour will be going.
Medications are another expense that many people are having difficulty affording. Check out AARP’s Doughnut Hole Calculator to find less expensive generic drugs. Those who have fallen to Medicare Part D’s “Doughnuthole” will receive a $250.00 rebate check from Medicare automatically this year. Check out http://aarp.org/doughnuthole for further information.
(Also remember that if you are having difficulty affording your medications you can contact your drug’s manufacturer and check on their assistance program. Many pharmaceutical companies, depending on your income, will supply your medications free of charge. You will have to request the required forms and get your doctor’s approval and prescription request. This was not in the AARP Magazine, but I speak from previous experience!)
Just because we have retired it does not mean that we still do not want to be active in the work force. We still have a lot of value to offer to the corporate world. If you are seeking no-cost job-search assistance or career counseling so you can maintain a marketable profile, AARP offers free advice and resources including career fairs and access to employers that are seeking workers 50 and older. If you require this type of service, check out http://aarp.org/work.
If you have retired AARP offers free webinars with tips on how to better stretch your money and helps you with information on ways you can make ends meet. If you have not retired but are thinking about it, AARP can help you figure out how much you should be saving for retirement. Go to http://aarp.org/moneywebinars.
Last, but definitely not least, AARP is always looking out for your interests in the halls of Congress and in all 50 statehouses.

AARP has fought to provide $250 in relief to Social Security recipients whose benefits were frozen this year.

AARP strives to protect and strengthen Social Security not only for you, but for generations to come.

Did you know that AARP saves consumers billions of dollars in home-energy costs by defending us against unfair rate hikes utility companies?

This is only a very small portion of the plethora of information that is included in the AARP Magazine. There is so much value in this magazine, including health, money, motivational articles, etc. this was just the tip of the iceberg. This is by no means “junk mail”, and do not throw it away before reading it from cover to cover.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please share this information with others so they will know that the AARP Magazine can save them money and how the AARP Organization is working to help us. This is so very important, especially during the economical conditions of our country.

Happy Savings!

Judy Conway

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17 Ways to Save Money When You Travel!

Author: Judy Conway

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As cool fall weather sets in, our thoughts turn the holidays. It is time to start planning to make travel arrangements to go home and be with loved ones. Now is the time to start planning so that we will be able to get the best deals out there.

With the economy the way it is and airline and travel expenses on the rise I would like to offer some assistance. To help you with your planning I would like to offer you a free report filled with cheap travel tips. Check out this Free Report from Globe Cheap. See how much you can save on your next getaway.

Whether you are dreaming of a winter skiing destination, or would rather escape to a warm paradise, these tips will help you save big on your next winter vacation.

1. Make a vacation budget and stick to it

How much can you afford, exactly? Find out now, or else have a plan to have a specific amount saved up by the time winter rolls in.

2. Plan well in advance

When it comes to budget travel, time is one of your most important tools. You need time to make advance reservations

and to research the best deals.

3. Shop around

Now is the time to go comparison shopping for travel options, accommodations, and major attractions.

4. Compare different modes of travel

Depending on where you would like to go, various means of traveling will have different costs. Also consider how many people are traveling. If you are a family, it’s usually cheaper to drive than to fly. If you’re traveling solo, you may have more options – including carpooling with friends or family.

5. Ask for discounts

Sometimes you just have to ask, to receive discounts. At the hotel or airline, for example, ask for free upgrades on your room or flight. Ask your credit card provider about travel options they offer to clients at reduced rates, such as travel insurance coverage, etc. Don’t forget to ask hotel/hostel owners and tour operators for discount coupons, such as to the nearest attractions.

6. Share a vacation rental

If you are traveling in a group, or can find family and friends to vacation with, sharing a rental house for a flat fee can be very economical.

7. Try a hostel

Hostels go for as as low as $20/night, so they’re a budget option you should consider.

8. Cook your own meals

Eating out can be very expensive. Stay in hotels or rentals where you can cook your own meals. Or pack your meals in a cooler, if you are traveling by car. Check out the hotels that offer a free breakfast. This is especially helpful when you are traveling with children. It is amazing how expensive just getting coffee can be and it adds up over a period of a week or two.

9. Get as many discounts as you can

If you are a student or traveling with a student, make sure to bring student ID cards or International Student Cards. This free report from Globe Cheap lists other discounts you or a family member may be eligible for. Also explore discount passes when buying online or by certain dates. If you are a Senior Citizen be sure to ask for your discount price.

10. Borrow equipment

If you are going skiing, bring your own or borrowed equipment rather than renting them at the resort. If you plan to go skiing often, it’s probably cheaper to buy our own equipment in the long run, instead of renting every time.

11. Explore discount packages

Hotels and travel agencies usually offer packages that include travel, accommodation, meals and entrance to various attractions. These usually cost less than if you paid for each one individually. They usually also offer discounts for early booking. One word of advice is to be sure to check out the cancellation policies.

12. Travel off-season

The peak season for traveling in winter is around Christmas and New Year. If you don’t mind traveling around those dates, you’ll find everything cheaper. It’s also usually cheaper to travel on weekdays or midweek rather than on weekends.

13. Consider warm-weather destinations

Looking to escape from the cold? Consider places where the US dollar goes farther, such as small Caribbean islands, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Asia. Some destinations within the United States are also cheaper in the cold season.

14. Don’t touch the minibar

Bring everything you need so you won’t have to open the water bottle in the hotel, or get snacks from the minibar. You’ll pay ridiculous prices for these! Some hotels also charge extra if you request additional towels and toothbrushes. If you must, buy extra supplies at the nearest grocery store, not from the hotel. And don’t forget to pack those over-the-counter medications you usually use! It is amazing what a package of aspirins costs in a vending machine.

15. Stay off the beaten path

Consider staying a little farther from major attractions. You will save tons on accommodations – as long as you will not be paying through the nose for public transportation or parking.

16. Camp out

If you’re going to a warm destination, plan to go camping. It’s a very cheap traveling alternative. If you’re driving, find the cheapest places to get gas.

17. Look for free attractions

Entrance fees to tourist attractions can also add up very quickly. Do some research to find free attractions at your destination. These could include malls, national parks and historic streets or towns. Find out when museums are open to the public for free.

More Cheap Travel Tips

You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from Globe Cheap’s Free Report. Grab it and see how much you can save from your next winter getaway.

I hope that this information has been helpful and that you will take this opportunity to obtain Globe Cheap’s Free Report. I wish you all a very safe trip wherever you may travel.

Blessings,

Judy Conway