SELECT seniors could get at least 25 freebies and discounts this month.
The sweet deals for retirees come as part of the benefits for members of a prominent organization.
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Those aged 50 and older can become part of the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP).
Signing up can take place online, by mail, or by phone.
Seniors elect a membership term, fill out a necessary form, and submit it for approval.
Standard membership costs $20 annually, but it could be lower depending on an automatic renewal selection and other factors.
The famous nonprofit offers several benefits to members and protects Medicare to ensure older Americans get adequate health coverage.
There’s in-depth information available through AARP on finance, travel, and it consistently lists entertainment and dining discounts.
SAVINGS GALORE
Some available in May are serious money-saving opportunities.
For example, seniors interested in seeing a Cirque du Soleil show can get 30% off shows nationwide.
Theme parks like Disneyland Resort in California also have $35 off tickets, and Walt Disney World in Florida has up to $60 off for AARP members.
Similarly, Universal Studios Hollywood has 10% off tickets, and Universal Orlando Resort offers those who buy a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket an extra two days for free.
Movie tickets at popular theater chains nationwide are up to 40% off through AARP, and plane tickets also have varying discounts.
DINING DEALS
The restaurant deals are almost endless.
Auntie Anne’s, Bonefish Grill, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab Shack, McAlister’s Deli, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Chart House, Rain Forest Cafe, and Cinnabon all offer 10% discounts in May.
Cici’s Pizza, Denny’s, and Papa John’s have 15 to 20% deals.
Where to save your retirement money
There are several different places where you can put the money you save for retirement. Each has different tax advantages, but not all of them are available to everyone.
401(k) – an employer-sponsored retirement account. Contributions are made pre-tax and many employers will match a certain percentage of your contributions. Taxes are paid when the funds are withdrawn in retirement.
Roth IRA – an individual retirement account. Contributions are made post-tax but withdrawals in retirement are not taxed.
TSP (thrift savings plan) – a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services. They work similarly to 401(k)s but may have more limited investment options.
Pension – an employee benefit that commits the employer to make payments to the employee in retirement. Pensions are becoming increasingly rare.
AARP noted on its website that with the average discounts at restaurants, those members who spent $60 per week eating out would save about $450 extra annually.
Streaming services like Paramount+ are also 10% off through AARP.
Looking back at the family tree through an Ancestry yearly subscription is also 30% off.
Arguably one of the best offerings is on the LifeLock Ultimate Plus identity protection plan, which promises exclusive savings of $125 per year to AARP members.
The comprehensive list can be found on the AARP website.
Retirees should also be wary of potential fees that could be draining their 401(k) accounts, and there are crucial steps to follow to avoid losing any cash.
Another senior found themselves in a “deep pit” after $280,000 in savings vanished due to a “protection” call.
