Inflation impact: Here's how to save money at local stores
While inflation impacts everyone, higher prices are the hardest for senior citizens and those with limited income.
The cost of food has risen 10.9 percent since July of 2021 and continues to rise, according to the most recent US Consumer Price Index.
Energy services, including electricity and gas prices, rose 18.8 percent in the last year, with electricity up 15.2 percent, natural gas up 30.5 percent since last July, and gasoline up 44 percent, according to the CPI.
Once a person retires, they begin to receive monthly checks from the Social Security Administration. Those benefits are increased through Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLA), which are meant to help seniors keep up with rising prices over the years.
But help won't be coming for Social Security recipients until the next COLA announcement in October. And while Social Security beneficiaries may see larger than a normal cost-of-living adjustment in 2023, what are seniors and those with disabilities expected to do to continue to make ends meet?
21 News reached several businesses in the Valley to see if they offer discounts for senior citizens and for those who served in the military. Here is what we found.
Many businesses are national or regional franchises, and each franchise owner can set its own policy and amount of discounts for seniors and for those who served. From the businesses we spoke with, the easiest way to find out if a local business offers a discount is to ask. We are told that most businesses don't automatically offer it, so be proactive and ask if they do, and maybe you will be able to save some money. Another thing we found is that many stores offer discounts to people under the age of 65 as well.
Here is a list of stores we found in the Mahoning Valley that do offer discounts and who is eligible.
Arts and Crafts stores
Joann Stores. Select day per month, 20% with photo id, 55 years old and older.
Michaels. Register online, 10% off every day. Fifty-five years old and older.
Clothing stores
Ross Dress for Less. 10%, every Tuesday, 55 years old and older.
Kohl's. 15% Wednesdays, 60 years old and older.
Drug stores
Thrift store
The Salvation Army. Discounts vary, as do the days, 55 years and older. Ask a local store for more information.
Department store
Roses. 10%, Wednesdays, 55 years and older.
Hardware stores
Home Depot. 10% discount for veterans, active duty with military ID.
Lowes. 10% discount for veterans, active duty with military ID.
Online shopping
Amazon Prime. 50% discount on Prime membership with SNAP and Medicaid cards, discounts for students
Restaurants
Many fast food restaurants such as Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Mcdonald's, and Subway are franchises that may offer free beverages or discounts to seniors, which can vary by location, so ask to find out.
Here is a list of restaurants that may offer discounts, but discounts can change, so ask before purchasing. Some restaurants offer senior menus that have reduced pricing.
Applebee's. Discount varies by location, 10% to 15%. Ask at each location. Senior/Military
Chic-fil-A. Discount varies by location, Austintown location offers 10% senior, military/vet; Boardman offers 10% senior 55+ (AARP age), military/vet
O'Charley's. Military 10% with ID.
Chili's. 10% seniors, 10% military vets with ID.
Dairy Queen. varies by location, ask
Dunkin. 10% military/vets, but may vary or not be offered at all stores.
Denny's. 15% with an AARP card.
McAlister's Deli. 10% discount if you link your AARP card to your Rewards account.
Find all AARP-listed restaurants with discounts here.
Other stores, services
Offers may require an AARP subscription to receive discounts.
UPS Store. 5% off shipping with AARP, 15% other services, 20% enter promo code SAVE on the UPS website
AARP. Offers insurance for healthcare, medicare eligible, pet insurance, vehicle, life, and property insurance.
Ancestry. 30% off a one-year subscription.
Regal Movies and concessions. Up to 20% on Regal Premiere Tickets purchased online, $3 off popcorn and soft drink with AARP card and Regal Crown Club card.
Valvoline. 15% off with AARP card.
Budget Truck Rentals. 10% to 20% off truck rentals.
Travel
National Parks Senior Lifetime Pass
Entrance into any National Park requires an annual pass at $80 per year, but once you are 62 years old and older, seniors can purchase the National Parks Senior Lifetime Pass for $80, which provides access to over 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies for approximately 50% of the normal service, facility, and amenity charges. The military can get into parks for free. Other discounts are also available on their website.
Ohio Golden Buckeye Card
Ohio residents are eligible to receive the discount card at the age of 60, which offers discounts to some businesses and to camping in state parks in the state, 50% discount off camping fees, Sunday through Thursday; 10% discount off camping fees, Friday and Saturday; 10% discount off the total rate for all other overnight rentals and day use (cabins, pavilions, etc.)
Ohio VA Disability/POW: Free camping ($6.50 reservation fee) for Ohio residents who are former prisoners of war or honorably discharged veterans with a permanent and total disability with an Ohio POW license plate or an Ohio Disabled Veteran license plate or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Qualifying veterans may request a letter confirming their eligibility for free camping in Ohio State Parks by calling Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000.
Active/Retired Military Discount: 10% off every night of the week for all overnight facilities. No restriction on home state for military customers. Can only be used on one site per time period.
AARP Travel discounts can be found here.
Transportation
WRTA offers an All-Access service for people with disabilities and seniors who are not able to or have difficulty using fixed-route bus service in Mahoning County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers a free transit program for senior citizens, allowing senior citizens to ride free on a local fixed-route service whenever the local public transit system is operating. To be eligible, you must be 65 years of age or older and have a senior citizen transit identification card, which is available free of charge from participating local transit operators.
Other businesses may offer discounts for seniors and military veterans - the key is just to ask - and maybe you will be able to save some money.
