October is the scariest month with witches and goblins and ghosts, but that’s not the only thing that’s scary. Rising prices for just about everything are their own special kind of terrifying. I recently saw a quote that made me laugh—and wince: “Why does the cost of everything feel like we’re shopping in an airport?” It really hit home.
For many of us living on a fixed income, rising prices are no joke, so finding ways to stretch our dollars becomes more important than ever. That’s what got me thinking about senior discounts. Where can we find them? I asked friends, checked Nextdoor, and inquired on the Tualatin Area Seniors Facebook page. The most common advice I received was simple yet powerful. Just ask. “Be sure to ask!” “It doesn’t hurt to ask.” “Don’t be embarrassed to ask.” “I always ask.” Another tip is to inquire before the bill is presented, not after.
Keep in mind that places with a discount will very rarely ask you if you’d like to take advantage of it. It’s not likely that they want to be “guessing” who’s a senior.
Senior discounts are there to help seniors stretch their resources, but they aren’t always advertised. Some kick in at age 55 while others start later. Sometimes it takes a bit of sleuthing to discover who has the discounts and what the fine print says.
Armed with recommendations, I started calling local businesses to confirm their current discount policies. While I’ve done my best to share accurate info, policies can change (and they often vary between locations in a chain), so it’s a good idea to check for yourself before heading out.
All the businesses I contacted are in Tualatin unless otherwise noted. So, without further ado, here’s what I found:
Franz Bakery Outlet, Tigard: Sunday and Wednesday, 10% discount for 55+
Fred Meyer: 1st Tuesday of the month, additional 10% off select items, 55+.
Good Will, Wilsonville: 10% discount, Wednesdays, 55+
Great Clips: $21 for a haircut, 65+
Grocery Outlet, Bridgeport: 10% discount every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 55+
Ihop, Sherwood: senior menu 55+
Jack in the Box: discounted drinks, 55+
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Sherwood: 10% discount, 55+
Kohl’s Sherwood: 15% on Wednesdays, 60+
McDonald’s: Senior drink discounts, 55+
Michaels: 10% discount, Rewards Members, 55+
National Parks Senior Pass: $80 plus $10 fees for a lifetime pass to national parks/federal lands. 62+
New Season’s Market: Wisdom Wednesdays, 10% off most items, 65+
Outback: AARP 10% discount
PetSmart: 10% discount on grooming on Tuesdays, 55+
Regal Cinema, Bridgeport: Regal Value Day Tuesdays, Regal Crown Club Members, discounted admission
Ross Dress for Less, Sherwood: 10% off on Tuesdays, 55+
Sunny’s Diner, Tualatin: Little Sunny’s Menu is open to seniors.
TriMet Public Transportation: Honored Citizenship Fare, 65+- Contact for details.
UPS, Lake Oswego: AARP 5% savings on UPS shipments and 15% on some retail items. Call for details.
Value Village, Tigard: 40% off every Tuesday (tag of the week 50%) 55+
Valvoline: 15% discount for AARP members (except batteries). Mention before service begins.
Walgreens, Sherwood: 1st Tuesday of each month, 20% discount on eligible regular-price items, 55+
Wendy’s: free drink with any purchase, 55+
Wilco Farm Store, Lake Oswego: Tuesday, 10% discount on regular-priced merchandise, 55+
Senior discounts aren’t just about saving a few bucks—they’re a well-deserved perk for decades of hard work. Whether you’re buying groceries, grabbing a bite, or enjoying a movie, remember: Don’t be shy—ask! If you have ideas about other ways that seniors can save, please send them to me, and we can have a future column on “Ways Seniors Can Save.”
