A year ago we went to Bice, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Coconut Grove, Florida that offered a 25 per cent discount to anyone who could show proof that they went to see a movie next door the same day they were dining. The movie theater and the restaurant were doing a brisk business. Today, we walked past the restaurant and noticed they were still doing great. They are so smart. Now they are offering discounts to anyone who “likes” them on Facebook. Other social media sites such as Foursquare provide rewards as well.

I want to remind everyone, that before you enter a retail chain, restaurant, museum, movie, theatre, train, airplane, boat, golf course, hotel, salon, bowling alley, parking lot, and even a doctors office (the ones that don’t take insurance), read the fine print. There is usually a discount if you are a Facebook fan or you are over 50 or 55. Many establishments are not broadcasting the price advantages so you have to look at their websites, Facebook page, the front window sign and even a notice by the cash register to secure the offer.

If you have to ask about it, please do. Do not be embarrassed. The companies are making these offers to drum up business. You are patronizing them as opposed to the competition, so be sure to reward yourself. This is no different than bidding on Groupon, Living Social, etc. Look at some of the signs I have posted here so that you become familiar with what to look for. Also, some companies only give social media and age discounts on certain days of the week.

Partial list—-Go to Brad’s Daily Alerts or just search by individual companies.

Restaurant Discounts
· Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)

· Arby’s: 10% off (55+)

· Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)

· Bennigan’s: discount varies by location

· Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)

· Boston Market: 10% off (65+)

· Burger King: 10% off (60+)

· Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies by location

· Chili’s: 10% off (55+)

· Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)

· Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)

· Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)

· Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)

· IHOP: 10% off (55+)

· Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)

· KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)

· Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)

· Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)

· Subway: 10% off at manager’s discretion (60+)

· Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)

· TCBY: 10% off (55+)

· Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)

· White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Clothing Discounts

· Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)

· Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)

· C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

· Clarks: 10% off (62+)

· Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)

· Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

· Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)

· Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off

· Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions

· Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)

· Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Grocery Discounts
· Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)

· Fresh Farm: 5% off Tuesdays and Thursdays (55+)

· Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+), or 10% first Wednesday of every month

· Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

· Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)

· Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

· Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)

· Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

· Pathmark: 5% off $30 every Tuesday (55+)

· The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)

· Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (60+; only valid outside FL)

· Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)

Travel Discounts
· Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)

· Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members

· American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

· Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

· Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members

· Best Western: 10% off (55+)

· Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)

· Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations

· Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)

· Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members

· Greyhound: 5% off (62+)

· Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance

· Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members

· Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)

· Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)

· InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)

· Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)

· Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)

· Motel 6: 10% off (60+)

· Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)

· National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

· Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

· Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

· Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up

· United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

· U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Entertainment Discounts
· AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)

· Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)

· Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

· Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)

· Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off

· U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)

· Regal Cinemas: 30% off

· Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)

· SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts

· AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)

· Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)

· Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)