|
“ Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas . The goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.” Jonathan Clements, Personal Finance Columnist
For many, after years of working, retirement is eagerly awaited. However, the financial reality can be difficult. A fixed income does not mean that retirement can't be rich and rewarding. Numerous discounts are available to seniors.
Golden Buckeye Program
 All Ohioans age 60 or older (as well as adults age 18-59 that have disabilities as defined by Social Security) are eligible for a free Golden Buckeye Card. This card is honored at 20,000 businesses statewide, and is good for many discounts in these stores. If you don't see the logo displayed on the front door or cash register, ask if the business offers a discount to seniors.
All Ohio residents who hold a current Ohio Driver's License or a State ID card will automatically receive a Golden Buckeye Card in the month of their 60 th birthday. If you do not have a card and are eligible, you may apply for a card at public libraries and senior centers. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, call 1-866-301-6446.
Cardholders without prescription drug coverage may use the Golden Buckeye Card to save at most Ohio pharmacies. According to the Ohio Department of Aging, savings average 24%. Cardholders should submit their Golden Buckeye Card to the pharmacist when they submit their prescriptions. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging website at: www.goldenbuckeye.com .
Parks
All Golden Buckeye cardholders are eligible for discounts at Ohio State Parks. Cardholders receive discounts on camping (50% off Sunday – Thursday and 10% off Friday – Saturday) and 10% off on getaway rentals, rental units, cottages or lodge room visits. Former prisoners of war and honorably discharged Veterans with “a permanent and total disability as determined by the Veterans Administration” qualify for free camping. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website at: www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/camps/discounts.htm or phone 614-265-6565.
The National Park Services offers a $10 Senior Pass that is a “ lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.” For more information, visit their website at: www.nps.gov/feespasses.htm .
Ohio 's amusement parks also offer deep discounts for senior citizens 62 years and older. Kings Island has a Senior Single Day Admission for $29.95. Cedar Point offers a Senior Funday Admission for $11.95. Geauga Lake offers Senior Admission for $11.95.
Free College Courses
In an effort to “promote lifelong personal improvement and community involvement,” state universities and colleges allow Ohioans age 60 and older to attend classes at no cost. No college credit is earned, and attendance is restricted to classes with available space. Some costs (such as books, lab fees, and equipment) may apply. For more details, contact the Admissions Office of a participating college or university. For a list of colleges and universities, visit the Ohio Department of Aging website at: www.goldenbuckeye.com.
Discounts on Travel
Airlines: Some airlines offer discounts for senior citizens over the age of 65. For more information, contact the airlines at:
Motorcoach: Greyhound Lines offers a 5% discount for riders 62 years and older. Appropriate identification may be required. For more information, contact Greyhound at: 1-800-231-2222 or visit their website at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Rail: Amtrak offers a 15% discount to travelers 62 years and older on “the applicable adult rail fare” on most Amtrak trains. It also offers a 10% discount to seniors on the purchase of a North America Rail Pass. For more information, contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail or 1-800-872-7245 or visit their website at www.amtrak.com .
Elderhostel: An Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization that provides educational travel for adults over the age of 55 at a “remarkable value.” For more information, contact Elderhostel at 1-800-454-5768 or visit their website at www.elderhostel.org .
Miscellaneous Savings
Many restaurants, hotels, cruise lines, movie theaters, rental car companies, and golf courses offer senior discounts. Some retail stores occasionally hold senior discount days. Customers should ask if a company offers discounts because they may not be on display.
For more information, please visit www.ohiotreasurer.gov or call us at 1-800-228-1102.
|
Your Money NOW 
Senior Citizens
