By Michele D. Baker
Inspired by AARP Bulletin’s July/August 2025 article “99 Great Ways to Save,” here are 25 simple, practical tips for seniors looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality. Read the full article at AARP.org.
Pet Care
1. Buy Pet Meds Online
Skip the vet markup. Use reputable online pharmacies like Chewy or 1-800-PetMeds for flea, tick, and heartworm meds. Compare prices and look for coupons. Just make sure the site is Vet-VIPPS certified for safety.
2. Groom at Home
Invest in a pet grooming kit and watch a few YouTube tutorials. Regular brushing and nail trims at home can save hundreds annually. Bonus: it’s bonding time with your furry friend (perfect for Cat Day on August 8 and Dog Day on August 26).
3. Share Pet Sitting
Team up with a neighbor or friend to trade pet-sitting duties during vacations. It’s free, trustworthy, and keeps pets comfortable in familiar surroundings.
4. Buy in Bulk
Pet food is cheaper per pound when bought in larger bags. Store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid waste. Bonus: If you and your friends own similar pets (for example, you all own small dogs), buy the large bag of dog kibble and share among several households.
5. Use Vet School Clinics
Nearby veterinary schools often offer discounted services. Students perform procedures under supervision, so you get quality care at a fraction of the cost.
Related: 5 Health and Financial Records to Organize in the New Year
Travel Savings
6. Travel Off-Peak
Avoid summer weekends and holidays. Midweek flights and hotel stays are often cheaper and less crowded. Flexibility is your wallet’s best friend.
7. Use Senior Discounts
Always ask for senior rates on hotels, car rentals, and attractions. AARP members often get 10–20% off, and some deals aren’t advertised unless you ask.
8. Pack Snacks
Airport and roadside food is pricey. Bring your own snacks and refillable water bottle. It’s healthier and saves you from $5 granola bars.
9. Book with Alerts
Use apps like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare. Set alerts and book when prices drop. Being patient can save you hundreds of dollars.
10. Consider Train Travel
Amtrak offers senior discounts and scenic routes. It’s often cheaper than flying, especially for regional trips under 500 miles.
Related: 4 Key Terms to Strengthen Your Money Literacy
Finances
11. Switch to High-Yield Savings
If your savings account earns less than 1%, switch to a high-yield online bank. Some offer 4 or 5% interest-free money for doing nothing.
12. Automate Bill Pay
Avoid late fees by setting up automatic payments for utilities and credit cards. It protects your credit score and saves up to $41 per missed payment.
13. Use a Robo-Advisor
Can’t afford a financial planner? Robo-advisors like Betterment or Fidelity Go offer low-cost portfolio management; perfect for retirees looking to grow savings safely.
14. Review Subscriptions
Cancel unused streaming services, magazines, or gym memberships. Use a service like Rocket Money to track and eliminate recurring charges.
15. Maximize Credit Card Perks
Many cards offer extended warranties, purchase protection, and travel insurance. Know your benefits and use them—it’s like having a coupon in your wallet.
Related: AARP Membership Benefits A-Z
Savings on Groceries & Restaurants
16. Shop with Store Apps
Download your grocery store’s app for digital coupons and weekly deals. Apps like Flipp also compare circulars across stores to find the best prices.
17. Buy Store Brands
Store-brand products are often made by the same manufacturers as name brand ones. Try them—you’ll save 20–30% without sacrificing quality.
18. Use Self-Checkout
Studies show people make fewer impulse purchases at self-checkout. If you are bagging your own groceries you can see every item you’re buying as you scan (check the price as you go). Stick to your list and avoid the candy trap near the cashier.
19. Eat Out at Lunch
Restaurants often offer lunch specials with the same portions as dinner for less. Order takeout at noon and reheat it for dinner.
20. Join Loyalty Programs
Sign up for restaurant and grocery loyalty programs. You’ll earn points, get birthday freebies, and receive exclusive discounts.
Related: AARP Travel Tips & Tools
Auto Discounts
21. De-Junk Your Trunk
Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Clean out your trunk and glove box—every 100 pounds decreases your MPG by up to 2%.
22. Shop Around for Gas
Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas nearby. Prices can vary by 20-30 cents per gallon just a few blocks apart. Some grocery store loyalty cards also offer discounts on gas.
23. Skip Premium Fuel
Unless your car specifically requires premium gas, regular is just fine. Using premium unnecessarily is like pouring money down the tank.
24. Bundle Insurance
Combine auto and home insurance with one provider to save up to 25%. Also remember to ask for senior discounts and safe driver rewards.
25. Do Basic Maintenance Yourself
Learn to check tire pressure, replace wiper blades, and top off fluids. YouTube tutorials make it easy, and you’ll save on labor costs. Or, swap skills: trade a home cooked dinner or running errands with a friend who loves to work on cars.
