I'll Turn 50, Where's My Free Stuff?
On January 11, 2017 I will turn 50. To many this chronological milestone represents a harsh reminder of beer-soaked sand clumping through life's hourglass, a grim reminder of aging and the unpleasantries of human senescence.
I look at it as a way to start cashing in my chips for free stuff and early bird discounts.
I spent my first 35 years in school and postdoc time, scrounging for change, and taking any job that would give me five bucks or a sandwich. I could never figure out why the elderly got the discounts. Not only did they have all of the money, they also had social security.
Senior discounts seemed wasted on the old. I was the one that really needed the free bagel.
I was taken back to January 10th, 1988, the day before my 21st birthday, and how the next day I'd be magically responsible enough to buy the alcohol I had been enjoying for four years already.
After the milestone of 21 years old my auto insurance rates dropped at 25. Big deal. Then I set my sites on 50 and put a big red X on the calendar, 25 years in the future.
Now that marked date happens next month. Many places consider 50 as eligible for certain discounts and freebies. I'm interested in nailing those down now so that I can plan a 2017 filled with discount shit. I've paid my dues, now I want them refunded.
First stop, "senior coffee" at Arby's. Mine. And then I'll bench press more than anyone that works there.
So-- what do you know internet? Where do I get something for free, just because I somehow managed to avoid the dirt nap for half a century?
What I've found so far:
I look at it as a way to start cashing in my chips for free stuff and early bird discounts.
Frankly, I think it is all crap. It doesn't phase me a bit, but I'll take the bonus goods for eclipsing an arbitrary chronological metric.
I spent my first 35 years in school and postdoc time, scrounging for change, and taking any job that would give me five bucks or a sandwich. I could never figure out why the elderly got the discounts. Not only did they have all of the money, they also had social security.
Senior discounts seemed wasted on the old. I was the one that really needed the free bagel.
I was taken back to January 10th, 1988, the day before my 21st birthday, and how the next day I'd be magically responsible enough to buy the alcohol I had been enjoying for four years already.
After the milestone of 21 years old my auto insurance rates dropped at 25. Big deal. Then I set my sites on 50 and put a big red X on the calendar, 25 years in the future.
Now that marked date happens next month. Many places consider 50 as eligible for certain discounts and freebies. I'm interested in nailing those down now so that I can plan a 2017 filled with discount shit. I've paid my dues, now I want them refunded.
First stop, "senior coffee" at Arby's. Mine. And then I'll bench press more than anyone that works there.
So-- what do you know internet? Where do I get something for free, just because I somehow managed to avoid the dirt nap for half a century?
What I've found so far:
- Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
- Bealls Outlet: 15% off on every Tuesday (50+ or “fifty & fabulous” as customer service told me) verified
- Peebles: 20% off with 50+ card on Tuesdays (50+)
- Traditions Restaurant (East TX): Senior platter meal for $4.71 (50+) verified
- Tea Room Cafe: 10% off for seniors (50+)
- Kagle’s Barbecue: 10% off (50+)
- American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50 +)
- Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service
- Chili’s: 10% off
- Dairy Queen: 10% off
- Krispy Kreme: 10% off