• We all love a good bargain, no matter what our age. But if you're a senior citizen on a fixed income, finding discounted goods and services can mean the difference between making ends meet and going without.
• The good news is that tons of senior discounts are available - often for people as young as 50. One caveat right up front: Although many senior discounts are substantial, you sometimes can find better bargains - especially on travel-related expenses like airfare, hotels and rental cars. So always do your research first before requesting the senior rate.
• Here's a roundup of some of the best senior discounts I've found:
• An AARP membership costs only $16 a year for anyone over age 50, including free membership for spouses or partners (www.aarp.org). AARP's discounts website features discounts on dozens of products and services including rental cars, hotels, restaurants, clothing and department store chains. AARP also offers an inexpensive driver safety course for drivers over 50 (members and nonmembers alike) that can lower auto insurance premiums by up to 10 percent or more.
• Popular AARP discounts include:
• 20 percent discount on installation or upgrades to ADT home security systems.
• 45 percent off membership to Angie's List.
• 20 percent off purchases from 1-800-FLOWERS.com.
• Up to 25 percent off car rentals from Avis and Budget.
• Up to 20 percent discount at many hotel chains including Hyatt, Hilton, Wyndham, Best Western, Days Inn and Ramada, among others.
• 10 to 20 percent off at many restaurant chains, including Claim Jumper, Denny's and Outback Steakhouse.
• 15 percent off many Geek Squad services from Best Buy.
• A free 45-minute consultation with an Allstate Legal Services Network attorney, as well as 20 percent off member attorneys' fees.
• A quick Google search will uncover numerous other senior discount resources.

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