militarymoms

These days it seems as though everything is getting more expensive - and it is.  It’s pretty hard to stretch a military paycheck to cover increased food and gas prices, let alone anything else.  While I can’t stop the price of gas from going up, I can offer a few tips on finding military discounts.

• Use your military privileges.  AAFES‘ website offers a feature called “Centric Mall” that includes merchants who offer discounts or free shipping to military customers.  I’ve bought shoes from Zappos this way and everything worked out just fine. 
• Your ITT office has discounted tickets to all kinds of events and attractions.  Check out their website, read their newsletter or drop by the office to find out what’s available.  We’ve bought tickets for everything from Sea World to minor league baseball games through ITT.
• Look online.  Google “military discounts” and see what comes up.  Read the websites of every company you buy from regularly.  If you have insurance through USAA, for example, you can get a 5% discount on Hertz rental cars.  All you have to do is book your rental through USAA’s online affiliate.
• Look on base.  Your BX or PX may have contracted with concessionaires, including cell phone providers, who offer military discounts.
• Network.  Find friends who like good deals and ask them about military discounts.  Read blogs written by military folks.  You’ll quickly find out where good deals can be found.
• Ask, ask, ask.  It never hurts to mention that you’re military and inquire about discounts.  For example, I took my daughter to a dance competition last fall and had to buy some accessories from one of the vendors there.  I mentioned in passing that we were military and she gave me a discount on the spot.

You won’t save mega-bucks going after discounts here and there, but everything adds up.  Over time, you can save a decent amount of money by taking advantage of special offers for military members and families.  You have earned these discounts.  Go out and use them.

Photo © Nancy Parode

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