Before we dive into this one, let me start by saying something very important:
If you have not taken your turkey out of the freezer and moved it to the fridge… do it now.
Seriously, go. I’ll wait.
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Alright, welcome back. Let’s talk discounts — the kind we all forget about.
This time of year, we spend a lot. Between meals, gifts, events, and life in general, it adds up fast. So why not save where you can? A discount isn’t cheating the system — it’s taking advantage of something you earned.
I’m a veteran, and most places honor that with at least 10% off, sometimes more. A lot of you out there are medical personnel — you get discounts. Teachers — you get discounts. Seniors — you definitely get discounts, and be proud you made it to the age where store clerks automatically assume you qualify.
The other day I went with my son to pick up a pair of work boots. Anyone in the trades knows boots are expensive. These things were over $300 — basically the price of a small used car. I asked the guy if they offered any discounts (they never ask you, by the way), and sure enough, they had both a veteran discount and a labor-union discount. My son qualified for one, so we used it. Boom — $30 saved just by asking a simple question.
And that’s the point:
Most of us forget to ask.
As you know, I thrift. Most Goodwill stores around here offer a veteran discount. Many of them also give out morning perks — free coffee or extra markdowns. In a time where a dollar stretches about as far as a paper towel in a rainstorm, use the discounts you’ve earned. And if you’re not sure whether a place offers one? Google has your back.
Here are just a few places veterans can save:
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Verizon
• Tons of restaurants
• Car dealerships
• Clothing stores
• Even theme parks
Honestly, the list is huge.
Now let’s talk deals.
Big reminder: Figure out if it’s a want or a need before blowing money. That alone can save you more than any coupon.
But if there is something you’ve been planning to buy, check for deals. You don’t have to wait for Black Friday anymore — sales pop up constantly. I found out recently that Sephora inside Kohl’s even has cologne sales. All I did was ask the lady behind the counter, and she told me exactly when certain brands go on sale. She even made free cologne test samples — which happen to be amazing (and cheap!) stocking stuffers.
And here’s something we should all bring back:
The art of writing people.
A handwritten note goes a long way — and it doesn’t cost much more than a stamp and a few minutes of your time. People love getting mail. (I do too. And apparently so does my son — thanks, Jacob.)
Whatever you do this season, remember this:
Spend below your means, ask for the discounts you earned, and don’t stress about the small stuff. Life’s too short to pay full price for everything.
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Save money this holiday season with simple discounts and deals you might be forgetting. From veteran and teacher discounts to everyday store perks, learn practical ways to stretch your dollar and shop smart.
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