Every penny counts: Businesses across Fairbanks offer senior discounts

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Across Fairbanks, Alaska many businesses offer special discounts for senior citizens. From restaurants to auto shops, salons to groceries, there’s plenty out there for seniors looking to save a little money.

A quick visit to Google will reveal plenty of national chains that feature senior discounts; but in Fairbanks, the available selection of these large chains is limited. However, many local chains and individual businesses offer discounts as well, frequently on Tuesdays.

One such store is the second hand retailer Value Village. Shannon Ladd, Value Village Store Manager summarized their senior discount policy saying, “Every Tuesday we offer a 30% off for all of our seniors that are 55 or better.”

Grocery chain Fred Meyer offers a similar discount for seniors over 55 - 10% off select items - which takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. This once a month timing is shared by Walgreens which offers a 20-30% discount to seniors, and local grocery chain Sunshine Health Foods.

Brain Reagin, son of the Sunshine Health Foods’ owner, said he “wanted to let all of our seniors know that we are offering a 15 to 30% discount on the first Tuesday of every single month, both on supplements and on food items.”

Senior discounts that apply every day can be found as well in businesses throughout town such as the restaurants, barber shops, automotive repair shops, borough services, travel destinations and family activities.

Grocery Stores

Sunshine Health Foods - First Tuesday every month offers 10-20% off to seniors 55 and up
Fred Meyer’s - The first Tuesday of every month, seniors age 55+, can take an additional 10% off select items.
Walgreens - Offers a 20-30% discount first Tuesday every month to to people age 55+ on non sale items

Stores

Cold Spot for Healthy Pets - People age 55+ get 5% off
Value Village - Every Tuesday offers 30% off for seniors 55 and up.
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores - Up to 50% off, days vary (55+)
Pakalolo’s - People age 60+ get 10% off
JoAnn’s Fabric and Craft - People age 55+ get 20% off on specific days
Michaels - 10% off most purchases, including sales items, every day for those age 55 and older that are Rewards Members.
Autozone - 10% off for people age 60 and up
O’Reilly Auto Parts - Offers a 2% discount to seniors over 65

Travel & Tourism

Test the Waters - People age 55+ get 15% off
Best Western - Seniors can save up to 15% when booking reservations.
Alaska Railroad - 65+, or Medicare card holders, half-price fares during several months of the year.
National Park Service - Seniors can buy a lifetime America the Beautiful Pass—which allows admission to national parks and recreation areas, as well as other federal units—for the same price as a regular annual pass.
Chena Hot Springs - People age 65+ pay $13 instead of $15 to use the pool [plus AARP discount on rooms at the resort]
Pike’s Waterfront lodge - AARP discount on rooms
Marriott - Offers a 15% discount or more to those 62 and older on stays at participating locations.

Restaurants

The Cookie Jar - People age 65+ get 10% off
Brewsters - People age 65+ get 10% off
The Banks Alehouse - People age 55+ get 14% off [excluding alcohol]
The Bakery Restaurant - People age 65+ get 10% off
Denny’s has a 55-plus menu with discounted items
Discounts on beverages and coffee at McDonalds for those age 55+

Services

Computer Werks - People age 65+ get 5% off
American Tire and Auto - 10% discount on select brands, 65+
Young’s gear and driveline - People age 65+, 5-10% on select items, no discount on labor fees.
City of Fairbanks garbage service - People age 65+ can apply for reduced fees
Alaska Barber Shop - People age 65+ $13 instead of $15 on standard haircuts
Simard Automotive - People age 55+ get 5% off
JVS Barbershop - People age 55+ 10$ off
Sourdough Fuels - $.02 cents off per gallon [call for more specific age requirements]

Education

University of Alaska Fairbanks - Alaska residents who are 66 years or older and receiving full Social Security Benefits can attend any school in the University of Alaska system without paying tuition. Seniors must meet other admission criteria and may have to pay other associated fees and enrollment expenses.

State Services

Senior Property Tax Exemption:

Phone (Anchorage Office): (907) 269-4501

Website

Under AS 29.45.030(e), Alaska law exempts real property owned and occupied as a permanent home by an Alaskan resident age 65 and older (or by a disabled veteran) from a portion of local property tax. Currently, this exemption applies to the first $150,000 of assessed value for the primary residence of a senior citizen, age 65 years and older, or a disabled veteran with a service connected disability of 50% or more. This exemption must be applied for by a deadline enacted at the local level. (A municipality may waive timely filing for good cause.) All municipalities are required to grant this exemption.

State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles

Toll-Free: (855) 269-5551 Phone: (907) 269-5551

Website: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv%5Creg%5Csenior.htm

Alaska residents who are 65 years of age or older may be exempt from paying fees and taxes when registering a vehicle. For more information and to apply for the fee waiver, please contact your local Department of Motor Vehicle office.

State of Alaska Fish & Game License

Phone: (907) 465-6085

Website: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntlicense.proxy

Alaska residents who are 60 years of age or older and meet the Department of Fish and Game’s residency definition are eligible for a senior identification card in order to hunt, sport fish, or trap at no charge. Persons aged 60 years or older are not required to purchase a king salmon stamp to fish for king salmon or an Alaska state conservation stamp to hunt waterfowl.

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