No matter what line of work you are in, budgeting and being careful with your finances takes commitment. However, as a member of the military, there are discounts available exclusively to you. Once you know what they are, they can add up to save you money.
Here are some of the great ways for military members to save money.
At The Movies
An on-base movie theater is significantly cheaper than what you will discover off-base.
You will often find that the selection of movies available is as good as what you will find off-base as well. Still, even if you have to wait a little longer for the latest movies, it’s worth it when you consider the savings.
Cars
With an expense as significant as a car, it’s good to see that a lot of companies offer military discounts.
This benefits the whole family, and across the states, you’ll find various dealerships who provide significant reductions on their automobiles.
Ford is one such company who offers military families $500 towards the lease or purchase of a new car. This is a pretty standard amount, but there are some that provide even more of a discount.
Even second-hand dealerships can provide discounts. This will usually be proudly displayed on their website.
BJ’S Wholesale Club
The membership-only wholesaler offers discounts to military families across their 200+ stores.
You can save $15 on a 12-month membership, which is usually $50. This discount is available to active and retired military members, as well as their family members. Depending on the location, some stores will also provide a $10 voucher for your first purchase.
Membership is beneficial if you live close enough to take advantage of their discounted gas, vacation packages, and a lot more.
Banking
Some institutions will offer discounts on savings accounts as well as credit for military members, serving or retired.
American Express is one company who shows their support for active military members by waiving their annual fees. Their platinum card comes with $200 of annual Uber credit, as well as welcome bonus points.
The annual fee is usually $550, which is a significant discount before you have even used the card.
Electronic Devices
Samsung is another company offering money off of their products for military families. Samsung’s military members can save as much as 40% when shopping online. These reductions can also be applied to holiday offers, and include free shipping.
Dell is offering similar discounts. Theirs is 10% off for members of the military as well as veterans.
Home Improvement
Home improvement can be another large expense. Keeping the roof over your head in good shape comes with its military advantages at certain stores.
Lowes is one company offering a military discount. This is also provided to honorably discharged veterans and now includes online purchases. The 10% discount, combined with free shipping can also be used by your spouse and children up to the age of 18.
Even home decoration can come with a military discount. Michaels offers a 15% off military discount. This means that after you have made improvements to your home, you can finish it off at a reduced rate.
They even encourage ex-military members to apply for positions in their stores.
Travel
There are many companies offering discounts for travel, whether you are taking a bus across the state, or enjoying a long flight. Finding the right company can save you a lot of money.
Greyhound offers 10% off for active and retired military, and you can expect to pay no more than $259 for a round trip anywhere within the USA.
You can also save an additional 10% on special promotions through Sandals Resorts holidays.
For flights, US Airways is one company offering reduced rates for military members traveling on leave or those within seven days of discharge.
Restaurants
It’s always a good idea to check online to see if a restaurant offers a military discount before eating there. With so many companies offering reduced rates, you’ll find that some of your favorite places will give you money off for your service.
Hard Rock Cafe will discount 15% off your bill with a valid military ID, and you can even get 10% off at Hooters!
Searching around a little can save you money in most places, and this isn’t specific to restaurants. The places we have suggested above are not the only ones. You’ll find that more locations support and reward your service than you think.
Just have a check online before you buy.
