Perks at 50 | Senior Discounts You Can Enjoy When You Turn 50

Enjoy your golden years with senior discounts and perks. They will help maintain and make the most of your retirement fund.

It's finally time to reap the benefits from decades of service. Continue scrolling to discover discounts and benefits that get you excited for retirement.

RELATED: 5 Easy Core Exercises for Seniors

Discounts and Perks at 50 You Need To Take Advantage Of

Click here to jump to the infographic

Senior Discounts and Perks at 50 and Above

1. AARP Membership

The AARP is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of benefits and perks for those 50 years of age and above, whether working or retired. An AARP membership may come with healthcare, insurance, travel perks, and learning resources.

2. Retirement Account Catch-Up Contributions

If you're looking to set aside some more money for your retirement, you'll want to learn about this.

Adults aged 50 years and over can make catch-up contributions. These are a kind of retirement savings account that can help you later in life. These include your:

• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• SARSEP
• governmental 457(b)

Senior Discounts for 55-Year Olds and Above

3. Penalty-Free Withdrawals from Retirement Accounts

Want to enjoy your retirement fund at 60? You can begin to prepare for that when you're 59.5 years of age.

If you withdraw from your IRA or retirement plan before you're 59 and a half, it could cost you a 10% penalty for premature or early distribution. But once you're past this age, you're eligible for penalty-free withdrawals.

These include your:

• 401(k)
• IRA
• SEP
• Simple IRA
• SARSEP plans

4. Health Savings Catch-Up Contributions

Make sure you stay healthy and safe through your golden years. You can do this through additional catch-up contributions, setting aside some more money for a rainy day.

There is a limit to how you can contribute to your HSA per year. But if you're 55 and up, you can increase your catch-up contribution to up to $1,000.

Senior Discounts for 60-Year Olds and Above

5. National Parks and Recreation Lands Pass

It's great to go outdoors and stay active even in your senior years. Enjoy the wildlife or a relaxing fishing trip at a discounted price when you reach 62 years of age.

The USGS offers lifetime or annual senior passes that can get you access to national parks across the U.S. It will get you access to over 2,000 recreational sites across America and could also get you discounts for activities like:

• camping
• swimming
• boat launching
• fishing

A lifetime pass costs $90, while an annual pass costs $30.

6. Free Tax Help

Filing tax returns are a daunting (and often confusing) task. Fortunately, the IRS offers a helping hand to adults that are 60 years and older.

Their Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offers help for those that may have questions about retirement funds and pensions.

7. Social Security Retirement Benefits

Once you hit 62 years old, you can receive your retirement benefits. But if you start collecting at this age, it will count as early retirement, and you won't be able to make the most out of your benefits.

The SSA recommends collecting on your full retirement age. At early retirement age, you may get 29.2% lower benefits.

If you still have the energy and stamina to keep working, your earnings may also be higher. Your benefits will also grow a certain percentage if you keep working beyond your full retirement age.

Ultimately, retirement is a personal decision. The advantages of retiring early and spending quality time with your family may outweigh retirement benefits.

You may get an estimate of your retirement benefits here so you can plan out your golden years.

RELATED: 13 Things To Look Forward to If You're Turning 50 in 2021

Senior Discounts for 65-Year Olds and Above

8. Higher Standard Deduction

When you file your taxes, you can choose to itemize or opt for standard deductions. The correct choice could help you catch a break on costs and maintain a healthy bank account. And if you are 65 years or older, the IRS offers higher standard deductions.

For the tax year 2021, which you will file in 2022, you can add another $1,350 in standard deductions. If you are not married and not a surviving spouse, you can shave off $1,700.

Check out this link to find out your standard deduction.

9. Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors

Many states offer property tax exemptions for seniors. These exemptions are for older adults aged 65 years and older, but different counties have different guidelines and requirements.

Check with your local county assessor to learn more about your exemptions.

10. No Penalty for Withdrawals from HSA for Non-Medical Expenses

The IRS imposes an additional 20% on distributions not used for medical expenses. However, there are no penalties for those that are disabled or are over 65 years of age.

Senior Discounts for 70-Year Olds and Above

11. Required Minimum Distributions from Retirement Plans

Before December 2019, older adults had to make withdrawals from their retirement plans by 70 and a half years of age. Thanks to the SECURE Act, older adults whose birthdays are July 1, 2019, or later, won't have to until they are 72 years old.

The rule applies to the retirement plans below:

• traditional IRAs
• SEP IRAs
• SIMPLE IRAs
• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• 457(b) plans
• profit-sharing plans
• other defined contribution plans

The IRS imposes a nasty 50% excise tax if you don't make withdrawals on time or do not withdraw enough. Withdrawals could also be part of your taxable income, so plan your retirement ahead of time.

Treat this as a reminder to take a break. You're allowed to take a break, and according to the IRS, it's around your 70s.

12. Deductions from Qualified Charitable Distributions

Did the item above stress you out? Fret not! The IRS offers a way to shave off a bit of your RMD.

Donating directly to a charity may count as your RMD. For example, if your RMD is $15,000, you can donate $10,000 and withdraw $5,000 to satisfy the requirement.

RMDs can hike your taxable income for the year and create a dent in your retirement fund.

The key takeaway – donations are beneficial for everyone.

Other Discounts and Perks at 50 You Can Enjoy in Your Retirement

13. Senior Discounts and Perks from Retail Stores

Some stores offer discounts to those 55 years old and above, while others may have a higher age requirement. An AARP membership mah even get you an exclusive discount. Others honor veterans with special discounts and perks.

Here are some stores with senior discounts:

• Home Depot
• CVS
• Kohl's
• Walgreens
• Rite Aid
• Savers

14. Senior Discounts and Perks from Restaurants

You might enjoy a home-cooked meal, but there are senior perks you can't pass on.

A restaurant might offer a straight discount, a special deal, or even a senior menu. Ask your favorite restaurants about their offers to get bang for your buck.

Schedule a dinner date with your spouse and take advantage of tempting deals from the restaurants below:

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
• Denny's
• Outback Steakhouse
• McDonald's
• El Pollo Loco
• IHOP

15. Senior Discounts and Perks from Grocery Stores

But if you prefer a home-cooked meal and like your barbecue grilled a certain way, there are grocery stores that help ease the burden.

Many grocery stores offer deals on specific days, while some have discounts every day.

Check out these places with senior discounts:

• Kroger
• New Seasons
• Markets
• Fred Meyer

16. Recreational Senior Discounts and Perks

It's good to get out once in a while, and these deals are just the thing to get you off the couch.

• AMC Theaters
• Audible
• National Parks
• Ticketmaster