Sometimes the key to getting a senior discount is just getting up the nerve to ask for one. If we get in the habit of asking for a discount every single time we spend money, think how much we could save.

Someone on the Internet has compiled a long list of stores that give discounts to seniors. You can find that list by going to Google.com and searching for "106 Stores with Senior Discounts." There's even a handy .PDF version you can print out to make sure you don't miss anything! Categories include Restaurants, Retail and Apparel, Grocery, Travel, Activities and Entertainment, Cell Phones and Miscellaneous.

Not only is the amount of the discount noted (either the percentage of the total purchase or a dollar amount), but the day of the week or date during the month, as well as the age it applies to. Some consider us seniors at the age of 50, while others go with age 55, 62 or 65.

If you're a member of AARP, there are dozens of discounts built right into the membership. On the Web site [www.aarp.org] click on Member Benefits, then Discounts. To name just two of the new discounts, Walgreens offers savings if you show your card, and Michaels has discounts on Tuesdays. There are 15,000 restaurant locations that offer discounts, and travel discounts can be found on car rentals, hotels, cruises and tours.

Seniors Discounts [www.seniordiscounts.com] has more than 150,000 businesses listed that give discounts to seniors. There is a fee, however, either $7.95 or $12.95 per year, depending on the level of services you want.

Start carrying your AARP card in your pocket! Remember to use the plastic one with the magnetic strip and bar code on the back.