How much do you think you save each year by getting military discounts?

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:15:31 -0400

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 9 at 2015 5:21 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:21:17 -0400

None. I was offered a large military discount (~$1,000) by a contractor bidding to do some foundation work on the house, but we went with a different contractor. I did appreciate the offer, but I thought the other contractor had a better work plan.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Sep 9 at 2015 5:22 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:22:22 -0400

That's a great question and I haven't thought about it....Between Afghanistan and Germany, I've been outside the USA for a few years but considering the taxes saved through the Px/Bx I am sure I have saved $200-300 a year?

Response by TSgt David L. made Sep 9 at 2015 5:25 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:25:44 -0400

The only place I shop are auto/motorcycle parts stores and restaurants. I probably save $3-5 dollars a purchase. So I save $2-300 a year. Except that a bunch of stuff I buy because I want, not need, so I'm wasting a third of it on stuff I really don't need. LOL

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 5:41 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:41:22 -0400

I am not sure, to be honest. I always forget to ask when I am not in uniform. Definitely saved a lot in the BX due to no tax.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Sep 9 at 2015 10:35 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:35:22 -0400

Well if you are including PX/BX and Commissary, I can tell you that the savings at the Commissaries are hundreds per trip. I find that a lot of places no longer offer a discount to military or Veterans.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Sep 9 at 2015 11:33 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:33:25 -0400

Hmmm, when we spend a lot of time at Lowes... and that makes a big difference. There are several other places we frequent that have 10% discounts as well - REI, Alpine Store, and Moosejaw! There is also an awesome hotel in STL that retails for 2-300 per room, and often has a salute to heroes rate that is less than half the normal cost. So, I suspect a good bit.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 10 at 2015 12:18 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:18:37 -0400

Not a lot but anything is appreciated. I got a $5 discount on an oil change today and didn't even know it until I read the receipt later. I guess because I was wearing an army cap. I never think to ask for military or senior citizen discounts or I could save a bunch more. The one place that has always refused to give me a discount is Lowe's. My VA card does not have a picture on it so they won't take it. I showed the manager my discharge and my DD214 but he says that neither prove that I was in the military. Basically the only thing that he wants is an active duty ID card. I also noticed not long ago that they have taken down the sign that was on the door offering military discounts. Probably just that store but not worth arguing about.