Ways for Oak Park, Illinois Senior Citizens to Save Money

Everybody is "feeling the pinch" and "tightening their belts" nowadays. If you are old enough to remember when those expressions were popular, then you may be retired and on a fixed income. That means careful planning but at least it's an income!

When you are retired, your income is comprised of various sources: Social Security, pensions, dividends and interest, part-time income and -- just as importantly - what you are able to save by taking advantage of special bargains for seniors citizens. Money saved by doing something more economically is extra income that can't be taxed next April. If you live in Oak Park, Illinois, you are already ahead of the game because the Village Township takes care of those who have lived here (or anywhere) for decades. Here are a dozen ways an Oak Park senior can save money.

Cash in your wheels: If you are retired, you may be struggling with expenses related to your faithful gas-guzzler. Factor in the rising tide of road rage, highway construction, icy winter roads and the paucity of parking spaces and maybe driving isn't as much fun now. Selling your car and pocketing what you are spending on gas might make sense because you can get a lot of places without it.

Be smart, get the Smart Card: A person 65 years of age and over can use a Metra "Smart Card" to ride every bus, elevated train and Metra passenger train in the area for free. Sometimes, a Metra conductor will ask to see a personal i.d. For bus and "el" use, just press the Smart Card against the outside of the fare box and you're on. My card has saved me hundreds of dollars already. (To obtain a Smart Card, apply at the Oak Park Township for your application which will cost $5. You will need to show two forms of identification and have a picture taken.)

Speaking of identification: Another advantage of not driving is the switch from driver's license to an Illinois State I.D. card. As your current card or license approaches expiration you will receive a letter instructing you to show up at a convenient Loop address for a new photo i.d. card which will never expire for people 65 or over - and it is free to them.

How about grocery shopping or medical appointments? Even free public transportation may not always be a bargain. Who wants to worry about being on time for an appointment or lug tons of groceries home on the bus? Nobody, that's who, and I speak from personal experience. I gave the use of my parking space to a neighbor and sometimes she takes me places but thanks to the Township, there is also a back-up plan - free curb-to-curb transportation to medical appointments, social activities, shopping, etc. Reservations are accepted at least 14 hours in advance by phoning the Transportation Office (708-338-4806) between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There is such a thing as a free (or ALMOST free) lunch! Thanks to the Senior Lunch Program, well-balanced meals and a chance to mingle are provided at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday daily to seniors 60 or over on the fifth floor of the Township building at 418 S. Oak Park Avenue. A suggested contribution of $1.50 is requested but no one is ever denied for lack of funds. Take a buddy along if you feel a little shy and for free transportation to and from this event, phone Senior Services Transportation (708) 383-4806.

The Dine Out Program: Another way to save money eating out with a little more flexibility at specified local restaurants. Coupons for this program are available to all adults 60 or older for a suggested donation of $3.25. For more information, please call Senior Services (708-383-8060).

Other economical ways to graze. Nola's Cup, 800 S. Oak Park Avenue (708-524-1520) offers a senior discount every day and Oberweis Dairy, 124 N. Oak Park Avenue (708-660-1350) offers a discount on Wednesday. Don't be afraid to ask if discounts are available (you can always do so in the privacy of a telephone call) at other establishments because clerks at such places hesitate to offer discounts to customers who may be sensitive about looking their age and possibly offended.

Take in a movie without being taken to the cleaners! At the Lake Theater, 1022 Lake Street (708-848-9088), it costs an adult $8 for an evening show, $6 for a student and $5.50 for a 62-or-over cinema buff. That's right, a senior citizen can take advantage of the matinee price all day (or evening) long.

Where there's a will, there's a way to save money. Everyone should have a will but hiring a lawyer can be expensive. As a special service for seniors, simple wills are prepared at a low cost by someone at the Township which also provides notary services and special assistance with property tax bills or "circuit-breaker" rent rebates.

The Tax-Aide Program: The Township keeps pumping out the good stuff including IRS trained volunteer counselors who offer Oak Park seniors free preparation of state and federal income tax returns.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): You don't have to just take it lying down. Thanks to the Township, Seniors 60 and over have a friend at SHIP where counselors trained by the Illinois Department of Insurance assist in submitting Medicare health insurance paperwork with appeals and the evaluation of supplemental insurance policies.

Red Tape Cutters: There are times when everyone could use a service like this Benefits Advocacy program which helps seniors to understand and access benefits and services.

More ideas or details can be found at www.oakparktownship.org/seniorservices/services.htm or do it the old-fashioned way and contact Oak Park Township Senior Services by phone at 708-383-8060 or Fax: 708-383-5168. You can always drop by and say "Hi" to the folks at the Township at 418 S. Oak Park Avenue.

Like we used to say back when we were Seniors in high school: "Be there or be square!"