Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

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Are you a crafty military spouse on the hunt for great military discounts? We are too and that’s why we’re sharing our favorite craft stores to shop at and which ones have military discounts.

DIY Military Spouses Can Score a Military Discount at These 9 Stores

Michaels

Simply present your military ID card at checkout and the clerk will give you a 15% military discount.

Previously, there was a special day of the week that this military discount was eligible to be used, however; they have recently changed it to a daily discount.

AC Moore

AC Moore has a 15% military discount. It is available every day and can be used on regular priced items as well as discounted items. Be ready to show your ID card at the register to receive this military discount.

A fantastic addition is that you can use their item discount coupons along with the military discount for an even better savings.

Lastly, AC Moore has a rewards program. Ask your cashier for a rewards card at the checkout. Scan it each time you shop at AC Moore and you will receive a certificate for money toward your future purchases.

9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

Do you ask for a military discount when buying craft supplies?

Jo-Ann

Service members and their family members that have a military ID card can receive a 10% military discount that can be applied to regular, sale and clearance items. Some things are excluded from using a military discount such as classes, magazines and cutting machines.

Yankee Candle

Some crafters use candles in their projects. Yankee Candle offers a 10% discount to all active and retired service members. A military ID card is required to make the purchase in person. You can also use the military discount for purchases made online.

Overstock

Overstock does not have a specific military discount. They do however provide free Club O membership for military personnel.

With that, military spouses can get 5% reward dollars every time they make a purchase and enjoy free shipping as well as extra reward dollars. Overstock has many items for crafty military spouses. You can order cutting machines, sewing machines, scrapbooking items and more.

Lowe’s Home Improvement

It might surprise some military spouses to see Lowe’s on the list for craft supply stores. Though it is not your typical craft store, there are so many possibilities here.

Working on a craft project that requires wood? They’ll cut it down to size for you.

The super store has many items that can be used for craft projects. They have friendly staff that can take you right to the item you’re looking for as well.

They’ll even give you a 10% military discount when you check out.

Home Depot

Home Depot offers a 10% military discount. You’d be surprised how many things you can make out of non-traditional craft items here.

Home Depot even has a section of their site dedicated to craft ideas and products to use to make them if you need some ideas.

Old Time Pottery

Old Time Pottery has a vast selection of items that appeal to creative military spouses. Their prices are very low and they even offer a 10% military discount.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams offers a 15% military discount on paints, stains and painting supplies. There are endless possibilities for crafters here.

Feeling inspired? Head out to one of these stores and get creative. Make sure you take a picture of your project to share with us.

Do you love to take photos? Enter your favorite picture in this month’s photo contest with MilitaryShoppers. Click here to enter to win.

15 Military Discounts for a Great School Year

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The back-to-school ritual of buying school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers and clothing can take a bite out of your budget. I know I had sticker shock when buying school supplies for my 2 children. The total cost was insane.

And we still needed to buy new tennis shoes for both of them. I pray that they don’t grow out of their shoes before Halloween.

Military Discounts for a Great School Year

We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.

The costs of getting your kids back to school is no joke. Once school starts, the expenses don’t end. There are still the after-school activities and possibly hiring a tutor to help get your student through chemistry or French.

You can reduce these growing expenses by shopping at stores that offer a military discount. We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.

15 Military Discounts for a Great School Year

Dressing for Success

Old Navy. If you are looking to buy school uniforms (or comfortable school clothes) for your military child, be sure to stop by Old Navy and take advantage of their 10% military discount. This offer is valid for active duty, retired, reserve and military spouses. You must present your military ID card at the time of purchase at the store. This discount is not available for online purchases.

Nike. Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Foot Locker. Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount.

Finish Line. Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Payless. This shoe store offers a 10% military discount.

Stride Rite. If you have preschoolers, don’t forget to ask about Stride Rite’s 10% military discount.

Adidas Shoes. Adidas Shoes offers a 10% military discount.

Under Armour. Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through ID.ME.

Abercrombie & Fitch. The military discount at this store may be 10% or 15%, depending on the location.

Aeropostale. This clothing store offers a military discount of either 10% or 20% depending on the location.

American Eagle Outfitters. American Eagle Outfitters has a 10% to 15% military discount that is available, at the manager’s discretion.

Claire’s. They have a 20% military discount on accessories and jewelry.

Kohl’s. Kohl’s offers a 15% military discount at select stores nationwide.

Gap. The Gap offers a 10% discount on the first of every month. It is available in store only.

When Your Child Needs Help on His Homework

Tutor.com. Active duty service members and their dependents (grades K-12) can receive free tutoring and homework help through Tutor.com. Tutor.com says that “Students can get personalized help in 40 Math, Science, Social Studies, English and World Language subjects, including Algebra, Statistics, Biology, Essay Writing, Spanish, German and French.”

Tutors are also available to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT.

Students can connect with tutors online through their smart phones and tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available every day except on January 1, Thanksgiving and December 25.

This free service is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) MWR Library Program, the DoD Navy General Library Program, the DoD Voluntary Education Program and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

Hire a military spouse. Let’s say your wife is the math whiz in your house, but she’s away for training when your teenager is asking you questions about his geometry homework. Consider hiring a military spouse to temporarily or occasionally tutor your child.

Many military spouses have degrees in education and because of various circumstances they aren’t working full-time. They may be interested in spending 5 hours a week teaching your military child. This can be an affordable option for face-to-face tutoring for military families.

Preparing for College Testing

eKnowledge. Is your military child dreading the ACT or SAT test? Consider enrolling her in eKnowledge’s SAT and ACT College Test Preparation Programs. This interactive, multimedia and online course is available to military dependents for free.

When You’re Feeling the Pinch of Private Tuition

Many private schools offer a military discount, but you need to ask for it. Before you pay the enrollment fees, be sure to speak with a school administrator. Parents should be ready to explain their situation (active duty family, one income) and then ask directly if there’s a possibility of a discount.

Did we miss any great military discounts for this list? Please tell us in the comments section.

Military Discounts for Water Parks, Swimsuits and Life Jackets

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Whether you want to spend the day at a water park, on a lake or in your backyard, we’ve gathered 21 great military discounts you need to know about to have a great time with your family.

Looking for a new swimsuit, life jacket or raft? Make sure you shop with a retailer that has a military discount. Plan on going to a water park? Check out our list below for a military discount before you head out the door.

21 Military Discounts for Water Lovers

Water Parks

Great Wolf Lodge offers a military discount through a program they call Howling Heroes. It provides up to 30% off on rooms and park passes for military families.

Big Surf Waterpark has military tickets for $19.99 instead of $32.95 but you can only purchase them in person; this military discount is not available online.

Dollywood’s Splash Country offers a great military discount of 30% off one day water park pass to all reservists, active or retired military, disabled veterans, and spouses and dependents with valid military IDs. These tickets must be purchased at the gate.

Splashin’ Safari at Holiday World has a military discount for anyone with a valid ID for $12 off full-price general admission tickets. They can also get $5 off guests that are under 54” as well as senior tickets, up to 6 tickets per visit.

Soak City at King’s Dominion provides a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID for single day tickets. These can be purchased online or at the gate. The park also hosts special military appreciation days where all those with a valid military ID get in free, such as on Memorial Day Weekend.

Wild Waves Water Park offers a military discount at the gate to those with a valid military ID.

Deep River Water Park is offering free admission for active duty, veterans and their families on any Monday or Thursday this year as well as on two Sundays, June 18 and August 13. You must print their coupon or show it on your phone along with your military ID to get in for free.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has a program known as Waves of Honor. Instead of a military discount, they offer one day free entry to all active duty, reservists, and National Guardsman as well as up to 3 dependents each year. You need to register online or at the park to get free admission.

Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park offers a military discount of $7 off a one-day pass for any person with a valid military ID.

Wild River Country has a military discount of $5 off admission to those with a valid military ID. These tickets must be purchased in person.

Swimsuits, Life Jackets, Pools and Water Accessories

Aeropostale offers 10% military discount on purchases with a valid military ID.

Columbia Sportswear offers a 10% military discount online and in store.

Old Navy has a 10% military discount available to all those with a valid military ID.

Under Armor gives a 15% military discount in store with a valid military ID.

L.L. Bean provides a 10% military discount to anyone with a valid military ID at most stores.

Gander Mountain offers a 10% military discount to anyone with a current military ID.

Overstock.com has a military program known as Club O Gold where military families can receive 5% reward dollars on purchases as well as free shipping. You can purchase anything from life jackets  and swimsuits to swimming pools and boats on their site.

Bass Pro Shops has a military discount that starts on the 15th of every month and runs for one week. There are many items that are excluded from the discount. You must show a valid military ID to receive the discount.

Lowe’s offers a military discount of 10% off to anyone with a current military ID.

Home Depot has a 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, to all active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

Sam’s Club offers a $15 gift card to military families that purchase a membership. You’ll find anything from goggles and fins to rafts and beach towels to satisfy your water fun side.

There are many more water parks and retailers that offer military discounts. Make sure you remember to ask before paying full price for your water fun this summer.

Have you used any of these military discounts? Give a shout-out to your favorite store or attraction that offers a military discount in the comments section.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

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It was the perfect date followed by the perfect proposal. Or maybe it was a casual conversation that revealed you both couldn’t imagine a life without the other.

Whatever the circumstances, congratulations on your engagement! Now all that’s left to be done is pick a date, plan the wedding, go on your honeymoon and live happily ever after.

Did you know the average wedding in the United States costs about $30,000?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of cash just sitting around waiting to be spent. What I do have, however, is a list of great military discounts for your wedding that can help you drop the cost while still having an amazing day.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

Save money on your military wedding with these military discounts on everything from your engagement ring to your ceremony venue.

Military Discounts for Your Wedding

The Ring

Diamonds or gems, simple or ornate, an engagement ring and wedding bands can take a healthy chunk of your budget. Stretch your dollars while still finding the perfect ring by checking out these fine retailers:

The Dress

Wedding dresses don’t come cheap, but these retailers offer discounts to military brides.

In addition to military discounts, many national and local retailers regularly offer free or deeply discounted dresses to military brides.

Do a Google search for “free military bride wedding dress” and visit any interesting links. If you’re planning on a long engagement, set up a Google alert for the search so any new opportunities land right in your inbox. (Thanks to NextGen MilSpouse for this great tip!)

The Tux

The bride isn’t the only one who gets to dress to the nines at their wedding. Check out these discounts on both purchase and rentals of tuxedos for the big day.

The Venue

Many national hotel chains offer military discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask if they will extend that discount to their ballrooms and entertainment areas.

Destination wedding venues often offer military discounts. Check out this great list of wedding venues complied by MOAA. Each one offers a great military discount on wedding packages.

 The Honeymoon

  • Consider a cruise for your honeymoon and check out this list of cruise lines that offer military discounts
  • Sandals Resorts offer a 10% military discount
  • Environmentally conscious? Travel to Sri Lanka and take a private conservation tour, take a private cruise on a chartered yacht or learn to cook in Italy. Check out this great list of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures perfect for a honeymoon — and all complete with military discount.

Other Ways to Save on Your Military Wedding

No matter the expense, it never hurts to ask for a military discount. Even 5% or 10% can really add up when your florist, cake baker, make-up artist, hairstylist, and photographer all offer you a special rate on your special day.

Search for Veteran or Military Spouse Vendors

Be it caterers, photographers, DJs or officiants, one great way to land a fabulous price is to look for service providers who are military spouses or veterans. Find veteran- and military spouse-owned business in your area by searching the Veteran Owned Business Directory. Many offer military discounts.

Get Married on Post

If you live close enough to an installation with a chapel big enough for your event, consider getting married on post. Typically, use of the on-post chapel is free and chaplains marry couples as part of their military duties. Some installations also have community centers or consolidated clubs capable of hosting wedding receptions.

Never miss a military discount. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter today.

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

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Ahhhhhhh, summer! A time to kick back, relax and go insane when your children say, for the millionth time:

“I’m bored.”

Instead of listening to them complain about their free time, send your military kids to camp this summer. And do it on the cheap at these free or discounted summer camps.

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

Has your child attended any of these camps for military kids?

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

Operation Purple Camp

These are special camps just for military kids. They are held in a variety of locations around the country throughout the summer. Different camps run at different times and spots go quickly.

If you want to get your child into an Operation Purple Camp this summer, the time to act is now! Be sure to read the FAQs about who is eligible and the application process. While applicants are accepted mostly on a first-come, first-served basis, priority goes to kids with a parent deployed within the last year.

Armed Services YMCA

The Armed Services YMCA is a great resource for military families year-round, but it’s especially awesome in the summer. Through Operation Outdoors, the Armed Services YMCA helps to get military children enrolled in summer camps across the country.

To find out more about camp opportunities near you, contact your local ASYMCA branch.

American Wanderer Summer Camp

This camp is a super deluxe all-inclusive way to explore National Parks across the United States. Campers ages 11-17 can travel in “cabins on wheel” to different sites throughout each one-week session.

Military discounts and scholarships are available.

Camp Corral

This is a summer camp that is open to all military children, with priority given to the kids of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. With locations from California to Florida, Camp Corral can reach a great number of military children and families. Spots are limited, so be sure to register your child early.

Military Teen Adventure Camps

For teens ages 14-18, the typical summer camp experience might start to get old. That’s where these adventure camps come into play. With locations in several states around the country, military children can enjoy exciting new experiences with their peers.

These camps aren’t limited to the summer either. There are camping opportunities throughout the year! Find out more about the camps by location or date.

Camp Yellow Ribbon

Military children go through a lot. This Wisconsin camp, hosted by Easter Seals, aims to help ease that burden. Camp Yellow Ribbon is open to all military children! Find out more or register today.

Channel 3 Kids Camp

This is a camp just for military kids in Connecticut! Celebrate America and being a military child, over the week of July 4th at this camp. This camp has been around for several years and is part of Operation Purple!

Semper Fi Fund Kids Camps

These camps go beyond the summer by pairing high-school-aged military kids with younger children. They develop the bond during a summer session. Then they continue to connect throughout the school year in a mentor/mentee relationship.

The Semper Fi Fund Kids Camps are designed to help military kids learn coping skills and develop lifelong bonds to support each other. For more information, contact SffKidsCamp@semperfifund.org.

Ask for a Military Discount at Your Local Summer Camps

If your child isn’t attending one of these military child-specific summer camps, there are other options. Reach out to programs where you live and ask about military discounts. Some programs might not advertise their military deals or may offer them on a by-request basis.

Has your child attended any of these camps for military kids? Would you recommend them? Why or why not? Did we miss a great camp? Tell us in the comments!

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

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When considering a Disney vacation, I thought about the amusing rides, the smiling family photo with Mickey and an epic family vacation that we would talk about for years.

During my husband’s deployment, we decided we may want to go to DisneyWorld to celebrate his homecoming. The key word in that sentence is “may.” Before making our final decision, my husband and I discussed a lot of options for a family Disney vacation:

  • Is now the right time to take the girls? Are they still too young?
  • Which resort should we stay at? Should we stay off-property to save money?
  • Which ticket package is best for us? Is a 4-day ticket enough time to see all 4 parks at Walt Disney World?
  • Why are we driving to Orlando to walk around the park when we can hop on a cruise and relax for 5 days?
  • Is an epic Disney vacation a terrible way to reunite our family after months apart? Or is it the bonding experience that we need?

In the end we decided that yes, we definitely wanted to surprise our daughters with a family vacation to DisneyWorld in early February.

Now came the really hard part: Budgeting for our family vacation.

Luckily for us and for you too, Disney offers fantastic military discounts that help reduce the cost of visiting these theme parks.

Here are the details on military discounts that you don’t want to miss when planning your Disney vacation.

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

Many hotels near DisneyWorld and Disneyland offer significant military discounts (up to 40%) so always ask for one when making your reservation.

Specially Priced Tickets

When planning a Disney vacation, military families need to take advantage of specially priced tickets available to them. Each year Disney announces its military discounts on tickets for that year.

For 2017, a Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket is $224 and a Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is $209 for DisneyWorld. The Park Hopper option is available for an additional cost. You can also add the Water Park Fun & More Option to your ticket.

If you live in California and plan to visit Disneyland, there are also discounted tickets available. A 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets is $156 and a 4-Day is $181.

Note: These tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be transferred.

These tickets must be purchased before December 19 at your military installation’s ticket office, commonly referred to as ITT. You can’t purchase more than 6 tickets at this discounted price.

This military discount is available to active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, Coast Guard, military spouses and retired service members. Be prepared to show your military ID card when purchasing these tickets.

Military Discounts on Hotels

Since it was our first Disney vacation, we decided to book a hotel at Shades of Green, the military resort near DisneyWorld. I’m really happy with our decision. The hotel is conveniently located near the parks and there was a bus shuttle to take us to the parks each morning.

I highly recommend making your reservations early, since Shades of Green can fill up quickly. Be prepared to submit your military ID card information when making your reservation.

Many hotels near DisneyWorld and Disneyland offer significant military discounts (up to 40%) so always ask for one when making your reservation.

Military Discount on Memory Maker, Disney’s Photo Package

When I first saw the price of Disney’s Memory Maker, I said, “No way. We’ll take our own photos. Thank you very much.” But then a friend told me that there’s a military discount on the photo pass.

For $84 plus tax, service members can purchase a DisneyWorld’s Memory Maker. The price is $49 plus tax at Disneyland.

This military discount on the photo package is only available at the Guest Relations office at the parks. The website said that there may be a 3-day delay between the date of purchase and activation, but we didn’t find that information to be accurate. We purchased our Memory Maker the night we arrived in Orlando and we were using it at Magic Kingdom the next morning. I hope that works for all military families.

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

Did you know there’s a military discount on Disney’s photo service? Visit Guest Relations at any park for more information.

Because of this military discount, we decided to purchase the Memory Maker. With this pre-paid photo package we got photos of us on a few rides, including my favorite Tower of Terror and fantastic family photos with the Disney characters.

Planning a Disney vacation is a lot of work. But by spending some time researching military discounts, you can save money on tickets and hotels. That gives you more money to spend on souvenirs because everyone knows you can’t have too much Disney stuff.

Are you always on the hunt for military discounts? Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter today.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Vacation Deals for Military Families

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Everyone loves a vacation! Military families and veterans can love their vacations even more when they take advantage of these sweet deals and discounts.

Sandals and Beaches

Sandals and Beaches offer an additional 10% off for U.S. and Canadian military members. This includes: active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired and veterans as well as Department of Defense employees. Military spouses can also take advantage of this great deal too.

Sandals is an adults only resort chain located throughout the Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Bahamas. Beaches is a family resort with similar locations. Guests at these 2 chains will have an all-inclusive experience with all food, drinks, non-motorized water and land sports and entertainment. At Beaches, you can expect all of that plus daily child care and activities for kiddos from infant to teen.

Guests can combine the 10% discount with all other specials offered by Sandals and Beaches. To get the 10% discount, call the numbers listed on the websites.

Disney Cruises

For Disney lovers who want to sail the seven seas, Disney Cruises are offering military discounts on select sailings this spring. To book, visit their website.

Once on board, almost everything is taken care of, from food to entertainment. Just about the only thing you will need to handle are drinks and child care!

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a military discount on select sailings for active duty, retired and honorably discharged troops, as well as their spouses. Royal Caribbean cruises to many destinations worldwide and offers a variety of packages for dining and drinks. There are also programs for children, teens and families, plus shore excursions. To find out more, contact the cruise line directly.

Coffee Creek Ranch

Pack up your family and head to a real dude ranch in California. This is an all-inclusive resort that specializes in creating a fun ranch experience. Daily horseback riding, meals, drinks and nightly activities are included.

Service members can get 50% off posted rates year-round, but cannot combine this discount with any other offer. Veterans can get 30% off during Memorial Day weekend and the week following. To get your discount, call the resort directly.

Ocean Club Resort

Located in beautiful Turks and Caicos, Ocean Club Resort offers a 10% discount in the winter and a 20% discount in the summer to military personnel.

This is not an all-inclusive resort but does offer a dining package at an additional cost. There are 2 sister properties and guests can use the amenities at both. Guests can also arrange a variety of tours and excursions through the resort. This resort also features multi-bedroom suites at each of their properties.

To book a stay with the military discount, please call the resort directly. The booking agent should be able to get you the best deal with either the discount or the best promotional rates.

Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay Resort is located on Duck Key in the Florida Keys. With activities for the whole family and marina slips available, plus a world class spa, this resort is a great fit for everyone. Hawks Cay is not an all-inclusive resort, but it does have many land and water activities built into your resort fee.

This resort offers military discounts year-round, as well as a special military discount period from the late summer to early winter. To book using these options, visit their website and view their special offers. Or you can call the resort booking agent directly.

Shades of Green

Shades of Green is a Walt Disney World affiliated resort offering room and vacation packages to military and DOD personnel. This resort offers packages for active duty, Reserve, Guard, veteran and retired personnel, as well as their families. While this resort is not all-inclusive, it does offer several packages with meals.

Shades of Green is a very popular destination for vacationing military families and rooms do book very quickly. Tickets to Disney World and other area attractions are not included in the room rates or packages.

Do you love a military discount? Sign up for Military Shoppers newsletter and money saving tips and deals will be delivered to your inbox!

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

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Music lovers rejoice; military discounts are available for items ranging from concert tickets and radio subscriptions to instruments and gear.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

We’ve gathered 15 musical military discounts for you to explore. Try some of these today and let us know what your favorites are.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Music & Arts started in Bethesda, Md., as a small music store. Today it is a national music store chain. If you are in the market for music gear, Music & Arts is a wonderful place to look. They have more than 140 stores as well as over 50,000 products on MusicArts.com. They offer a 10% military discount for online purchases.

GovX has exclusive discounted tickets for veterans and their families. You can get great deals on concert tickets with GovX.

SiriusXM lets you take great music anywhere you go. Why settle for what’s on the radio, when SiriusXM offers a 25% military discount for the life of any subscription.

The Exchange has an exceptional selection of music. Don’t forget that you can shop in store or online. Online shopping will be open to all veterans starting Veterans Day 2017.

The exchange price matches, so if you find a better price out in town bring the ad in to the exchange and show them. They will match that price and you will save on sales tax since the exchange is tax free.

Overstock.com has a program just for military families called Club O Military and it is free to join. Military families get free shipping, earn 5% rewards dollars, and receive exclusive emails and early access to sales.

You can stock up on all your favorite music in different formats with Overstock.com.

Learning a new instrument? You’ll find everything from a ukulele to drums available for sale as well.

Veterans Advantage offers a military discount on many things including concert tickets. Simply register to get access to the great deals.

At Ticket Club, military members can sign up for free membership, which will save you $50. Ticket Club has fabulous rates for concert tickets.

Vet Tix is an easy way to find tickets to events. The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), which is a national nonprofit organization that gives free event tickets to service members and veterans.

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

Next time there’s a concert coming to town, check with Vet Tix.

Tidal offers a 40% off military discount for either of its programs that provide access to your favorite music. With Tidal, you can listen to music anywhere with great quality.

Carnegie Hall is a famous place to take the family. All service members can enjoy a military discount of 30% off ticket prices. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office and there is a limit of 2 tickets per person.

Music for All is a national music education organization that provides educational experiences through performance events. You can share your love of music with the family at the Bands of America Championship. Music for All has a military discount of $5 off any type of ticket.

San Diego Symphony offers a military discount of $3 off tickets. If you don’t live near San Diego, check with your local symphony. Many offer military discounts.

Country Music Hall of Fame welcomes military families with a military discount on admission. Bring your family to this Nashville museum to learn more about country music’s history.

Tampa’s Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the southeast. You’ll enjoy fantastic musical performances as well as a nice military discount.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a military discount. Tickets must be purchased in person and a photo ID is required.

These are just a few great music military discounts. There are many more to be found if you take the time to look.

Are you a music lover who also loves a military discount? Tell us about your favorite military discount in the comments section.

8 Cruise Lines that Offer Military Discounts

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Take a breath and close your eyes. Imagine warm Caribbean waters, the soft, rhythmic ping of steel drums, and warm sand between your toes.

No, don’t open your eyes…don’t do it.

No, no, you’re right. It’s winter and we’ve got work to do. But at some point we need a break, a chance to get away, right? And there is no better way to say goodbye to the winter work day doldrums than planning a warm, tropical getaway. Or maybe sightseeing across Europe is more your thing.

Either way, there is no better way to step away from the strain and drain of our everyday lives than on the gleaming white decks of a cruise ship. Better still, is planning that trip knowing a military discount is going to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

Wondering which cruise lines offer the best military discounts? Here are 8 cruise lines to check out.

Carnival

Military travelers on Carnival can snag a discount of $25 to $250 (up to 20% off) per person over regular rates.

However, not all discounts are available all the time on all cruises.

Peak season and holidays might make it difficult to land a discount, so if you can, try booking during off-season for additional savings. Carnival often offers even better discounts for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so if you can, plan ahead for those dates.

Discounts are available to active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel along with retirees, cadets, honorably discharged veterans, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Discounts are given on rooms in which the eligible service member will occupy. However, Carnival will offer periodic discounts that allow for additional cabins to be booked at the discounted rate.

To get the military discount, eligibility must be met by providing a copy of enlistment papers, military ID or current LES, DD-214.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers various discounts throughout the year, but not all discounts are available on all bookings. Typically military discounts are given off specific cabin types and specials such as onboard credit during special military affiliated holidays and Military Appreciation Month.

Discounts are offered to active duty personnel, members of the National Guard or Reserves, honorably discharged veterans, retirees, medically retired service members, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Any discounted rate will be given to all travelers occupying the same cabin as the eligible service member, but the discount may not be extended to other rooms.

A valid military ID will be required to prove eligibility for the discount.

MSC

MSC offers one of the most consistent discounts, with military discounts available on almost all bookings. Discounts include: 10% off balcony, suite, and MSC Yacht Club staterooms and a 5% discount on interior and ocean view rooms. MSC also offers the ability to book multiple rooms so you can enjoy your trip with extended family and friends, all at the discounted rate. Plus, kids who are ages 11 and under cruise for free!

MSC offers their military discounts to active and retired service members, plus members of the National Guard and Reserves. A valid military ID must be presented to demonstrate eligibility.

Disney

A long-time friend to military travelers, Disney Cruise Lines offers military discounts on select bookings. Special military rates are available to all retired and active personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves (with some restrictions).

The discount is limited to one stateroom per military member per sailing. Active duty and retirees must provide valid military ID to qualify. Members of the National Guard and Reserves must provide copy of orders of activation dated no later than January 1 of the previous year to qualify for the discount.

Norwegian & Holland America

On occasion, Norwegian and Holland America will extend a military discount. So if they offer the trip you’ve been dreaming of, check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for any available military discounts.

Princess

As their way of saying thank you to those who serve, Princess offers up to $250 in on-board spending. The military reward offered depends on the length of the cruise booked. Sailings of 6 days or less earn $50, 7 to 13 days earn $100 and if you are lucky enough to book a 2-week trip or long, you’ll receive $250 to spend on board.

Active duty service members, along with honorably discharged veterans and retirees are eligible to receive the spending cash and this reward may be claimed twice per calendar year and combined.

A valid military ID or other proof of service documentation, such as a DD-214, is required and travelers will need to apply for eligibility no less than 2 weeks prior to departure date.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers select rates throughout the year for active duty, National Guard, Reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. Military ID or other proof of service is required during departure check-in.

Looking for more military discounts? Check out the MilitaryShoppers’ military discounts page.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

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Military discounts are abundant at restaurants and retail stores, but when it comes to fitness products and gyms, they are scarce.

Service members and their families are some of the most active individuals and make up a huge shopping network, yet the discounts aren’t there. We’ve done the research and put together this list to help you find gyms and fitness products that offer a military discount.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

Rogue Fitness: Rogue Fitness is a popular site to purchase fitness equipment. They have everything from CrossFit gear to dumb bells to apparel. Their staff includes many current and former service members and their spouses. They ship to APO/FPO addresses.

The Exchange: You don’t need to search for a military discount, just shop at your local Exchange for great savings. Remember that they price match so visit customer service if you find a better deal on the same product they sell.

Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers a great military discount on enrollment plus 20% off dues.

YMCA: The Y has a program where some locations provide free membership for military spouses while their service member is deployed. Some of those locations also offer respite care.

24 Hour Fitness: G.I. Jobs magazine ranked 24 Hour Fitness as a top military friendly employer. They employ many military spouses as well. They offer a military discount on membership and will freeze your account for you if you receive orders that would place you more than 25 miles away from one of their fitness centers.

ACE: Ready to take your fitness to the next level? ACE offers personal trainer and group fitness instructor certifications.

IHRSA: IHRSA created the Joining Forces Network. This brings gyms across America together to provide free memberships to families of deployed Reservists and National Guard members.

Christian Fitness Factory: A 10% military discount is always available to active and retired military on fitness equipment.

Go Ruck: Founded by former Special Ops soldiers, this company creates and sells tactical fitness gear. They offer a 25% military discount.

Foot Locker: Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount with military ID.

Champs Sports: Champs gives military members a 20% military discount with a military ID.

Nike: Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Finish Line: Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Again Faster Equipment: They have a 7% military discount on fitness equipment.

Under Armour: Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through  ID.ME.

Military Cyclist: Military Cyclist offers special pricing for military families. Why look for a new bike shop every time you PCS, when you can get a military discount online? Military Cyclist is owned by a military family and was designed specifically for service members and their families.

These are a few great military discounts available on fitness equipment, gear and gym memberships. Don’t forget about the fitness center at your military installation while searching for the right gym. Most bases have a gym where family members can work out for free. Sign up for a class and give it a try before paying for a gym membership.

Have you ever thought about making a career out of your love for fitness? Having a portable career as a military spouse is important. Many spouses earn fitness certifications and personal trainer certifications that allow them to find jobs anywhere a PCS move might take them. There are programs to earn these certifications where the cost is covered by MYCAA for spouses. If you are interested in taking your fitness enthusiasm to the next level, visit the gym at your local base. Many staff members are military spouses. You can talk to them about certification and job potential.

Are you a fitness enthusiast? Which of these military discounts have you used in the past? Which ones surprised you?