By Jason Alderman

We all love a good bargain, no matter what our age. But if you're a senior citizen on a fixed income, finding discounted goods and services can mean the difference between making ends meet and going without.

The good news is that tons of senior discounts are available - often for people as young as 50. One caveat right up front: Although many senior discounts are substantial, you sometimes can find better bargains - especially on travel-related expenses like airfare, hotels and rental cars. So always do your research first before requesting the senior rate.

Here's a roundup of some of the best senior discounts I've found:

An AARP membership costs only $16 a year for anyone over age 50, including free membership for spouses or partners (www.aarp.org). AARP's discounts website features discounts on dozens of products and services including rental cars, hotels, restaurants, clothing and department store chains. AARP also offers an inexpensive driver safety course for drivers over 50 (members and nonmembers alike) that can lower auto insurance premiums by up to 10 percent or more.

Popular AARP discounts include :

• 20 percent discount on installation or upgrades to ADT home security systems.
• 45 percent off membership to Angie's List.
• 20 percent off purchases from 1-800-FLOWERS.com.
• Up to 25 percent off car rentals from Avis and Budget.
• Up to 20 percent discount at many hotel chains including Hyatt, Hilton, Wyndham, Best Western, Days Inn and Ramada, among others.
• 10 to 20 percent off at many restaurant chains, including Claim Jumper, Denny's and Outback Steakhouse.
• 15 percent off many Geek Squad services from Best Buy.
• A free 45-minute consultation with an Allstate Legal Services Network attorney, as well as 20 percent off member attorneys' fees.

A quick Google search will uncover numerous other senior discount resources. One popular site is SeniorDiscounts.com, an online directory of more than 220,000 U.S. business locations that offer discounts to people over 50. Registration is free, although they also offer a $12.95/year premium that offers members-only discounts and other perks. Other good sites include Brad's Deals, Sciddy.com and Savvy Senior.

Other commonly available senior discounts include :

• A 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains for travelers over age 62.
• Greyhound offers a 5 percent discount on unrestricted fares (over 62).
• Southwest Airlines offers senior fares (over 65). Although not necessarily their lowest available rates, Southwest's senior fares are fully refundable.
• The U.S. Geologic Survey senior pass (over 62) provides free lifetime access to more than 2,000 government-managed recreational sites (including national parks), as well as discounts on camping and other amenities. Senior passes cost $10 in person or $20 by mail (http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html).
• Verizon Wireless offers discounted mobile phone service for subscribers over 65.
• Both Walgreens and Rite Aid offer monthly senior discount days for members of their rewards programs when most non-prescription items are 15 to 20 percent off. Ask your neighborhood pharmacy if they offer similar programs.

In addition, many restaurants, department stores, movie theaters, museums, theme parks, banks, credit card issuers, utilities (including gas and electric, water, garbage, telephone and cable) and other businesses offer special discounts or promotions for seniors. Always ask before your purchase is rung up.

Bottom line: Abundant resources are available to help seniors save money on purchases large and small. You just have to do a little research - and ask whether senior discounts are available. Remember, 10 percent here and 20 percent there can really add up.

Rebuilding Together Hosts April 5 Trivia Night

Quad Cities, IA/IL: Rebuilding Together Quad Cities, a volunteer-based home rehabilitation group, will host an April 5 trivia night to help support its work. The group provides free repairs for elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners who are physically or financially unable to do the work themselves.

The trivia night is Saturday, April 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1111 W. 35^th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 pm. with the trivia game starting at 7:00 pm. Cost to play is $10 per player. Mulligan and doubler stickers will be sold, along with chances to bid on extra assistance from a "rent a geek" in the latter rounds of play. The event also features a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Players may bring snacks for their tables, but no carry-in drinks are allowed. A cash bar is available.

To reserve a table of up to eight players, please call 563-322-6534 or email trivia@rebuildingtogetherquadcities.org. The group will also take reservations via its Facebook page at RebuildingTogetherQuadCities

MOLINE - Feb. 28, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon was today joined by representatives of Verizon and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to name four Moline High School students the first place winners of the "NO MORE Dating Abuse" video challenge. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

"It is important that young people can recognize signs of an unhealthy relationship and know how to get out," said Simon, a former prosecutor who founded Virtual Legal Clinics to aid abuse survivors in underserved areas of the state. "These students produced strong messages to help their peers identify the signs of unhealthy relationships and showed that it's never too late to seek help or speak up when you see a friend in trouble."

Now in its second year, this challenge is the first of its kind in Illinois and is coordinated by the ICADV and the Lt. Governor's office, and sponsored by Verizon. Last September, all high schools throughout the state were encouraged to invite their students to submit a video that called for the end of teen dating violence and promoted healthy relationships. Moline High School received $1,000 for submitting the winning entries, and students on the winning team received iPads.

"Two primary components are highlighted by this project: the public and private partnerships with Verizon and the Lt. Governor's Office, and the enthusiasm and engagement of the youth all working together to help end domestic violence in Illinois," said ICADV Chief Executive Officer Vickie Smith.

"The unique perspective that teens bring to these videos is so important in helping to increase their understanding, awareness and communication on the topic of healthy relationships and domestic violence," said Verizon Wireless Region President Brian Pascoe. "We are proud of their work and appreciate the opportunity to support this program with the Lt. Governor."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), almost 10 percent of high school students reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend. About one in five women and nearly one in seven men who have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age, the CDCP reports.

The winning videographers at Moline High School are: Gabrielle Pinc, Travis Meier, Elane Edwards and J.J. Schrick. Their nearly one-minute video shows teens how to identify the signs of an unhealthy relationship, how victims can get help, and urges teens to support healthy relationships. The second and third place teams are from South Elgin High School Beacon Academy and Eastland Junior/Senior High School in Lanark, IL, respectively. To view the top three winning videos, please visit www.ilcadv.org.