5 Industries That Put Money Back in Veterans’ Wallets

Soldiers must be willing to put their lives on the line at a moment’s notice in times of war. Even during times of peace, they must make sacrifices, which can mean months or even years away from their families and constant moving and uprooting. In addition to all of this, there is the physical wear and tear on their bodies and the general stress of their overwhelming responsibilities.

While there is nothing that could completely repay them for their service, there are a number of industries that try to help veterans out with discounts on goods and services as well as with other benefits. Some of these are fairly common knowledge, while others are less known. Some are advertised, and some must be asked for. It never hurts to ask if there is a military discount because many companies are more than willing to provide one even if it is not their standard policy.

Here are five industries that work to put money back in the pockets of veterans as a way of thanking them for their service.

The Auto Industry

From buying a car to insuring it and keeping it running correctly, the auto industry provides a number of different discounts for veterans and their families. Some of these include:

• Discounts and special financing plans to help buy or lease a new or used vehicle.
• Discounts on car rentals whether it is to get to or from deployments and bases or during your vacations after your service has ended.
• Special offers on accessories for vehicles at a number of retailers.
• Service discounts, including oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled or emergency repairs.
• A number of auto insurance providers offer discounts to veterans. Some of these are general discounts, while others are offered to specific branches of the military. It is important to ask your insurance provider if this discount is offered while shopping for the best rates. Most providers do advertise their military discounts on their websites, but a few do not.

The Financial Industry

While banking may not seem like an important detail to an active military person, it and so many of the other “small” details of life must still be taken care of, especially if there is a family at home. Bills must still be paid, checks deposited, and other money-related tasks must also be handled. Thankfully, banks and other related financial service agencies offer discounts.  

• Special bank rates for military veterans and active-duty members. This may also include special types of accounts that give better protection against overdrafts and random fees.
• The GI bill, which most people are familiar with, offers assistance for college education after military service. However, many people may not know that the proceeds of the bill can be transferred to a spouse or to dependents under certain conditions.
• Veterans may qualify for assistance with tax preparation and filing, with some tax preparation companies even offering to do it for free.
• The Veterans Association (VA) has long helped veterans to buy or keep their homes through special loans and financing options. There are also credit repair workshops that can help get problems taken care of before they become serious.
• The VA also keeps a listing of foreclosures that are offered to veterans first so that they can buy homes that are deeply discounted, although they may need repair.

The Entertainment Industry

Veterans like a good night on the town as much as anyone else, and there are discounts to help them get more bang for their buck.

• Most restaurants offer military discounts. Some are at limited times or only for certain meals, while others have no restrictions. It never hurts to ask.
• Some theaters have discount pricing on tickets for veterans and their families, especially for select movies.
• Amusement parks often offer veteran discounts or have special veteran days with special pricing available.
• Other discounts include plays, concerts, and other events.

Shipping and Storage

When a military member is deployed, they rely on mail as one way to stay connected to friends and family. This can be particularly important during the holidays. They must also store some or all of their possessions, especially if they are going to be gone for a long period and are far from their family.

• There are a number of ways to get discounts on shipping and shipping supplies, especially if you are sending a package or mail to a military member overseas.
• Storage facilities will often offer discounts or special pricing to military members so that they can safely store their belongings while they are gone.

Electronics and Services

In addition to mail, military members and veterans rely heavily on computers, phones, and related services to stay in touch with loved ones as well as to handle their day-to-day tasks, especially after they end their service once and for all.

• Buying a new cell phone or changing cell phone service can come with a discount for military members, both active and veteran, through certain providers. Again, it never hurts to ask if these discounts are offered even if they are not advertised.
• Some Internet service providers offer monthly discounts on service, while others may offer discounts on connection or waive service fees for installation or repair services.
• Computer stores may offer discounts on new or rebuilt PCs and laptops. They may also provide service and repairs at discounted prices.

We all owe our veterans a great deal for their sacrifices for all of us. When industries acknowledge that sacrifice by offering discounts to put money back in the pockets of veterans, it is a wonderful thing. The key is to make sure veterans are aware of these discounts and take advantage of them. It never hurts to ask if a veteran’s discount is offered, no matter where you are. These types of deals are not always advertised or listed, which should not stand in the way of veterans getting a little back for all they have given.

For companies interested in hiring veterans, it’s important to ensure your company's culture is veteran-friendly. Then you can confidently begin advertising jobs for veterans and recruiting the top talent your company deserves.