It may sound counterintuitive to open your wallet if you want to save money, but a quick look at its contents might provide some cost-saving opportunities. For instance, your AARP card can provide discounts at fitness facilities and drugstores and on some insurance products. Your AAA card offers savings on prescription drugs at many pharmacies and in some regions — although not in Central Oregon — a price break on memberships to emergency air transport services. Even your credit card might be a source of discounts. Many credit cards provide coupons you can use at drugstores and sporting goods stores.

Discounts for cardholders are usually detailed on the company or organization’s Web site, and many have e-mail newsletters that detail special offers when they arise. And of course, membership stores such as Costco or Bi-Mart often have lower prices for health services or products than you’ll find at local drugstores or clinics.

— Markian Hawryluk, The Bulletin