Some seniors receive a pension while others get by on social security. In either case, the income is fixed; finding free goodies and good deals can be a monetary lifesaver in today’s economy.

Those who took advantage of early-bird discounts are finding that restaurants have switched to coupons or club memberships. I say join them all! Red Robin, Johnny Carino’s, Uno’s and Mimi’s (to name a few) are local Brentwood/Antioch eateries that offer free memberships and occasional coupons. It makes sense to sign up and receive the two-for-one dinners, free muffins or birthday burgers. If your favorite seniors have no Internet access, do it for them. Then join yourself and take them for an inexpensive and fun dinner. With nine grandchildren, I joined everything. No laughing, but I’m officially a member of the Chuck E. Cheese Club.

When you sign up for our local J.C. Penney’s free club and spend $250 in one month, you’ll receive a $10 gift certificate. Another fun way to save is by participating in Penney’s online survey. When you make an initial purchase at the store, you’ll find a Web address printed at the bottom of your receipt. Simply log on, complete the short survey and print out your 15-percent discount coupon.

If you join the Carter’s and Oshkosh B’Gosh clubs, you’ll receive a coupon each month for 20 percent off, plus … yup, you got it: money! You get quality merchandise at deep discounts and the store gives you bonus money to get those birthday gifts for the grandkids and great grandkids.

Now for some free stuff. The California Telephone Access Program offers free telephones to California residents (with existing telephone service) who suffer from hearing, mobility, speech or vision problems. The program offers free top-of-the-line cordless phones with all the bells and whistles – literally – for seniors who qualify. All you need is your primary care physician’s signature on the application form. To get an application, call 800-806-1191, or call me at 925-922-0314 and I’ll have an application sent to you.

MedSolutions in Brentwood offers form-fitted shoes that are free with a prescription from a doctor stating that you have been diagnosed with diabetes. There are several types of shoes to choose from featuring heat-molded inserts to perfectly fit your foot. You can get one pair per year – and they are quite stylish. Call 925-634-7791.

Marla Luckhardt is a Discovery Bay resident and member of the East Contra Costa Senior Coalition. She works with several local senior care and advocacy groups, including Homelife Senior Care. E-mail Luckhardt at marla2054@aol.com.