If you or a loved one serves in the U.S. military, you could be missing out on the chance to save a lot of money. Many companies offer special deals for men and women in uniform.

With a little digging, I turned up the following military discounts:

  • Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) offer 15% off monthly cell phone services.
  • Ford (NYSE: F) offers a $500 discount to qualifying active and reserve service people.
  • Lowe's offers a 10% discount to active, reserve, retired, and disabled military personnel and their immediate family members.
  • Wendy's/Arby's (NYSE: WEN) and Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) are among food chains that also offer discounts to military personnel, on a location-by-location basis. Just ask -- an ID or uniform might be required as well.
  • Computer makers Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) andDell offer military discounts, which may vary depending on what you buy and what you qualify for.  

If you're in the military, look into the companies you patronize to see whether they offer valuable perks. You may be able to snag a significant discount on products or services you use all the time, or on expected upcoming expenses. Remember, some apply only to active duty service members, others to anyone serving in a uniform, and still others to veterans. And if you've found any other military discounts worth sharing, feel free to sound off in the comments box below.

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