In Tough Economic Times AAA's Show Your Card & Save Program Is Helping New Mexico Consumers Make the Most of Tight Holiday Budgets

ALBUQUERQUE, NM--(Marketwire - November 25, 2008) - As the holiday season approaches many New Mexico residents are concerned with their shrinking 401Ks, a slowing economy, and are seeking ways to make the most of gift giving budgets. Last year AAA's Show Your Card & Save® program saved consumers nearly $1.2 billion by taking advantage of member discounts at consumer electronic stores, booksellers, clothing boutiques and other retail establishments. This equals an average savings of $97.91 for every member who used the program.

AAA's Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world, offering more than 160,000 locations for savings worldwide. Members will find discounted holiday gifts both online and at popular retailers including Dell, Payless Shoe Source, Target.com and Blue Nile this holiday season. The growing popularity of online discounts resulted in a 48 percent increase in use last holiday shopping season.

The average person is expected to spend $631 on gifts this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation, who also reported that for the first time in the survey's history Americans plan to spend less on gifts for family members than they did last year ($466.13 in 2008 vs. $469.14 last year). AAA's member savings program can help budget-conscious consumers spread holiday cheer and get more for their money.

"During these difficult economic times Americans may be tightening their budgets and the holiday season can add additional stress," said Tom Wilt, managing director of AAA Partnership Programs. "The same card that they use for emergency roadside assistance, and free travel books and maps, can also provide savings on gift giving."

Through AAA's Show Your Card & Save program, AAA's more than 51 million members are eligible to save money at 110,000 retail locations in North American and at popular online retailers including Target.com, Barnesandnoble.com, FTD.com and more. Visit www.AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA New Mexico can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com

Contact Information: Contacts: Heather Hunter - National 407-444-8005 hhunter@national.aaa.com Dan Ronan - Statewide/Dallas Ronan.dan@aaa-texas.com danronan@sprint.blackberry.net 469-221-8217 office 469-583-7070 cell Sarah Schimmer - Houston Schimmer.sarah@aaa-texas.com 713-284-6552 office 281-797-7886 cell