HORIZONS ONLINE CONTEST

Share Your AAA Savings Story

   We want to hear how your AAA membership put money back in your wallet. Share your story with us – in 200 words or less – and if we publish it in an upcoming issue of AAA Horizons, you'll receive a pair of movie tickets.
   With your story, please include your full name, AAA Southern New England membership number, address and a phone number where we can reach you during the day.
   Submissions may be sent to cmcdermott@aaasne.com or AAA Horizons, 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904.

How My AAA Card Saved Me Money

By Carol Gonzalez, Jamaica Plain
   One of the benefits of the AAA card is getting the Horizons newsletter.
One of the articles talked about not keeping your credit cards, identification and money all in the same place. I grumbled, because I like to keep everything together.
   However, I did see the wisdom of this suggestion and reorganized my purse. Credit cards and bank card in one container, cash in the wallet, gift cards in a special place in the car, a couple of checks in another spot in my purse.
   One evening, I dropped my wallet and didn’t discover it until the next morning. I lost about $35 in cash, but saved $105 in gift cards, my checking-account balance from being drained and my identity from being stolen (thousands of dollars in lost time, aggravation and ruined credit). I still had my bank card and outside of what had happened, I could get on with my life.
   This could have been a disastrous situation since I am self-employed and no work equals no pay. Thank you, AAA.

By Martha Huston, North Scituate
I have been a satisfied member since 1998. I regularly buy movie passes for my children and give them as birthday and Christmas gifts. I frequently travel out of town to participate in road race events. I save money staying at AAA-rated lodgings, and the local branch office has complimentary TourBooks, maps and TripTiks, so I never stress about getting lost. Last summer, when my 18-year-old son lost his license, my husband took him to AAA Greenville, and he was able to get a replacement without having to go to a busy Registry office. After our children took driving lessons from AAA, we were able to get a significant discount on our automobile insurance. I tell everyone at my work how showing my AAA card at Reebok Outlets, New York and Company, and Payless Shoe store offers more discounts.

By Jeannie Klimowicz, Fitchburg, MA
I started my Saturday morning running errands: dropping off my children, going to the bank and escaping for a coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts. I was near Searstown Mall on a city street, driving my mother’s car, which had not been used in a while. As I stopped at a red light, smoke started coming from the hood. A good Samaritan beeped and urged me to get out of the car. He pushed my car into the bank parking lot, 20 feet away. I called AAA, and the gentleman on the phone was polite and concerned for my safety. A tow truck was at the bank in 20 minutes! The car was towed to my mom’s regular garage. What a smooth transition from the initial call to AAA to the garage. I thanked the driver, hoping to not need his service again for a long while.
Does bad luck occur twice within a couple days? With me, it does. Driving home from work, the front end of my van started to buck, and the brakes died! Without hesitation, I called AAA again. What a surprise: The driver who towed my mom’s car arrived again and even knew my first name. From the time my call was made to AAA to my car being towed, it was about 20 minutes again. What punctual service!

By Regina McNulty, North Reading, MA
   Last year, my husband and I decided to take our children, ages 9 and 6, to Walt Disney World.
   Everyone was saying they were the perfect ages to experience Disney, and we finally made the decision to go.
   Of course, we turned to AAA for help in booking our trip.
   We had used AAA previously when the kids were small to plan a trip to Sesame Place, and that was a total success.
   Well, our experience in working with AAA for our Disney trip was even better!
   We got a great deal and, with all the extras we received for booking through AAA, we saved several hundred dollars.
   I also had a friend who is a travel agent give me a quote, and AAA’s price could not be beat.
   Our travel agent through AAA even gave us tips on where to eat, shows we shouldn’t miss and other “insider” information about the park.
   Thank you AAA for a perfect Disney vacation — we had a blast!

By Diana Mendes, South Dartmouth, MA
Being a stay-at-home mother of four young children, every cent counts and this year we were finally going on vacation. The only hitch was renting a car large enough for all of us. I had shopped around quite a bit and couldn’t find anything large enough available at a price we could afford. I was beginning to panic when AAA found us an extended SUV that seats seven and a discount that was hundreds below the other rental companies! The icing on the cake was that, while we were on vacation, the rental was hit in a parking lot. We were so upset thinking all the money we had saved on the rental was right out the window! But AAA Visa covered the entire damage with a smile and a few clicks of my mouse — my vacation was saved.

By Dawn-Marie O'Toole, West Bridgewater, MA
   I desperately needed a new pair of sneakers. I went to the Reebok Outlet in Stoughton, since I was shopping at BJ’s nearby. I picked out my pair and my eye caught a cuter pair.
   What to do? I remember seeing, as I was walking in, “Buy one pair; get another pair half off” or “Buy two pairs; get another pair free.”
   My decision was made. I never splurge on myself, so I bought three pairs!
Knowing I was pushing over my limit, I decided to charge my new kicks. Much to my surprise, when the cashier saw my AAA card, he said, “You get an additional 40 percent off today.”
   I was shocked! So, I decided to buy sneaker cleaner and sneaker deodorizer, too.
   All of that, and I only spent $70. I didn’t have to “charge it” — so, no interest fees.
   I saved a lot of money and I have nice, new sneakers. This is my best bargain purchase I’ve made all year, by far.

By Tuan Le, Randolph, MA
   I have been shopping at least twice a week from daily needs to school supplies for my two young children. I have saved almost $50 a year on shopping for their expenses alone by using my AAA membership card.
   When my family traveled, I saved a great amount of money for getting discounts from booking hotel rooms. I saved $45 when I rented a van for my family vacation in California last year. I realized that this one-time savings was enough to cover the entire year of my AAA membership.
   When I purchased movie tickets, I always saved money. At first, I could not believe I saw the AAA logo at Auntie Anne’s Pretzel at the South Shore Plaza. I am saving every time I buy pretzels and lemonade for my son.
   Not only that, I am using the benefits of having the roadside assistance as a peace of mind for my family’s cars. I am always getting my money back for my yearly membership renewal and even making more money from my purchase savings. I consider my AAA membership coverage a great protection and investment. Many thanks to AAA from my family!

By Laurie Dubay, Worcester, MA
My sister and I planned a trip to Six Flags New England with our (total of) six children. She had a coupon for adults to get the same price as children, and at first glance this seemed like a good deal, saving each of us $10.99. As I usually do, I went on AAA.com and found that they offer tickets for both children and adults for $26 each and $2 off parking. For the eight of us, we saved $42 on admission and parking, and that savings paid for our lunch! I never plan a trip without consulting my online savings Web site — AAA.com!

By William DiFederico, West Boylston, MA
During our 11-plus-year association, AAA has become a “valued partner” for my family and me. We started out by getting AAA cards for us (wife and I), and once kids got their licenses a AAA card became all the more important. The savings we achieved with towing, insurance renewal and the personal belongings rider was awesome, but more importantly, can you put a price tag on peace of mind? AAA has offered us that and more. Over the years, we’ve continued to take advantage of numerous discounts from the Wrentham outlets, to movie tickets, plays, hotels, etc. We now give AAA cards as gifts at Christmas and birthdays to family and friends. As I like to say, AAA is the gift that keeps on giving! There is not an edition of AAA Horizons where I did not learn something and save money. In closing, let me just say that AAA is much more that the American Automobile Association. For me it is: Always Available Anywhere.

By Rosemarie Campbell, Quincy, MA
   My dog Buttons is on an antibiotic, Tetracycline, for the rest of her life. I have been paying $38 at the animal hospital pharmacy monthly since last September.    This month I took the prescription to the CVS near my house and gave them my AAA card — and they charged me only $8. I also used my card on a recent trip to Nashville and saved 30 percent on my hotel bill — a huge savings. I have been with AAA for many years and am a very happy customer!

By Jodi Kanadanian, Franklin, MA
   After deciding to take a last-minute trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, to spend our 2008 Thanksgiving holiday, I went to our AAA branch in Franklin. With the help of the AAA associate, I was able to book my hotel stay for a very low rate — much cheaper than what I had seen on the hotel Web site. In fact, it was almost $200 less for the three-night stay. About a week before, I read a great article in AAA Horizons. It had recommended while in Niagara to visit the “Festival of Lights” for a great holiday season experience. It was a wonderful display of holiday lights, music and animation. We saved $5 off our admission ticket to the Bird Aviary, which was noisy and fun. I left the AAA office with a handful of huge savings; not only did I save on my hotel stay, I had the AAA Canada TourBook full of savings on dining and entertainment for us to use. Our family enjoyed a very inexpensive holiday vacation. Thanks AAA!

By Marie Dyment, Quincy, MA
   My AAA card gave me a reasonable way to own a cell phone that I would never have with other expensive companies. I have been a AAA Plus member for 16 years. Now you are also giving me 12 percent off my T-Mobile bill every month. Thanks AAA!

By Bobbi Keselman, Newton, MA
There I was again at my local pharmacy, waiting to fill a prescription. I had checked and confirmed that the quoted price included the very welcome senior discount.
I was resigned to again spending hard-earned money for much-needed medication. As I pulled out my credit card, the pharmacist asked if I belonged to AAA. I answered in the affirmative and heard her say, “Just a minute, I have to check something.” She then mumbled to herself, “Just as I thought.”
She turned to me and told me that by showing my face I got the senior discount, but by showing my AAA card I saved even more. Thank you, AAA.

By Patricia Bird, Framingham, MA
I’m excited to have the opportunity to let you know about the savings I have received while being a member of AAA over the years. In the past I have saved money by refinancing my house with you and last year getting a great rate on a new car loan.
More recently I visited the Newton branch and purchased four discounted tickets for the AMC Theatre for $7.50 each. Movie tickets through AMC are $11 each. Last weekend, I shopped at the Wrentham outlets and was able to save an additional $10 while making a purchase at Banana Republic. I look forward to receiving AAA Horizons and know AAA is always trying to provide ideas and savings that meet my needs in addition to road assistance. My membership is money well spent.

By Christine Haughey, North Attleboro, MA
   I cannot count all the ways my AAA card has saved me money over the years! It has taken me from numerous discounts at the Wrentham Outlets, to the movies, to hotel rooms, to attractions everywhere, to roadside service, to TripTiks, maps and TourBooks, to insurance, to cell phone service. And my kids love it too! I have been a grateful member for many years. Thanks AAA!

By David Jabbour, Westport, MA
   I had to ship a large amount of furniture from our family’s house to my sister in Florida. The bill wasn’t going to be a small one, but it was worth it as the furniture held a lot of memories for our family. When I showed up at The UPS Store, I asked as I always do if they offer any AAA discounts. After showing the AAA card, the bill dropped 5 percent right off the top just because I remembered to ask. The furniture arrived safely and my sister was very pleased. Thank you for having such a relevant savings partner such as UPS.

By Pamela McCann, Easton, MA
   When a co-worker recently underwent surgery, our office staff chipped in to send our best wishes. We are a small office and therefore did not have a lot of money to spend. After pricing several online florists (which exceeded our budget by far) I thought of checking AAA. I was pleased to find FTD listed as a business offering AAA discounts and thrilled when I brought up the Web site and discovered a 30 percent discount.
   We were able to send a beautiful floral arrangement well within our budget. Thanks for the help, AAA!

By Naomi Gitman, Providence, RI
I have been a member of AAA since 1972. I was 49 when I joined. I am now 86 and, needless to say, I have saved much money over the years being a member. But, most important is my feeling of security whenever I get behind the wheel knowing I have AAA membership. Thank you, AAA, for my worry-free driving during my senior years.

By Lorraine LaVertu, Cranston, RI
My husband and I have been AAA members since 1976 and 1978, respectively. We’ve enjoyed AAA discounts on pharmacy prescriptions, furniture, hotels, driving instructions for our kids, etc. But the best savings we received (and still receive every year) was having AAA car insurance. One day I called one of those companies that advertised guaranteed savings on your car insurance. Unbelievably, they told me to stay with my present company and also, would I mind telling them which insurance company it was?

By LeeAnn Silva, Pawtucket, RI
I have been a proud member of AAA for nine years. In the past two years, my husband and I cannot even count how many times my car has been towed from different locations or had a couple flat tires. My husband even needed a new windshield replaced on his car. Wow! We cannot believe how much money we have saved by having a AAA membership. Also, we love to travel and have saved on maps, brochures, tickets or other excursions. Both my husband and I are so glad that we are AAA members. My very first cell phone was purchased through the AAA in South Attleboro, and I still have the original cell phone number that was given to me. Our auto insurance was switched over to AAA almost two months ago; what a big savings there, too. It is definitely a great investment that anyone could ever make to have a membership through your company.

By Christine Weiner, Sherborn, MA
I read AAA Horizons from front to back as soon as it is delivered. I keep my eye out for any new discounts being offered. I am amazed at how often I find new ways to use my AAA card on items or services that I actually use. I recently applied for a passport and saved $8 on my passport photo. One winter, I used my AAA card to get $1 off ice skating at the Frog Pond — and I went once a week all winter long. My dog is on a medication that would ordinarily cost $29 a month. With my AAA card, I refill it at Walgreens for just $19. My husband just got a pair of tires for our car and received a signficant discount at Sullivan Tires by using his AAA card. I love saving money, and it’s so easy with my AAA card.

By Melanie Lewis, Ashland, MA
AAA savings do abound on everyday items with very little effort. Indeed, I've recouped the cost of the membership. Here's how: Showed the card at the Wrentham outlets and saved $10 on a pair or running shoes and $5 off a watch. Next, I went to buy a pair of prescription glasses at LensCrafters and saved about $100. The glasses were actually less than the price I received if I used my insurance card. To identify the stores where I would likely find a discount, I made a checklist. When I need something, rather than impulse buy, I'll check the list to see if I could get a better deal with AAA. The best things in life are free, as the saying goes, and AAA is no exception with free TripTiks and maps galore. It’s a true bonus to the peace of mind of road-service protection.

By Rebecca Jacobs, Brookline, MA
Outlet mall bargains are good, but bargains augmented by AAA discounts are even better. So whenever I go to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, before I set foot in any store, I head directly to the customer-service desk to pick up my booklet of AAA discounts. Then it’s time to sit down and design a shopping strategy. I carefully study the AAA bargains listed in the book: Some stores offer two-for-one deals. Others give 10 percent or 15 percent or 20 percent off. Some stores require a minimum purchase; others don’t. After I review the list and coordinate the AAA deals with my shopping list, it’s time to hit the stores and start saving. With a small investment of time and strategic thinking, it’s possible to recoup the cost of an entire annual AAA membership in just one shopping trip!

By Joseph Cugini, South Weymouth, MA
   I have a two-part cost savings experience.
   Part 1: The road service has paid off in hundreds of dollars over the years that we have been members of AAA, and I can attest to the high quality of service we received over and above what I expected.
   Part 2: I had a cell-phone contract with another company, which ran out recently. I then remembered I had received an advertisement from AAA offering cell-phone services. I contacted T-Mobile at the local AAA and met with a representative. The offer of services and benefits and the phone I needed were generous, so I signed with them and saved a considerable amount of money — and the service has been superb.

By Mary McCormack, Maynard, MA
I recently had an excellent experience saving money with my AAA card. My husband and I and our three young-adult children are planning a vacation to Key West, Fla., over Thanksgiving. As we chose somewhat moderate accommodations in Key West, I wanted our first night in West Palm Beach to be really nice. I wanted to be right on the beach but the hotel prices, especially with the holiday, were prohibitive. I found a four-star hotel on the beach that was luxurious and thought I’d call just to check the rate. It was $389 before taxes, which was out of our budget range. However, when I mentioned the AAA card, the rate came down to $311! Even the reservation clerk was surprised. I quickly confirmed the reservation and felt quite proud!

By Gretchen Tripp, Foxborough, MA
   I was being treated to a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and when I got to the ticket window I was asked to show my driver’s license to prove I was a senior.
   Being New England thrifty, I was pleased because I love to save money. But my pleasure was doubled when the teller asked me if I had a AAA card, saving me even more money.
   The money you save is as good as the money you earn.

By Rachel Jurd, Boston, MA
I planned a recent trip to Niagara Falls over Memorial Day weekend. I was flying into Buffalo and then planned to rent a car to drive to Niagara Falls. I used my AAA membership to order TourBooks and maps of the area and a TripTik to plan my driving route. I looked at Hertz for rental cars and was pleasantly surprised to find that my AAA card entitled me to 50 percent off the price of rental cars rented from an airport location. This fit my plans perfectly, and the savings helped me to enjoy my trip even more. Thanks AAA!

By Rosemarie O'Brien, South Boston, MA
I’m the grandmother of three children who live in Darien, Conn., along with their mother, who is my daughter. Needless to say, I miss them very much since I live three hours away in Boston. The children grow so fast that I feel it’s important to make periodic trips to Connecticut to participate in their lives. I would hate to miss things like first day of school, recitals, ball games and all the wonderful events that make up a child’s life. I’m also a senior citizen on a fixed income so making periodic trips can get expensive. Being able to use my AAA membership card to receive a discount on my Amtrak tickets is a big savings to me, and allows me to spend time with my daughter and grandchildren more often.

By Michael Watson, Falmouth, MA
I have been a member of AAA for a few years. In the last year alone, my wife and I had to have our car towed twice, we locked the keys in one of our cars and had a flat tire that required immediate attention while on the highway. The cost of all these roadside incidents would have easily exceeded our membership cost for the year.
Saving money is great but what is more important is having such a dependable ally such as AAA. I always feel secure when I have a AAA card in my wallet. If I am having car trouble that I cannot handle myself, all I have to do is call AAA and then sit back and wait for the cavalry to arrive. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t belong to AAA. It is one of the best investments I have ever made.

By Victor Smith, Sandwich, MA
As a community college professor, I’ve been buying homeowners and auto insurance through the teachers’ union for several years believing I was saving money. I left teaching last year, returning to the private sector. Each year, our premiums increased. This year, the homeowners increase was almost $400. I decided to explore another option. I visited the local AAA office seeking a quote for comparison. I’ve been a member for six years. After two hours of face-to-face consultation (unusual in today’s world), my results were as follows: $2,097 vs. $3,369 for homeowners and $2,358 vs. $2,750 for auto (three cars in our household with one 23-year-old with a clean record). I have saved $1,664 for the coming year. Our new coverage is as good or better. I felt good about my visit to the AAA office, but bad that I waited so long.

By Eric and Janis Korn, Holliston MA
We needed new bookcases badly when we decided to renovate our study, so we decided to go to Mill Stores in Westborough. We found two sturdy bookcases, a cute stool and several other small items we needed for our home.
As our items were being checked out, I happened to look above the register and saw a sign notifying customers of the AAA discount. I quickly pulled out my card, and was very pleased to have saved $24 of a $240 bill — not a lot of money, but enough to send us away with big smiles on our faces!

By Matt Schwab, Franklin, MA
   A couple of months ago, my college friends and I decided to take a break from studying; we took a road trip to Newport, R.I. It was a bright, sunny day and the warm temperature triggered thoughts of summer to come. As we were walking around the shops, I went into the Rockport store and tried on some sandals. I thought they seemed expensive especially since I was on a college student budget. But, boy, were they comfortable.
   I then remembered there was a Rockport store near my home in the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. I asked the salesperson in the store about the outlet store. He indicated it wouldn’t be the latest style but could be less expensive.
   The following day, I went from school to the outlets. I found a comfortable pair of sandals and received a substantial discount with my AAA card. I only paid a fraction of the price I would have paid in Newport (I saved almost 50 percent).
This is one happy college student. Thank you, AAA!

By Janet Warren, Hanson, MA
Three separate occasions to use my AAA membership come immediately to mind: Tickets to see Riverdance at the Wang Center, Amtrak tickets to New York City to see “Jersey Boys” and, most recently, savings on admission to The Hall at Patriot Place. AAA Horizons reminds me about many savings out there that might not occur to me.

By Janis L. Long, Saugus, MA
We are saving a lot of money because of AAA. Last summer, before buying a 2007 pre-owned Toyota, I saw the AAA rates in the Horizons monthly newsletter. The dealer couldn’t come close to the AAA interest rates, so I went through AAA. I suggested to my son that he try to refinance his car through AAA, and he got the same great rate!
In October, my husband and I renovated our house, and I again went to AAA, where we found better rates than our local banks with no closing costs or points, so we got a home-equity loan and line of credit through AAA. In the past, I never would have even thought of going to AAA for borrowing money, but now they are the first place I try, and I tell everyone I know to check out AAA before borrowing from anywhere else.

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