Many gifts, merry savings for you

It seems like the holiday shopping list–with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers–goes on for miles. If time and money are in short supply this year, look to AAA.com with numerous retail and online shopping partners to simplify holiday gift purchases.

Looking for a present for the man in your life? Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, AAA members can get 20 percent off all SIRIUS satellite radios and accessories, as well as free activation, a free month of service and free ground shipping. Or select an electronic gift through Circuit City. Maybe he’d love a new laptop from Dell. Shop online and save six percent off your purchase.

Guys, you can’t miss with clothes, shoes or jewelry for that special woman. Shop at New York & Company or Tanger Outlets for sweaters, jeans or accessories for her. Payless has a holiday offer to save you 20 percent off regular price shoes and accessories from Dec. 1–31. Download the coupon at www.AAA.com/savings. And a newer retail partner, BlueNile.com, has fine jewelry gifts including rings, earrings, pendants and watches. If a designer handbag is on her list, save 20 percent and get free shipping at the AAA E-Travel store. Is there a cook in your circle? Save 10 percent on children’s toys, clothes, popular electronics and other gifts online at Target. Not sure what to get the neighbor, postal person or co-workers? Few people can resist goodies from the Popcorn Factory. Give the gift of reading or music from Barnes & Noble and save 10 percent this holiday season when you shop online. And when in doubt, the AAA Visa Gift Card is always perfect. Before shipping any packages, remember AAA members save 5 percent at UPS Stores.

For details on these offers, as well as others, visit www.AAA.com/savings.

A gift the recipient can use all year is a AAA membership. Call (888) AAA-CLUB to purchase a gift membership this holiday season.

Update your saving strategy

There are many choices for building a retirement nest egg, and the investment strategy you had when you were 40 may need updating when you reach 55. If you’re planning to retire within the next 10 years, here are a few things to consider.

Check under the hood. Weigh factors like whether you plan to work part-time in retirement, the value of a pension or other assets, and whether you and your spouse will retire at the same time. Add expenses for new items like long-term care insurance or increased medical services.

Safety first. The ideal retirement portfolio should be a mix of stocks, bonds and shorter-term cash investments such as CDs. Generally, it is advisable to move money into “safer” investments such as high-yield savings accounts the closer you get to the point in time when you actually need to use the money.

Keep cash within reach. As you get closer to retirement, you’ll want to ensure that you have access to your money when you need it. The basics: 12 to 18 months’ worth of living expenses, plus a cushion to handle surprises.

With a refreshed picture of your savings plan, research new savings solutions. There are many resources, including AAA, that are available. AAA has partnered with Discover Bank to offer Certificates of Deposit, Money Market Accounts and CD IRAs. These financial products may be appealing to those closing in on retirement. Call 1-888-204-8990 or go online to AAA.com/Deposits for more information.