What does it cost?
We’re all trying to save money wherever possible. To assist with this, here are a few examples of what you can buy for:
- About $30–Enjoy great mobile phone service with no contracts from Consumer Cellular. Get 500 monthly minutes and a free Motorola phone for $30 plus applicable taxes. Change your plan without any hassles. Additional plans with more or less monthly minutes also are available. A new phone, Doro PhoneEasy®, is available in a limited offering for $40. This user-friendly model has enlarged buttons for easier dialing and texting and a high-contrast display. Visit www.consumercellular.com/AAA for details.
- About $60–Start the new year off with a healthy, relaxing mineral thermal bath in Hot Springs, Ark. Historical Buckstaff Bath House has served its clients since 1912. Select the traditional bathing package for $55 and enjoy the mineral thermal whirlpool bath, a Loofa mitt rub and Swedish massage. No reservations are needed, and hours during the off-season (January and February) are 7–11:45 a.m. and 1:30–3 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7–11:45 a.m. on Saturdays. The bath house is closed Saturday afternoons and on Sundays. It’s located at 509 Central Ave., along historical bath house row. Call (501) 623-2308 or visit www.buckstaffbaths.com.
- About $100–Your Valentine will eat up this bouquet. Purchase a sweetheart rose arrangement through Cookies by Design. The arrangement of 12 rose-shaped cookies plus a heart cookie can be delivered to your sweetie while you save a sweet 15 percent. Smaller edible gifts also are available. To place your order, visit www.AAA.com/shopnow or call (800) 433-4784.
- about $120–Replace your dead car battery this winter through AAA Battery Service. AAA provides a free test of the car’s starting/charging system, and will install a new battery without an appointment. There’s no need for your car to be towed. Members receive a $25 discount on AAA batteries. Batteries also are available for less or more money, depending on your vehicle and location (sales tax).
AAA Battery Service is available in Branson, Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis in Missouri and in Evansville, Ind. For more information, call (800) 222-7623, ext. 6818 or (800) AAA-HELP (222-4357).
Get the answers to FAQs on CDs
Certificates of Deposit (CDs), once the dependable-but-dull component of most investors’ portfolios, now are a hot topic of conversation between financial planners and their clients.
CDs became a safe harbor during the recent market turmoil by virtue of the reliability that once made them staid. As investors stampeded into treasuries for protection–and drove down yields on even 30-year Treasury notes (or bonds), others discovered they could suddenly earn higher returns on CDs. Buy a CD now and you’ll lock in a great rate with the confidence of knowing your investment is protected.
HOW CDs WORK
Low-risk investments bought through a bank or thrift institution, CDs are great for money you do not intend to use for a specified length of time–six, nine or 12 months–perhaps longer. Investors receive a fixed return, and the deposit is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Unlike stocks or mutual funds, a brokerage account is not needed to purchase a CD. However, substantial penalties are levied for taking out assets before the CD’s maturity date.
What you should know
Familiarize yourself with all rules that govern a CD; terms can vary substantially from bank to bank. It is essential you read the fine print to understand the terms.
For more information about AAA’s Deposit Program, visit www.AAA.com /Deposits or call (888) 728-3151. |
