Car ownership is expensive.

Especially when you’re a woman like me, who knows nothing about mechanics and whose mother drilled into my head a fear of being stranded on the side of the road in the pitch black of night.

For that reason, I’ve diligently signed up each year for AAA roadside assistance. Call them and they’ll pick you up wherever and tow you to a safe location.

As I renewed my membership the other day, the Deal Diva in me was NOT happy that the cost had gone up $15.

The upside to AAA, though, is that you can use the membership card to get discounts at amusement parks, restaurants and stores. So while I was on the site, I decided a little refresher course on the included perks was in order.

And boy was I was embarassed to realize that I’ve been missing out on some sweet fashion deals practically in my backyard!

I always knew Payless offered a discount (10%) to AAA members. But the list has greatly expanded since I first signed up years ago, and I was surprised to learn about a few of the advertised discounts:

*Custom Jewelry Creations in New Port Richey. Save $10.00 on purchases of $100 or more.

*Deanna’s, a wedding and women’s formal wear shop in New Port Richey. Save $20.00 on any in stock dress purchase of $100 or more.

*Kohl’s online. 15% off $100 or more with a special code available on the AAA website.

*New Balance stores on Dale Mabry and at West Shore Plaza in Tampa. Save 15% on all regular priced items. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupon offer or discount including sale items.

*New York & Company at Countryside Mall, Citrus Park and West Shore Plaza. Save 15% on regularly priced clothing and accessories.

*Shoe Lab, a Ruskin shop that specializes in shoe repair and shoe modifications, and sells  orthopedic shoes. Save 15% on all products and services.

*Target.com. Save 10% on purchases of $100 or more.

*Wee Bit Consignment & Gifts in Clearwater. Save 15% on original priced items. This excludes all Tux apparel & accessories.

And this is just a small sampling.

As a huge supporter of shopping local, I was also glad to learn of a few mom-and-pop places I hadn’t encountered yet.

So to summarize: You spend money, you save money. Which means you'll probably spend even more money. But the flip side is you'll look good while sitting in that expensive car.

Happy shopping!

Deal Diva Keyonna

Photo: Payless.com