NORWALK, Conn., March 21, 2007 - You’ve worked hard all year, and have earned your right to cash in a little of that much-anticipated tax refund on yourself.

As tax season blooms, so too, does the beginning of spring and summer, so the experts at Shoppers Advantage have developed a list of hot items to help you jump into the season with style.

“Many people look forward to their refunds as bonus bucks and are seeking special sales and promotions,” said Michael Lombardo, director of Shoppers Advantage, a member-based buying service.  “Some of the top items this year include big screen TVs, outdoor equipment, electronics, pools, grills and tools for summer renovation and yard work.”

One in 10 people will have fun with the extra money from their tax returns, according to the National Retail Federation, with 11 percent dedicating a portion to major purchases and 13 percent taking a much-needed vacation.  Overall, consumers are continuing to focus on minimizing debt, with nearly half (43.1 percent) planning to put their tax refund toward paying down debt.  More than one-third (38.6percent) anticipate putting some of the money into savings, while one-in-four (26.5 percent) will put the money toward everyday expenses, according to the federation.

The tax refund relievers at Shoppers Advantage have created a list of best tips for enjoying your refund:

Electronics:

• Big Screen LCD & Plasma TV’s ... Prices continue to drop on all LCD and Plasma TVs, which offer amazing picture quality and allows you to transform your home into a virtual theater.  Make really big rebate checks go even further - consider a 50-inch plasma TV for the ultimate March Madness experience.
• Cameras and Digital Video ... New versions sport even higher resolution - and 5-6 mega pixels are the value entry point.  Digital video allows you to record right onto DVD media.  The latest generation of cameras is more compact and offers greater resolution.
• GPS:  (Global Positioning Service) ... It’s the perfect gadget to help you navigate your way into spring and summer.  They are small, priced right and portable, so you can take them on the go anywhere, anytime, and from vehicle to vehicle. Many contain detailed maps, driving directions, restaurants and popular destinations.
• Computers ... Today’s models are faster, sleeker and boast lower prices - and they are continuing to evolve.  Refurbished models offer outstanding value, especially for second or third generation computers.  And the wireless home is finally here - simpler to install at low prices.
• MP3 Players ... Jam away the tax season blues with the latest MP3 players, such as popular iPods, for sweet music to your ears.  MP3 players are sleeker, smaller and have more memory than ever. Cool new accessories for the car and home are very popular.  The sound quality is outstanding. Plug-in and tune out the stress.
  

Outdoor Living:

• Spark up the barbecue ... With the weather turning warmer, spark up the grill.  Shoppers Advantage offers a full line of high-tech brand name grills such as Weber, Ducane and Coleman.  The line-up of Weber grills includes over 40 models to choose from - most redesigned for 2007 with new colors and features based on customer input.
• Dive into the pool ... Transform your backyard into a relaxing hot weather oasis.  Shoppers Advantage offers above ground pools and pool accessories from Heritage Pools, Swim N Play and Intex.  Add a dash of cool with a pool.
• Hit the trail ... Grab the latest camping equipment - from tents and sleeping bags to inflatable kayaks and canoes.
• Shine your green thumb in the perfect environment with a variety of greenhouses, gardening equipment and yard tools to create a landscape that is the talk of the town!  Brands include Rion, Shelter Logic, Weedeater and Mastercraft.
• Catch the breeze with a full line of bikes, scooters and bike trailers for the entire family.  Name brands include Schwinn, Mongoose and Pacific Cycle.
  

The ultimate tax cut:

• Rid your life of old tax documents ... Clean up after tax-filing with a shredder that not only gets rid of the piles but also adds extra security in an era of increasing ID theft.
  

About Shoppers Advantage
Shoppers Advantage (1-800-526-4848) is a leading membership-based, toll-free/online shop-at-home service, boasting the buying power of nearly two million members nationwide.  Shoppers Advantage provides valuable benefits and low prices on an expansive database of high-quality products from more than 1,200 manufacturers, including popular name brands such as Sharp, GE, Hewlett Packard, Fisher Price and AT&T.  Shoppers Advantage offers member confidence in buying with a 200 percent Low Price Guarantee (if a lower price is found within 60 days of purchase, Shoppers Advantage will refund double the price difference), 60-day product return policy if you don’t like the product, and product warranty extension for up to two years while membership is active. Shoppers Advantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group
Affinion Group (www.affiniongroup.com) is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers.  With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 4,500 affinity partners.  Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet.  Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs.  Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe.  For more information and breaking news about Affinion Group, visit www.affiniongroupmedia.com.

About Affinion Group
As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe, and markets in 14 countries globally. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified. For more company and investor information visit www.affinion.com.