Saving for college isn't easy. That's where Upromise comes in. Savvy families use their membership to earn thousands of dollars in partner contributions that can be used to help pay for college when the time comes. Here's how three families are making Upromise an important part of their college saving strategy.

Do the Real Estate Thing

When Barry and Ayse R. and their two sons, Jonathan, 13, and Jordan, 11, moved into a new home in California in July 2004, the family found a real estate broker affiliated with Upromise. Before signing a contract, the couple confirmed that the realtor would adhere to the Upromise rewards. The upshot: Barry and Ayse were able to add one third of 1% of the home's purchase price to their Upromise account, which has since grown to approximately $4,500 through that transaction and other rewards. Two additional families interviewed by Upromise - Ed and Rachel V. of New Jersey and Kristen and William B. of Maryland - also conducted real estate deals with Upromise-affiliated brokers. These transactions helped their balances grow to more than $4,000 each.

Make Upromise.com Your Online Shopping Destination

Members tell Upromise that online shopping is the fastest and easiest way to earn savings. For example, with two young daughters - Samantha, 3, and Lila, 11 months - Ed and Rachel have found Upromise an important ally in earning college savings. "We always go to the Upromise website first when we need to shop for goods or services," Ed said. "When we shopped for furniture for the kids, we got more than $100 in rewards right there."

When shopping at your favorite online retailers, remember to go to www.upromise.com first to earn the rewards. Better yet, learn about how to download the Upromise toolbar, which will ensure you receive your college savings even if you forget to visit Upromise.com first.

Sign Up Family and Friends

Kristen's parents and her sister are enthusiastic Upromise members. By asking loved ones to join the family's efforts, Kristen and William are in a position to save a lot more.

Earn Rewards Every Day

Members agree that everyday errands also add up to valuable contributions. "I'm happy when I see just a few little contributions, whether it be from gassing up my car or buying soda at the grocery store," said Kristen. "It does add up."

The key to reaping these benefits is making sure you are taking full advantage of your Upromise membership. Register all your credit and debit cards, as well as your grocery and drugstore loyalty cards, to make sure your purchases are continually tracked.

A Few Minutes Today Can Mean Worthwhile Benefits Tomorrow

These families illustrate an important savings lesson: Earning rewards through Upromise doesn't just happen. Successful members make it happen by considering Upromise before conducting transactions and making purchases both large and small.

For more super saver stories, click here

»  Return to Earning Rewards
»  Return to Resource Center