Written by Barbara Heller, Associate Financial Planner

Saving for college is often on the minds of parents.  The cost of tuition is rising each year and the task can seem daunting even for regular savers.  However, there are some interesting savings websites available online that can help supplement your other college savings efforts.  These are websites that have contracted with merchants to “save” part of your purchase price with that merchant. 

One of the largest providers is Upromise (www.upromise.com).  Once registered with the site, you can use the platform provided to link to the websites of the stores they have partnered with.  By using this tool, it logs your purchase and your account is credited with a percentage of your purchase.  One example that I personally use is 1-800-PetMeds.  I access the PetMeds website through Upromise and then place my order.  I then receive a 7% credit into my Upromise account for that purchase.  Many merchants are partners with Upromise so you most likely will find that places you shop regularly can result in college savings.  Some examples are:

-Gap: 5%

-Lowe’s: 3%

-Best Buy: 2%

You also have the ability to link your grocery card (Dillon’s, Price Chopper, etc) so when you make qualifying purchases in-store you are automatically credited.  Another feature I use is that I keep my credit card information on file with Upromise.  When I go to participating restaurants and use my registered credit card they automatically credit my account for that purchase.  In Topeka, when I go to the Blind Tiger I get an automatic 4% credit into my account.

Another similar website is www.babymint.com.  It has many of the same features a Upromise.

Obviously this should not be your primary method of saving for college.  However, with very little effort it can give you a few extra hundred dollars per year that can be added to your other college savings (such as a 529 College Savings Plan) and help you toward your goal.

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