So six years ago I joined Upromise as a way of trying to help my nephews save for college. The idea is that a small percentage of many of your common purchases gets put into an account and accumulates over the years until a child in your life reaches college age. It's supposed to be a win-win situation, building customer loyalty for the corporations sponsoring the program and helping you save money. Well, after six long years, I have accumulated a grand total of . . . $17.20.
Wow, I guess the only question now is if they want to go to Yale or Harvard.
5 comments:
I disagree. I have over $4,500 in the same time period. Do you shop online? Do you remember to go through Upromise first? Do you go out to eat? Do you check Upromise first when trying to find a restaurant? Do you shop in retail stores? Did you register your credit card and remember to pick from Upromise merchants? It's really easy if you think about it - but it won't work if you just sign up and forget about it.
Wow, that's worse than I thought it was. I use a credit card that claims 1% cash back on purchases (but somehow must have some "out" to not have to pay that every time, cause the bonus doesn't amount to that much). Over six years, even with moderate credit card spending, I've gotten more than that back in bonuses.
You would probably save that on each grocery trip if you bought generic vs name brand and then you'd be able to afford community college, or at least books, by the time they're 20... just a thought.
I think you need to check out the site more. I've been a member for over five years now and have just past the $2,000 mark. My parents and other key relatives are linked to my account and have helped amass just over $900. My Upromise creidt card helps a lot too, but you need to decide if you want that type of credit card. Then I do all my online shopping from the Upromise site. My wife and I either use the coupon codes they have or find others elsewhere and go back to make sure I get the extra rebates into my account. We don't eat out too much, but it looks like they have added more restaurants into the program so that needs to be checked again. I guess my only advice is you do some things or need to do something anyway....so go to Upromise and get the rebate with the companies they work with. It's free money for college, 529 or for paying down a loan.
I am glad that other people are finding this to be a valuable program. I can see how I have been limited as (1) I don't typically shop on-line (2) I don't shop at the ten retail stores they have partnerships with such as Lands End and Eddie Bauer, and (3) I don't eat out at any of their eight partner restaurants in my area. I have registered my credit card and grocery cards, so I am not missing out there. There isn't even an Exxon/Mobil station in the town where I live or where I work.
My two take-aways are to use an Arch card at McDonalds and consider shopping on-line at Wal-Mart and Target.
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