Future Bear? Tarheel? Longhorn?

We started a college savings fund for Annabel earlier this year, and plan on opening another one early next. Why the two different plans? Because their purpose is for two different types of savings.

The plan we already started is from Upromise. Upromise is a two-part program. One is their 529 plan, which works like most other 529 plans. It's basically like your 401(k) or other retirement savings program, only this one is specifically for educational expenses. I went to savingforcollege.com, which is sort of an "everything you ever wanted to know about saving for college" site, and the Upromise 529 ranked really well for performance. The other reason we chose this one is because we also participate in the Upromise rewards program. This works similarly to a points program or frequent flyer/diner/shopper program. When you use your registered credit cards at certain merchants (both online and offline) or buy certain products at your grocery store, that merchant or brand will contribute a portion of your purchase to your college savings plan. It's basically free money for Annabel! And her family and friends can also register their credit cards and earn free money for Annabel's college too. (Her Uncle James already registered his -- thanks, Uncle James!)

So the reason for this post is aimed at her family and friends who are still shopping for a gift for Annabel. We are very blessed in that Annabel has lots and lots of clothes, and lots and lots of toys. So we'd like you to consider contributing to Annabel's 529 as her Christmas present this year. The minimum gift amount is $15, and just consider that $15 today will grow into a whole set of books for a semester of college, or lab fees, or at least a credit hour by the time she goes to college. We are grateful for every little bit of help.

Click here to get the gift contribution coupon to contribute to Annabel's 529. The money you send goes directly to her account, and I will be notified of your gift. Annabel thanks you for her first steps towards becoming a Bear, Tarheel, Longhorn, Razorback... or whatever she wants to be.

I know I mentioned that we'll be opening another plan for her. The other plan we're looking at is the Texas Tuition Promise Fund (a reboot of the old Texas Tomorrow Fund). I'll go into that at a later post, though.

Foto Friday is on its way, so until then...

Cheers!