Comments on: GET versus MOST – 529 plans

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 04:46:12 +0000

Thanks for the analysis of Washington’s odd plan. That 17% load is some bad mojo for sure!

By: John

John — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 01:46:06 +0000

The thing with UPromise is you can’t just chase what they’re marketing. I rarely get the grocery store kickbacks because of where I shop. I sometimes get the restaurant kickbacks, but I don’t necessarily seek them out specifically for that purpose. Lastly, if I’m buying something online anyway, I’ll open another browser window and check Upromise to see if I can do the same thing through their site. An example would be a hotel room at the ocean for a couple of days, or some stuff that I was already going to buy from Performance Bike.

By: jim

jim — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:41:20 +0000

This program is still usable out-of-state. Otherwise, it would have been a non-starter.I share your view on UPromise. As long as it isn't costing me anything, I'll look at it.

By: Director Mitch

Director Mitch — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:47:13 +0000

I am in Iowa’s 529 program since it is managed by Vanguard – the first one I believe.

The problem with state-funded programs is that your kids have to go to a college in the state. And by the time they’re 18, they may be wanting to get as far away as possible. The 529 just has that extra flexibility.

By: John

John — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:36:14 +0000

The bonus to your 529 plan switching administrators is that you will have access to the Upromise program.
By registering your debit and credit cards, a portion of what you spend at certain online, retail, and restaurants can mean “free” contributions to your child’s college savings. Family members can register their cards as well.

I set this up as an account for our granddaughter, and Upromise has kicked in $200 over the last couple of years. Not a ton of money, but with compounding it should cover some books.