As the Class of 2020 Heads to Kindergarten, Don't Forget to Start Saving for Col

As the Class of 2020 Heads to Kindergarten, Don't Forget to Start Saving for College Now

(ARA) - It wasn't long ago that everyone was making a big deal about the first graduating class of the new century. Here we are, nearly ten years later, and the Class of 2020 is embarking on their educational adventure. They are now kindergarteners.

As they make their way through school, things will be very different for today's students than they were for their parents. These days, instead of overhead projectors and chalkboards, lessons are being taught on computers. And that's not all that has changed.

Because of budget constraints, many schools have cut enrichment classes such as art, music and physical education. In fact, many are turning to parents to help pay for field trips, athletic uniforms and basic learning tools such as pencils, paper, markers, chalk and glue.

Think education is expensive now? According to the College Board, a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity, the average cost for tuition and fees at four-year public institutions has increased nearly 51 percent over the last 10 years (after adjusting for inflation), and these costs will almost certainly continue to rise. While the cost of college has skyrocketed, families are not saving enough. The good news is that every little contribution helps and parents should know there are some simple steps they can take now to jumpstart their child's college savings for the future:

1) Consider a tax-free 529 savings account and start contributing to it regularly. If you deposit just $50 into the account every month, at the end of the year you'll have built up $600 in principal. Add in gift checks from grandparents and part of any bonuses you may receive at work and you could be putting away a couple thousand dollars a year. Investment earnings could boost that number even higher. The great thing about 529 accounts is they are tax-advantaged and anyone can open one.

2) Encourage your child to take part in saving for college by putting a portion of his or her allowance in a piggy bank. At the end of the year, they can add up their savings and deposit it into a special bank account. When the time comes for college, the money they have saved can go towards the extras they want for school.

3) Become a Upromise member and begin earning college savings rewards with online purchases from hundreds of retailers as well as on purchases at grocery and drug stores, gas stations and even restaurants.

"Since 2001, Upromise has been dedicated to helping families get started saving for college. We now have 8 million members and hundreds of top retail brands partnering with us in this mission to help make college more affordable," says David Rochon, president, Upromise.

The latest addition to Upromise, the Upromise Schools Program, helps families save more for college and at the same time helps raise much needed funds for schools. So far, more than 9,000 schools across the country are registered with the Upromise Schools Program.

"The Upromise Schools Program is a no brainer. There is not another fundraiser out there that doesn't cost any money, puts money into parents' pockets, and makes money for the school. It's a win -- win -- win all the way around," says Angie O'Farrell, parent volunteer, Level Creek Elementary, Suwanee, Georgia.

To sign up for a free membership and start saving today, log on to www.upromise.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent