Save Money for College While You Shop

This post brought to you by Upromise by Sallie Mae. All opinions are 100% mine.

The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching. I registered for classes a few weeks ago and I've anxiously been waiting for professors to email out their syllabus. Not because I'm eager to begin the mountain of work, but so that I know exactly what kind of damage the cost of books will do to my wallet. Chances are that like every year I'll end up scouring the web for cheaper alternatives to book store. I've used services like Barnes and Noble, iTunes books and Chegg that offer a variety of methods to get my books cheaper. But this year as I'm doing my back to school shopping, whether it's for clothing, office supplies or books I have a new way to get rewarded. I signed up with Upromise by Sallie Mae, a free rewards program where I can earn money back for college when I shop online.

Just by starting my online shopping at Upromise.com I can earn 5% cash back for college at hundreds of online retail partners such as Target, Apple, Best Buy, Macy’s or Old Navy. The money earned through Upromise can be put in a 529 college savings plan, put towards student loans, deposited in a Sallie Mae savings account, or they will send me a big fat check. 

After signing up for my Upromise account (it only required the basics like name/address) I could start shopping right away. So I had $20 burning a whole in my pocket and I'm a certifiable book worm. Clearly I was headed to the iTunes Book Store for Jodi Picoult's newest book The StoryTeller. Just by starting at the Upromise.com website I earned 5% cash back on my $12.99 purchase.  Have you ever heard the phrase Poor College Student? It isn't an exaggeration! Earn cash back shopping online is really a no brainer.