Saving for College Just Got a Whole Lot More Fun

Disclosure: The following is a sponsored post and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Remember how when your kids were young, you’d catch a crazy glimpse of them looking like a mini-adult and think, “OMG, THEY LOOK SO OLD!” It’s a thing that usually happens after a haircut (amirite?), and it’s a thing that bursts and breaks your heart in an instant.

In panicked parent fashion, you launch into a quick math sesh to figure out just how many years you have left until your child turns 18. If time is on your side, you still have plenty of years to enjoy them at home. If graduation is knocking at your door, it kinda freaks you out. ASK ME HOW I KNOW.

My son is wrapping up his junior year of high school and it’s been nothing but AP exams, SATs, ACTs, and … (gulp!) college tours.

As exciting as this new chapter is, I can’t help but think (OK, worry) about how we’re going to afford college. Because after all the pomp and circumstance of senior proms, college acceptance letters, and graduation parties comes tuition bills.

And yes, we’ve planned as much as we could. But will it be enough? Is it EVER enough? What will our FAFSA EFC be? (If you don’t know these acronyms yet, one day you will). And how much will books + tuition + parking + room + board actually cost?

The truth is, I don’t know. But I do know that we can always use more money for college, and I plan to get there by saving smarter.

My brother reached out to me the other day to tell me about the Big Prize Savings account he opened from American First Credit Union. Now, normally I wouldn’t get excited about a savings account (and truthfully, neither would he), but this account is different.

Why? I’m so glad you asked.

American First Credit Union is giving away $1,000 every month, $10,000 every quarter, and $50,000 every year to Big Prize Savings account holders! If you keep a minimum $500 average monthly daily balance, every $25 you save earns you another chance to win.

If that all feels too math-y, let me break it down:

Say you open a Big Prize Savings account and deposit $500 (note: you can open an account with as little as $25 to start).
Now say you left that money alone in the name of savings (remember: $500 average monthly daily balance). This would earn you an estimated 204 chances to win! (Disclaimer: Actual entries will depend on the amount, interest, and time of deposits.)
For every additional $25 you deposit, you’re given even more chances to win! And who doesn’t like winning things cash-money? Um, no one.

So I’m into it. I mean, obviously! Savings that feels more like a game than sacrifice? Sign me up! Oh, wait. I already did sign up!

And while college tuition may be my savings reason in this season, let’s face it: Saving money (and being given chances to win it) is always a good idea.

So whether your kid needs braces, your car is making that weird noise again, or your parents are in need of some financial support, saving just got a whole lot easier and more fun with the Big Prize Savings account.

Disclosure: Saving money is smart, and so is letting you know that this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed financial advisor for investment advice.