Save Money for College With Rebate Programs

Tuition is climbing, but the stock market is risky and safe investments like certificates of deposit are paying 1% or less. So what's a good way to save money for college? One option to consider is signing up for rebate programs that build up hundreds, or thousands, of extra dollars every year for college savings.

They're similar to frequent-flyer programs: Use their credit card, or register your own cards with the programs, and they track the purchases you make using the cards, giving you a reward in the form of tuition benefits, such as credits to a Section 529 plan for your children.