There's no question that student loans are completely overwhelming for a majority of people (they were for me). We're all encouraged to get higher educations, take on massive amounts of debt when we're fresh out of high school (at an age when most of us can't even begin to fathom the amount of student loans we're happily signing up for) in hopes of an amazing future (I eagerly did it!). Fast forward to 6 months after graduation and you're obligated to start paying back the loans. Things go fine for awhile but reality soon hits when you see that the majority of your income is going to pay back your student loans.
So how do you continue to trudge along paying off the student loans while not getting discouraged in the process, and come out victorious over those big ol' debts? I'm happy to report that there is a new tool that will help…
With national student loan debt exceeding credit card debt in 2012, SimpleTuition decided to create a unique new rewards program to help the 38 million Americans pay down their student loan debt faster. The new rewards program is called SmarterBucks and it is innovative. The program is completely free and gives users cash-back on their everyday purchases that go directly towards paying down student loans. Whether it’s through purchases online through their Marketplace, taking branding surveys, financial literacy quizzes, or day-to-day spending using the SmarterBank Visa debit card, SmarterBucks users earn rewards on the money they are already spending to help them pay down their student debt faster.
There are 6 Key Ways to Earn Rewards (with more on the way):
1. The SmarterBucks Marketplace
The Marketplace has hundreds of brands that can earn members anywhere from 1-16% with online purchases.
2. Gifted rewards from family and friends
Family and friends can sign up for SmarterBucks and SmarterBank and gift any earned rewards to the recipient of their choice. A SmarterBucks member can have as many Gifters as they want.
3. Contributions from family and friends
SmarterBucks members can invite family and friends to make one-time or recurring monthly contributions from their credit/debit card that goes directly toward paying down that member's designated student loan.
4. SmarterBank® Visa® Debit Card
With the (optional) SmarterBank Visa Debit Card, members will earn SmarterBucks rewards on all non-PIN purchases that they make with the card.
5. SmarterBucks Exclusives
Special offers, often arranged directly with the merchant, offers discounts that can't be found in the SmarterBucks Marketplace.
6. Monthly SmarterBucks Giveaway
Every month all SmarterBucks members are automatically entered to win anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 in SmarterBucks. (Love this!)
Do your student loans weigh you down and how are you conquering them?
This is a sponsored post but as always, my opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make this site possible! xo!