About: TIAA-CREF took over the management of the California ScholarShare College Savings Plan from Fidelity in November 2011. The plan features two age-based options; one using actively managed mutual funds and one using index mutual funds. It also offers 17 static investment options. Among the static portfolio options is a socially responsible investment option, as well as one that protects principal.
Website: https://www.scholarshare.com/
Phone #: 1-800-544-5248
Investment Options: The ScholarShare College Savings Plan offers a variety of professionally managed investment portfolios to fit your life situation, risk tolerance and college savings goals. Investors select from 2 age-based options, guaranteed portfolio options, 12 multi-fund portfolio options, and 4 single-fund portfolio options. Actively-managed portfolios: T. Rowe Price, TIAA-CREF, DFA, PIMCO. Index-fund portfolios: TIAA-CREF. The Principal Plus Interest Option is provided through a funding agreement with TIAA-CREF Life.
Tax Benefits: No tax deduction and benefits.
State Residency Requirements: No state residency is required to participate in California 529 College Savings Plans.
Saving for College with Upromise
Upromise
is a service that helps individuals save money to pay for college or to pay down existing student loan debt.
Upromise is a great way to save through partnerships with retailers. Similar to a cash back rewards card, this plan puts rewards from retailers into an account that you can use to save money for school or paying down current Sallie Mae serviced student loans.
Once you join Upromise, you simply have to shop at eligible retailers. You can shop online and get anywhere from 1$ to 25% back that is credited to your account. There are more than 600 online retailers, including Target and more, which will give you rewards that can be used for college and tuition expenses.
The beauty of the Upromise program is that you save money for college by simply shopping at the normal stores you visit every day. Upromise was created in partnership with Sallie Mae and is designed to help save for education costs.
Upromise.com is the smart way to save for your child’s college education