Posts made in June 2015

Disclosure: I received compensation from Upromise in exchange for writing this review. Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions my own.

It’s that time of the year when Graduation parties are in full force. Throwing the perfect Graduation party can be expensive, but thanks to Upromise it doesn’t have to be. Upromise is a free-to-join membership service that allows families to earn cash-back for college through every day purchases. Why not put money towards our children’s education by making purchases for everyday necessities? 

Upromise by Sallie Mae members can earn up to 5% cash back just by shopping with Upromise partners —including more than 850+ online stores and 10,000+ restaurants, grocery and drugstores. Popular online retail partners include Amazon.com, Macys.com, Staples.com, Groupon and more. In addition, users can earn an additional 5% when shopping online with the Upromise MasterCard, totaling 10% savings! 

Here are a few tips on how to throw the perfect Graduation party:

1. Set a Budget– Determine upfront how much money that you want to spend for food, decorations, event location, invitations, and entertainment. Use your Upromise Mastercard when shopping for extra savings and be sure to have a set budget. This will keep you on track and will let you focus on the graduation without feeling overwhelmed. Read Party planning guides such as these from Upromise partner Staples.com or use a party-planning worksheet to stay organized.

2. Do It Yourself Party Decorations and Invitations -One way to really personalize your Graduation party is to make your own decorations and invitations. If you are not the crafty type, Upromise partner Walmart.com has a huge selection of inexpensive Graduation party decorations. If you don’t want to send regular invitations, consider inexpensive photo invitations from places like Upromise partner Shutterly.com. I love photo invitations as they really add a personal touch.

3. Choose the party location– While renting out a location for your Graduation party can be fun, it can also eat up most of your budget. One way to save money is to have the party at your home. Having the party at your home will allow for more wiggle room in the food budget and for other items. In addition, most of your guests will already be familiar with your home so this makes for a comfortable venue. You may also want to consider a Drop-In party. This option will not only allow your guests to come and go as they please, but it also will take pressure off of you, so you don’t feel as if you have to keep your guests entertained. If you do decide to host the party at your home, Upromise suggests, “Be sure to have a few games or activities readily available that are fun for parents and students alike. We recommend having a few activities that are physical and a few that you can play sitting down. For instance, check out these fun games from Upromise partners Sears.com and Kohl’s!”

4. The Menu– Decide what type of food you want to serve at the party. Do you want to stick with a more casual atmosphere, have a sit-down meal, or serve food buffet style? The possibilities are endless, but remember to stick with your food budget! One option to consider is to have the food catered. This will not only ensure delicious food but will also relieve you as the party hostess from unwanted stress. Plus, with the Upromise dining program, you can earn 5% back when you buy from participating local restaurants!

5. Have Fun and Make Memories– In the midst of all the graduation festivities, don’t forget to have fun! This is a time filled with memories that will last for a life-time. Upromise, suggests, “One staple of the modern day graduation party is a memory board, including pictures of the graduate growing up,” Consider having your guests bring their own photos of the graduate and add them onto the board at the Graduation party. This memory board will allow the graduate to treasure their special day for years to come.

Graduation festivities can be expensive for many families, so be sure to earn cash back for education through Upromise.com. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!