Smart529

Additional Ways to Save

When it comes to saving for college, every contribution to the account helps. Even smaller contributions, if made regularly, can add up over time. Here are additional opportunities to help you save regularly and invite others to get involved:

Ugift®

Earn college savings with Upromise®

Upromise lets you earn money for college when you make everyday purchases through online shopping, dining out and more. Just direct your spending to Upromise partners—which include more than 600 online stores and thousands of restaurants and commonly purchased items. More >

Join now

It's free to join Upromise. Just link your 529 account to a Upromise account, and your Upromise earnings will be transferred periodically.1

To get started:

  1. Log in to your Hartford SMART529 account.
  2. Select the Upromise link on the left side of the screen.
  3. Follow the step-by-step instructions to get started.
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Upromise®

Give College Savings with Ugift®

Add college savings to your wish list with Ugift, a unique service that lets you invite family and friends to celebrate special occasions with gift contributions to your beneficiary's 529 account.

You can email or print gift invitations with a Ugift coupon specially coded for your account. Your family members or friends send in their contribution (for as little as $25) with the gift coupon, and your account is credited. More >

It's easy:

  1. Log in Opens in pop-up window to your Hartford SMART529 account.
  2. Select the Ugift link on the left side of the screen.
  3. Follow the step-by-step instructions to get started: Fill in your celebration details and enter your invitee list and their email addresses.

When your family or friends return the gift coupon with their gift, the code on the coupon links it to your celebration. About five days after the celebration date, the gift contribution is invested directly into your account. We'll even send a thank-you email if your invitee's email address is available. < Less

Automatic Investment Plan (AIP)

Automatic Investment Program (AIP)

Our Automatic Investment Program is a convenient, electronic means to make regular contributions to your account. You specify the dollar amount and frequency of your contributions (typically monthly), and they'll be transferred electronically from your bank or credit union account.

You can also designate an automatic increase in your AIP contributions that can be changed at any time. More >

Sign up in one of two ways:

  1. Log in Opens in pop-up window to your Hartford SMART529 account and follow the on-screen instructions, OR
  2. Complete the SMART529 Account Features form. PDF document

Family members and friends can participate, too.

Account owners, family members and friends can all contribute to a 529 account through AIP. For example, suppose parents have just set up an account for their child and opt for two deductions on the 15th and 30th of every month. Both sets of grandparents can each also contribute regularly by adding their banking information to the account as well. < Less

Direct Deposit

Payroll Direct Deposit

Automatic payroll direct deposit makes saving for college nearly effortless. Just go online, sign up, print out the payroll direct deposit form, and bring it to your payroll department. Your employer must be able to support this feature. More >

Sign up in one of two ways:

Online

  1. Log in to your Hartford SMART529 account.
  2. Select the Investment Management link on the left side of the screen.
  3. Link to Payroll Direct Deposit and follow the instructions on the screen.

You will be instructed to print out a confirmation statement that you must sign and submit to your employer's payroll department.

By mail

Complete the SMART529 Payroll Direct Deposit form PDF document and mail it back to the address on the form.

We will send you a confirmation statement by mail that you must sign and submit to your employer's payroll department.

Good to Know

  • $25 minimum deduction
  • Contributions are paid with after tax dollars
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1 Upromise is an optional service offered by Upromise, Inc., is separate from SMART529 WV Direct, and is not affiliated with the State of West Virginia, Hartford Life Insurance Company, and the State of Connecticut. Specific terms and conditions apply. Participating companies, contribution levels and conditions are subject to change without notice. Transfers are subject to a $15 minimum. Upromise, Inc. is affiliated with Upromise Investments Advisors, LLC.

Upromise, Inc. is not affiliated with the State of West Virginia, The Hartford, or the State of Connecticut.

“Upromise” and “Ugift” are registered service marks of Upromise, Inc.

MUN 101171

Updated 09/04/2012