(NewsUSA) - During today's economic downturn, it's important to save for the future. However, putting aside extra money can be a lot trickier than it used to be.

The declining power of the dollar and rising gasoline prices are just two reasons Ben S. Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, has noted as to why consumer spending has "slowed significantly." For a family with children, the thought of saving for college can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, American families do have plenty of options. There are many programs and tools that can offer assistance. In recent years, savings accounts, taxable investment accounts, annuities and U.S. savings bonds have been joined by powerful new investment vehicles including Section 529 college savings plans.

A 529 is a tax-advantaged education-savings plan operated by a state or educational institution, designed to help families set aside funds for future college expenses. According to Savingforcollege.com, every state now has at least one 529 plan available. It's up to each state to decide whether it will offer a 529 plan, or possibly more than one, and what it might look like.

With 63 percent of all college undergraduates receiving some type of financial aid during the 2003-2004 school year, Savingforcollege.com suggests exploring this avenue for your family. Most types of financial aid are provided by the state or federal governments. Colleges, scholarship organizations and philanthropies also provide important help with tuition.

With family budgets being stretched thinner every day, it is important to find ways to make your dollar work double time. A source of aid that can make this possible is the Upromise program.

Upromise, the largest private source of college funding contributions in the U.S., helps people save while they spend by providing them with earnings of 1 percent to 25 percent back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, clothes and travel. The company also helps its 8.5 million members use these earnings to either jump-start their college savings, roll earnings into a 529 plan or make payments toward student loans.

Upromise, with the help of its partners, has contributed more than $400 million to Americans' college savings. This is the equivalent of an average, fully financed, four-year, public school education -; including room and board -; for more than 7,000 students.

For more information on how you can boost your college savings, visit www.upromise.com.