If you think credit cards are evil, then I have some news that might change this belief. Well, consider getting an entire year’s worth of free textbooks or amassing thousands in a college savings account without even putting a single penny from your own pocket.

Families can now take advantage of rebates from all sorts of credit card refunds and e-coupons in order to build up huge higher education funds. If you are wondering how you can squeeze the maximum amount of free sums from such programs, here are four simple steps to follow.

First, you should pay off your plastics every month so that interest and late fees would not fully consume the value of your returns. Second, resist the temptation if a big rebate if the item is not in your shopping list. Third, always be consistent and persistent in your refund-maximising habits. Fourth, keep in view family dynamics when asking uncles or grandparents to funnel rebates to your child’s account.

By mastering these steps, you can build a sizeable sum that will ensure the future of your kid’s higher education.