Van Kampen 529 Plan Gets Shopping Rebate Enhancement

November 12, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Investors in the state of Alabama's 529 plan who shop until they drop can now save faster for college costs.

A new partnership between Van Kampen Investments and BabyMint will provide Van Kampen account holders with the ability to take advantage of BabyMint’s College Savings Accelerator to add BabyMint shopping rebates to their colege savings funds.

According to a news release, BabyMint shoppers receive up to a 20% rebate on purchases made through retailers on the BabyMint network such as Blockbuster, Crate & Barrel and the Gap. Retailer and product rebates are automatically tracked and credited to an investor’s 529 plan.

Van Kampen will also offer the BabyMint program to financial advisors who sell the firm’s funds. Also through the agreement, Van Kampen will be featured on BabyMint’s financial advisor Web site. Financial advisors selling Van Kampen funds will receive free membership in BabyMint’s Basic Advisor Program, where they have access to BabyMint marketing materials for use with clients and prospects.

In addition, financial advisors will receive a substantial discount for membership in BabyMint’s Preferred Advisor Program, which includes a personal listing on BabyMint’s consumer site and a starter pack of BabyMint marketing materials.

The Higher Education 529 Fund is sponsored by the state of Alabama and distributed by Van Kampen.

For more information, go to  www.vankampen.com .

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