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The National Education Program, an annual program exclusive for Alliant Credit Union members, ended on Friday, August 26th. The program gives nine members between the ages of 5 and 17 the opportunity to enter and win a computer. To enter, members must have an Alliant Savings account in his/her name, complete the National Education Program Application and then tell us what they want to be then they grow up and how a computer could enrich their education using any media, such as a written essay, painting, photography, video, etc. The winners are then selected based on age group, 5-9, 10-13 and 14-17, and win a CDW gift card ranging between $250 and $1,000 to put towards the purchase of a computer.

The judging for this year's entries are currently going on, so we thought it would be the perfect time to share some tips on buying a computer should you be a lucky winner or just simply in the market for a new computer.

Purchasing a new computer can be a bit intimidating and complicated with all of the options available, so you want to be secure and happy with the one you purchase. Here are tips for selecting and purchasing one:

Decide What Kind
Deciding what kind of computer you want is the first step and the one that will affect the cost, depending on the model, brand, and type. If you want it to have a permanent location in your home and be used by everyone in the family, a desktop would be the best option for you in both price and performance. But, if you want something smaller that you can easily carry to class or meetings, a laptop or netbook may be your best option.

Your intended use of the computer will also play an important factor in deciding the kind of computer best for you. Make a list of how you'll use the computer to make sure the kind you select meets all, or most, of your needs.

Save Money (Or Enter, Win & Save Money)
Computers are expensive and something you'll have to save up to purchase, so your second step is identifying a budget and creating a savings goal. Open a new Supplemental Savings account in your Alliant Online Banking account and title it New Computer, or the name of the actual computer you want to purchase, with your savings goal amount in the title. Schedule recurring automatic transfers from you checking to your savings to reach your goal sooner and continue until you reach it.

Saving money is also important for the winners of the National Education Program. Depending on the prize and the computer you've decided to purchase, you may still have to contribute your own money to purchase the one you want.

Research
While you're saving for a new computer, you should also be doing some research. Go into stores and ask as many questions as possible. Learn the differences between the computers you like, plus what features and hardware are the most important for how you plan on using it. You should also check out reviews of the computers online to see what other consumers are saying about it. Keep track of sales too - you may be able to find it on sale and save some money.

Discounts & Rebates
Lastly, don't forget to look for discounts and rebates to help you save even more money. If you meet the requirements, take advantage of it.

Happy computer shopping!! We'll be announcing the winners of the National Education Program soon, so stay tuned!!

You may also be interested in reading iPad, Netbook, Or Laptop: Which To Choose?

National Education Program Rules
The National Education Program is being made and conducted by Alliant Credit Union at 11545 W. Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL 60666. Applicant must be an Alliant member in good standing and have an Alliant savings account in his/her name. Employees of Alliant, its Board of Directors, scholarship committee members and family members of the same household are not eligible for the National Education Program. All entries must be received/postmarked by August 26, 2011 and become the property of Alliant Credit Union. If you are awarded a computer gift award from Alliant Credit Union, your signature verifies that the information you have provided on the National Education Program application is correct to the best of your knowledge and authorizes Alliant to utilize all or a portion of the information contained herein for purposes of press releases and/or articles for publication in Alliant newsletter(s), web site, newspapers, trade magazines, etc., announcing the computer gift, recipients' name, school attended and other reported information. The winners will be selected and notified by Friday, September 23, 2011. To learn who won, send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to Alliant Credit Union, National Education Program, P.O. Box 66945, Chicago, IL 60666-0945. Winners will be notified by phone and announced in our Service Center locations, web site and newsletters. If a winner cannot be contacted or has not claimed the prize within 30 days of notification, a runner up(s) will be selected and notified. The winners will be requested to sign an affidavit of eligibility and a release which will be provided by Alliant. Acceptance of this prize constitutes authorization to use the winner's photo, other likeness and name without compensation. There will be a total of nine prizes awarded. Each age category: 5 - 9, 10 - 13 and 14 - 17 will have three (3) award levels: Golden Apple Award = $1,000 computer gift card, Silver Key Award = $500 computer gift card and Brass Bell Award = $250 computer gift card. Each winner will receive a gift card to be redeemed at any participating CDW retailer or through their web site. CDW is not a sponsor of this program. Alliant shall not be responsible should CDW fail to honor gift card. Odds of winning are dependent upon the total number of entries received and selection process by the Alliant Civic Affairs Committee. No substitutions will be made for the prizes. Prizes are nontransferable. Winners are responsible for any tax liability. National Education Program is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and void where prohibited. All terms and conditions of Alliant products apply. Contact Alliant for more information. Members do not have to be present at the time of winner selection. Alliant reserves the right to revoke and/or substitute any or all prizes. Participating retailers are not sponsors of this program. Alliant bears no responsibility and is not liable for the goods and/or services purchased with the computer gift card. Alliant reserves the right to change the rules at any time without notice. Also, Alliant reserves the right to discontinue this program at any time without prior notice, and reserves the right to disqualify any applicant who fails to comply with the rules.