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HARRIS HELPFUL HINTS
Helpful Hints On Saving For and Financing Education

CHICAGO, September 6, 2007 – The new school year is here and college students are surely preoccupied by scholastic, social and athletic pursuits, but the rising cost of education has also put finances squarely on the study list of many post-secondary students, as well as their families.

Advisors at Harris suggest that students and families take advantage of the advisory services that local banks can provide. This professional advice can help families begin preparing and saving for education, as well as assist students in developing personal budgets, managing student loans and choosing the right credit card for emergencies. The following tips cover topics to consider and discuss with your family and your financial advisor.

1. Start early, start early, start early - There is no such thing as too early when it comes to saving for education. As costs rise annually, it is not only smart to start early, but it is necessary. You may feel you cannot contribute enough monthly to really make a difference, but it will make a difference.

2. Investigate your options - There are numerous savings options out there, and many specifically geared toward saving for education. Some quick checking on the Internet and a meeting with your Personal Banker or Financial Adv isor can provide valuable knowledge, including information about 529 Savings Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (CESAs). A 529 is an investment account that allows you to save money for your child's education and let it grow tax-free, and a CESA a savings account which family, friends, and businesses can contribute towards qualified education expenses from Kindergarten through college. Earnings are tax-free from federal and most state taxes and may be transferred between family members.

3. Understand the real costs of education and budget realistically – Tuition and school fees are not the only expenses. Develop a realistic list of one-time and recurring costs, including textbooks, supplies, computers, transportation, general living and social expenses. Developing an effective monthly budget, either with a budget calculator or by speaking to a financial professional, will teach students how to manage their money effectively.

4. Plan for the unexpected – Even if you plan well, you may still face emergency expenses at some point during the school year. To manage these situations it is useful to have access to an emergency fund or alternative financing, such as a student credit card or a line of credit. For example, Harris offers a student MasterCard^® and various lines of credit and can discuss with you the best way of using each depending on the situation.

5. Pay today - If you can, pay for your education as you go. Many students enter college or university without having a sound plan for funding their education. Ideally, you'll want to try to avoid graduating with so much debt that your first few years on the job are devoted to paying your student loans.

6. Know your financing options – If you do not qualify for government assistance and/or don't have enough savings from a summer job, most financial institutions can provide financi al help with a loan or a line of credit. It’s wise to sit down with your banker and go over your funding needs. You may have options you never considered before.

7. Think both short and long term - By having two different bank accounts, students can manage their short and long-term financial needs separately. A day-to-day checking account is perfect for daily and weekly needs, while a savings account is a good place to park money that will be needed later in the year.

8. Regularly re-evaluate your financial needs – As you go through college, the financial assistance you require often changes. Scheduling regular financial 'check-ups' with your banking professional is one way to maintain healthy finances and allows you to make any necessary financial adjustments along the way.

9. Manage your money effectively – Simple activities such as paying by debit or using another financial institution's ATM can be quite costly, paying cash or using your own bank's ATM will save you money. Also, look for student discounts offered at bookstores, transportation companies, entertainment venues and more, and shop around before you open a bank account or apply for a loan to make sure you get the best deal for you.

10. Protect your identity – Always shield your hand when entering PIN numbers during debit purchases. Also, when paying with debit, make sure the merchant is a trusted and reputable business.

About Harris

Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name. For more information, please visit www.bmocm.com or www.harrisbank.com.

MasterCard is a federally registered service mark of MasterCard International Inc., and is used by the issuer pursuant to a license.

Harris^® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates. Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Securities are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service.Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.