Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed for helping user(s) purchase an educational service or product. A profile module is used for managing at least one personal profile managed by the user. An education module locates at least one education provider providing the educational service or product of the user's interest based on the personal profile. A financing module locates at least one financial source available to the user based on the personal profile for financing a purchase of the educational service or product. A financial planning module compares a cost of the educational service or product and one or more available resources from the financial source for indicating a financial preparedness of the user for purchasing the educational service or product, wherein the financial planning module, the education module, and the financing module interact with the user through one or more user interfaces provided by the data processing system.

Abstract: A data processing system for facilitating merchant transactions includes a computer for processing data, and a storage device for storing data processed by the computer. Data regarding the purchase by a purchaser of merchandise from a merchant for a specified amount of money is entered into the computer. Monetary points are then calculated which are proportionate to a purchase made. The monetary points are then allocated between a first account which may be used by a first person for the purchase of additional merchandise from the merchant, and a second account which may be used by a second person for education at an educational institution. The monetary points allocated to the first account and the second are recorded in the storage device.