Early upgrade for verizon wireless?

I want to get the iPhone 5 but not for 600 dollars. My dad got one for 299.99 (32 gb white) and no one in my family is eligible for an upgrade until May 2013, we signed up with Verizon on September 21st 2011 and i'm confused on how my dad got a good price on his phone. So basically I want to know how to get an iPhone for a price that won't leave me with no money at all.

Back then, the owner of the account would receive an "early upgrade" which could be transferred to anyone, but they did away with that now. Better luck next time!