The student loan application process can be complex, so do your homework and don’t get caught short. Rising tuition fees have resulted in rising demand for student loans. Standard Bank has noted a surge in student loan applications, including for...
For most parents, being able to educate their children is one of their most important financial goals. But when it comes to finding the money for school fees or tertiary education, we wish we had made better plans earlier. We are reminded of this...
In this second podcast of our four-part series "Life behind the numbers", in partnership with Discovery Life, we look at how you can use life cover not only to provide for the unexpected, but also to save towards your child’s education. I have two...
There is one thing all parents have in common: a desire to give their children a better life, which means that saving for your children's education is crucial. We want our children to stand on our shoulders, and one of the best ways to do that is...
With the cost of education rising, parents are increasingly considering homeschooling as an alternative. But how much can it really save you? Private schooling has become increasingly expensive in South Africa. Fees vary depending on the school but...
Discovery Life has launched a Global Education Protector policy which could help fund your children’s education costs. Education is expensive. Currently, average tuition fees across public primary schools sits at around R20,000 per annum while the...
No fee increases, higher taxes In the medium-term budget policy statement, government committed to absorbing the 8% increase in university fees for students from households earning R600 000 or less a year. That means the majority of university...
A recent study by Sanlam done amongst mothers with children aged between 3 and 15 shows that some parents go as far as holding down two jobs to put their children through private schooling, which they perceive to be the best legacy they can give...
The recent student protests have highlighted the high cost of tertiary education. For many, the cost of registration alone is enough to shut the door of opportunity. The South African Institution of Race Relations has reported that only 5% of South...
Chantel has been married for almost two years and was caught slightly off-guard recently when she realised she was pregnant with her first baby. “Even though my husband and I are both extremely good at saving, we didn’t have a specific budget for a...
When you consider what it will cost to educate your child, it's easy to fall into a flat panic. Episode 11 of the Change in your Pocket series looks at ways to save for your child's education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI2-NFTx4gQ – Video supplied by BrightRock...
Using your child’s tax-free savings account is not necessarily the best vehicle for their education fund. Since the launch of the tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) there have been suggestions that this would be an ideal way to save for your child’s education. But is...
While borrowing money is generally a bad idea, a student loan is an exception. For individuals who work hard, get their qualifications and manage their loan repayments, a student loan can lead to wealth creation. According to Advtech, within two years of gaining work...
by Niel Fourie, Public Policy Actuary, Actuarial Society of South Africa The short answer to the question "Should you pay school fees in advance"Â is: not if you have other short-term debt. Most schools have informed parents of the new school fees for 2015, which...
When I was in grade one at a government school in 1984, my school fees for the year were 25 cents. I have the receipt to prove it! When my son started grade one last year though, we had to fork out just under R30 000 for the year. Ouch. We’re looking at a cost of...
Choosing to save for your child’s education ahead of your own retirement plan may be a risky strategy but it is understandable given the rising costs of education. According to the Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor, 54% of South Africans believe that saving...