Managing back-to-school expenses Planning & budgeting
FOR PARENTS with children who will attend school for the first time as well as those who will start a new grade in the new school term, budgeting should begin at least two to three months prior to the new term or as soon as the last term ends.
The reason for this is, everything the child needs to start school will take money. Parents have to spend some time to analyse their financial situation, so as to determine where to source the funds to finance these needs or where to source the items themselves, so as to minimise expenses, and therefore save.
Normally, when a child registers for a new school, the parent is supplied with a booklist as well as a list of other needed supplies, including the style (fabric type and colour) and accessories needed for the school uniform, for example, ties, belts, badges, etc; gears for physical education. Also, parents are informed of the amount to be paid for school fees as well as the due date and where to pay it.
Notation is usually made on these lists of what is available at the school, on sale, on rental, or at no cost to the parent. Parents are encouraged to develop a close relationship with the school’s guidance counsellor or principal, and to ask a lot of questions, especially when things are not expressly stated or outlined in any document provided by the child’s school.
Usually, if the parent expresses any difficulty meeting any of the child’s school expenses, school officials will offer advice as to what avenues are available to them to ease their financial burdens, whether by the school itself or by the government.
The Bible says, “...many advisers make victory sure...” Parents are therefore further encouraged to seek advice from other parents they know, whose child attends/attended that same school or are in a similar grade at another school. This may result in a further benefit, as they may be able to access some second-hand books and supplies from these individuals.
IMPORTANT BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPENSES PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER
Having conducted their research, parents must sit down and write a list of all known expenses. It is also important to set aside some funds for unforeseen needs, so as to offset any expense that may arise during the year, that were not considered in the original budget plan. Items must also be prioritised on a need and not want basis.
IMPORTANT EXPENSES TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER:
I School fees I School supplies: textbooks, pencils, pens, notebooks and papers, bags, folders, uniforms and other apparel, including shoes, socks, clips, ribbons, belts, badges, sports gear, etc.
Medical Examinations.
IDAILY BACK-TO SCHOOL EXPENSES INCLUDE:
I Transportation I Meals – lunch and snacks I Incidentals: I Field trips I Extra lessons I Medical protection I School supplies (items not noted on the booklist, maybe overlooked by parents or teachers).