How do you fund your children's education?

Every parent wants to give their children the best possible start in life - but the prospect of funding a child's education right through to university can be daunting. However, with careful planning and good advice, you can avoid those education headaches.

Private or state school?

If you wish your offspring to attend a private school, you will of course have to pay fees. These range from around £6,000 to £17,000 or more a year, depending on the school.

But even the state sector begins to look expensive when you do the sums, including the cumulative cost of transport, school trips, books, and school uniforms to see your child through from age five to sixteen.

Clearly, even a 'free' education will cost you money - but if you start planning and saving now, you will be able to budget to meet these costs.

Higher education

A few years ago, many university students qualified for a grant which helped towards their tuition fees and living costs. Now students, or their parents, can expect to foot a fairly substantial bill each year.

One solution is to take advantage of student loans, which can be repaid after graduation. But the latest findings suggest that students can expect to leave university with average debts that can be as much as £10,000 - £37,000, where the course is an intensive five year course, such as medicine. This level of debt has increased as a result of the top-up fees. However tuition fees will increase these debts significantly to maybe £37,000 or more for many students. So if you wish your children to avoid starting their career already in debt, you should consider planning now to help fund their higher education.

Taking the right action now could give your children a head start, not a millstone round their necks.
If you have children, or if you intend to start a family, it is essential to start considering the costs of their education. Good financial management will help you meet your needs, so why not contact us, and we'll help you develop plans to provide for these costs.

Education essentials

• Calculate carefully how much you will need
• Start planning early and save as much as you can in advance of times of major expense
• With school funds tight, don't overlook the potential advantages of educational toys, books and computer software
• Choose savings schemes carefully, making sure you can withdraw money as the costs need to be paid, or look at specific school fees plans
• Check for bursaries or scholarships that may be available through the school or your local authority
• If your child is going to university or college in a distant city, consider helping him or her to buy a house instead of renting a flat. With care and rising property prices there is potential to fund the mortgage by taking in lodgers and for a tax-free gain on the sale of the house if you get all the steps right

Take the right financial advice if you are considering savings plans, school fees plans or helping your child to invest in property.

Do contact us if you would like further help or advice on this subject at 01708 854943 or http://www.truemanbrown.co.uk/ .