School resumption is here. For many parents, this season feels like a mini-January—tuition, uniforms, books, transport, and lunch packs draining your wallet all at once.
But here’s the real question: What about next term… and the next 10 years?
Education costs don’t stay the same. They rise almost every year, sometimes faster than your salary.
Imagine this:
Your child is 6 today.
By the time they’re 16, school fees could have doubled or even tripled.
Will you be ready?
Here are 5 common mistakes parents make during resumption — and how to avoid them:
1. Leaving everything till the last minute
Waiting until resumption week to pay fees or buy supplies often means higher prices and unnecessary stress.
Fix: Spread out expenses. Buy items early and plan fee payments ahead.
2. Ignoring the budget
Many parents just “spend as it comes.” That’s how small costs—PTA dues, extra classes, transport—quickly pile up.
Fix: Draft a realistic budget that covers both obvious and hidden costs.
3. Not comparing prices
Buying uniforms, books, or lunch packs from the first seller you see can be costly.
Fix: Compare prices across vendors, online, or through school-approved suppliers.
4. Over-spending to impress
The pressure for fancy school shoes, designer bags, or trendy lunch boxes is real. But children usually outgrow them fast.
Fix: Prioritise durability and necessity over trends.
5. Forgetting the long-term plan
Most parents only focus on this term’s fees, forgetting that education costs will keep climbing.
Fix: Set up long-term tools like:
- Education Funds – investments dedicated to school fees.
- Trust Funds – structured plans that secure your child’s future.
- Child Investment Accounts – investments that grow with your child and beat inflation.
These tools don’t just help you pay fees today, they prepare you for the future and protect your child’s education no matter what happens.
Takeaway:
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to feel like a financial emergency. With smart planning today and the right investment structures, resumption can be stress-free—this term and every term after.