With four kids, it felt like I was spending a fortune on school field trips. Now, the biggest field trip of them all is happening in my house; as my two older kids are heading away to college and university. Like most busy moms, I’m always looking for ways to make life easier without breaking the bank.
I also want to make sure that my kids are getting a financial education, as well as the one in their field of study. That’s why, this fall I’ve teamed up with President’s Choice Financial® and PC® Telecom services to help other Canadian parents send their teens ‘away-to-school’ in style AND on budget.
Leaving home can be stressful for the entire family – especially for the first time. I know when I drop my kids off I’m going to be looking for somewhere to give myself a big gold star... while hoping that my star students have learned enough about cooking, cleaning, studying, socializing and watching their cash, while living at home.
I’ve talked to lots of parents regarding the concerns they have about their kids going ‘away-to-school’ and understanding how to manage their finances consistently turns up at the top of the list. To help ease the transition from child to independent student, here are some helpful hints for both parents and kids:
Choose a no fee bank account – like the PC Financial no fee bank account. It’s not just for students, so any member of the family could see a potential savings of up to $200* in bank fees each year;
Let teens choose a pre-paid mobile device that is both affordable and stylish, letting them talk and text without the pain of an expensive bill, and eliminate the excuse of not being able to call home;
Add young adults to the family credit card to give them financial freedom (with limits!) and give yourself peace of mind; and
Talk to your teens about ways to manage everyday expenses – I like to send them gift cards to help curb spending and stay on budget. Books have to be bought before pizza can be on the menu.
It’s easy for budget-conscious Canadian families to follow these tips – President’s Choice Financial® and PC® Telecom services have your ‘away-to-school’ needs covered. Plus, now I can pick up some items for the care package I’ll be sending to each of my students those first few weeks. Not to mention the laundry detergent I know they’ll conveniently forget to take. I’m sure I taught them how to do that.
For more information on their full service offering visit:
President’s Choice Financial bank accounts and PC Financial MasterCard: www.pcfinancial.ca
For PC Telecom, visit: www.pctelecom.ca or www.themobileshop.ca
For Gift of Choice card selection and offering, visit: www.giftofchoice.ca
*Savings comparison based on the fees for limited and unlimited transaction account packages and one order of cheques as offered by the major Canadian banks as of July 1, 2011
This article is proudly sponsored by our friends at PC Financial and PC Telecom. Since 1998, President’s Choice Financial has offered Canadians unprecedented value and fresh financial thinking when it comes to their banking needs. PC Telecom is comprised of both PC® mobile products and services and The Mobile Shop, at select Loblaw banner stores across Canada.
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