EDUCATION

Make school costs feasy peasy

John Collett It's that time of year again, when the children return to school and - for fee-paying students - their parents learn how much they'll be expected to cough up for the privilege.

Learning the hard way

Anneli Knight looks at how students survive on their meagre finances.

Options for education

I Can Do That The strategy: to work out whether I need to restructure how I'm saving for the children's education.

How to account for school fees

Sue Hoban Paying for children’s education can be a costly business but options are available for parents who want to ensure they get a head start.

Step 1: Public versus private

What you'll learn in this step: Be aware of the costs in both public and private schools, including the hidden extras.

Step 3: Softening the blow

What you'll learn in this step: Take advantage of payment arrangements that provide discounts or spread the burden, and consider buying secondhand books and uniforms.

Step 2: Financing your decision

What you'll learn in this step: The sooner you start to put money away for your child's education, the better.