As a parent, the beginning of the school year is the most financially stressful time. However, with some planning, Janu-worry can be a thing of the past. This blog shares tips on how parents can plan and avoid Janu-worry. 

Nothing is worse than scrambling January and or cash in borrowing money to ensure you can pay for stationery and fees. While this is a reality for many households in South Africa, this can be avoided with less spending during the festive season or redirecting the funds towards school stuff.

Here are some tips on how to avoid overspending during the holidays and having enough for when school starts. 

Avoid overspending 

We are all in the festive spirit; therefore, things can get a little overboard, especially when it comes to spending. One of the things that are important to keep in mind during the holiday season is to try and spend as less as possible. Spending less will ensure you have enough money at the beginning of the year. While it might seem like the right thing to do now for overspending, you will feel the impact at the beginning of the year when you have to buy school supplies and, in some cases, school uniforms. Believe it or not, you want to avoid starting your year by borrowing money and getting into unnecessary debt. 

Buy school supplies during the holidays and avoid the January rush.

Purchase school supplies and uniforms during the holiday season while there’s still less demand. Buying school supplies before schools open can also help you to be less stressed and anxious at the beginning of the year, as all your child’s school supplies will be ready. In a previous article, Ester Ochse: Product Head, FNB Money Management, said one of the other ways parents can prepare for the next school year is by scheduling a transfer into a savings account to use for stationery and uniforms in the next year. 

Take advantage of discounted school fees

Many schools offer discounts on school fees; find out what kind of discounts you can get at your child’s school. For instance, some schools may give parents a good discount if they pay their next year’s fees upfront. While not every parent can afford to pay their fees upfront, it is worth it if you can, as it allows you breathing room and less financial stress throughout the year. Also, look out for sibling discounts if you have more than one child, as this can help you get some money back into your pocket at the beginning of the year. 

Use your loyalty cards to purchase school supplies 

Take advantage of your loyalty card by using them to buy some of your school supplies. Check which stores you can use your loyalty card to buy stationery and even school uniforms. Also, look for deals on school stuff, as this can help you save up. 

Conclusion: 

January can be very stressful; however, if you plan right, you can avoid the stress altogether. Please click here if you’d like to learn more about SPARK Schools or enrol at any of our schools.