Degrees of Success The Price of Being a Graduate vs Not

October 27,2023

In today's world, it's no secret that education is becoming increasingly expensive. While every parent dreams of providing their children with the best college education for a secure future, the financial burden can be overwhelming. 


The truth is, not every child can secure a scholarship, but that doesn't diminish their intelligence or potential. Each child is unique, possessing individual qualities and skills that deserve nurturing and support. The journey to success may vary, but it typically starts with a quality education. After all, education opens doors to opportunities and better prospects.
Embrace the truth: Graduation is an investment on your child’s future, and not doing so can cost them dearly in missed career opportunities. Don't let underqualification hold your children back!
When talking about college, It's not just the tuition fees that parents need to worry about; living expenses during the college years can often account for 40-50% of the overall cost. As a parent, it's crucial to acknowledge this financial challenge and prepare for it in advance.


The best way to ensure that your children get the education they deserve and secure their independent future is by starting early. Many parents wonder when the right time is to begin planning for their child's education. The simple answer is: start as soon as you can, ideally when you get married. Educational expenses are inevitable, but they are also an investment in your child's future. Living in a country like UAE isn’t cheap. Expenses will go up, limiting your ability to save more. Some parents even start planning as early as their child's first birthday. The key is to initiate a savings plan when your child is young and gradually build upon it. 


Every parent yearns for the best for their children. I've met countless parents who spend a small fortune on toys that bring fleeting joy. It can be a sensitive subject, suggesting that instead of these toys, we invest in their future. As a financial advisor, I've encountered a spectrum of reactions, from practical acceptance to initial annoyance. Yet, in most cases, parents eventually realize the significance of prioritizing their child's future over the transient happiness of an expensive toy. It's a journey that stems from love and ends in securing their child's dreams.
Starting early has several advantages. First, it allows you to accumulate funds over an extended period, reducing the financial burden when the time comes for your child to enter college. Second, you can take advantage of compound interest, which means your investments will grow over time, making it easier to reach your savings goals. Finally, starting early instills a sense of financial responsibility in your child from a young age, teaching them the value of saving and investing for their future.


Now, you might wonder how much you should save. The good news is that you don't need to start with a significant amount. Even a modest monthly contribution can make a substantial difference over time. Consider reallocating a portion of the money you might spend on toys or other non-essential expenses towards your child's future. For example, instead of buying expensive toys that children quickly tire of, put that money into an education savings account. Many parents have taken this approach and found it to be an effective way to secure their child's future.

For example, starting with as little as $50 a month can accumulate to a substantial sum over 18 years. As your child grows, you can gradually increase your contributions to match the rising costs of education. This approach is practical and sustainable, and it ensures that you're actively contributing to your child's future every month.
Dubai's multicultural environment exposes our children to diverse cultures, making it easier for them to adapt when moving abroad for their university studies. This is a key factor parents consider when contemplating their children's higher education options.


Your child's future will thank you, and you'll find peace of mind knowing that you've given them the best possible start in life.
As a financial advisor, my role is to help parents create a budget-based plan and ensure it steadily progresses towards realizing their children's dreams and goals.
In conclusion, securing a quality education for your child is a noble aspiration, but it comes with a significant financial commitment. By starting an educational savings plan early, you not only ease the financial burden on yourself but also provide your child with the best chance for a successful future. Remember, education is an investment, and the sooner you start, the more time you have to grow your savings


So, start early, start small, and build on it. Or ignore it, end up with a loan and pay interest on it for the next 10 years, Choice is yours.