THE end of Summer will mark the start of a period of intense financial pressure for thousands of Limerick families facing significant back-to-school costs.
And with the cost of getting a teenager through a year of secondary school now adding up to as much as €3,500, a leading budgeting expert is advising parents to start planning now for expenses that will arise in less than eight weeks.
Yvonne Bogdanovic, who is manager of the Limerick Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), says that leaving back-to-school until the end of August could lead to stress and frustration.
“According to blues musician BB King, the beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. The less beautiful thing about learning is that it comes at a cost, even for junior infants who’ll be starting school in September.
“Education is worth investing in but it’s best if you plan ahead for the costs.
“As primary schools close their doors for the summer, if you’re a parent and you haven’t already done so, now is the time to start planning for back to school. Leaving it until August causes stress and frustration,” Ms Bogdanovic explained.
“It will cost at least €500 to cover all the costs of a school year for an infant in the early years of primary school and up to €3,500 to get a teenager through a year in secondary school, if you have to cover the cost of a school trip. So, it’s obviously a good idea for parents to prepare and plan for the school year ahead.
“Families who are eligible for the back to school allowance should watch out for notification from the Department of Social Protection, confirming that they will receive the grant. Any family that may be newly eligible for the grant should apply for it without delay.
“The costs parents on a budget paid for each year between junior infants and sixth year is displayed on the MABS Limerick facebook page. MABS can work with families to budget for the costs, work out a savings plan and help with getting organised to apply for allowances.
“Anyone can call Limerick MABS and make an appointment to work on their budget with one of our money advisers. The service is free and friendly. Even if they only have a brief chat, it could ease their worries or help them get organised.
