27 Aug 2015

As kids are going back to school, parents (maybe you) are stressing over the school fees and supplies. While parents are being asked to set aside hundreds of dollars for school fees, there are ways to budget for what you can control in your hands. On a brighter note, especially with the economy, there are no major school fee hikes! If back to school came around the corner way too fast for you, here’s what to know about the back to school essentials as Christine talks about it!

In Calgary, there are two major school districts, therefore different fees:

Calgary Board of Education (public):

Transportation: $300/child

Noon Supervision: ~$250/child depending on the age

Calgary Catholic School District (CSSD):

Transportation: $270/child to a maximum of $540

Noon Supervision: $80/child to a maximum of $160

 

While there are some fees that are required for payment right away, here are some things to do for budgeting:

Review your situation
How many of these will impact you
Do you have the yellow bus transportation, activity fees, resource fees, etc.
Review which expenses could be paid in time or in the future. Another option can be to use your Child Care Benefits as others are using to help pay for expenses.

 

Something else to take note of is what can be tax deductible to help you further budget!
The noon supervision fees qualify for child care expense where both districts can issue tax deductible receipts. Transit passes are also deductible!

 

Supply list!
Did you forget about that or have your kids been talking non-stop about all the cartoon pencils and pens they want?
Here are some ways to budget for that:

Buy in bulk for the future!

Find the best prices and places (the dollar store and other inexpensive stores)

Other ways: http://huffingtonpost.ca/2015/08/25/back-to-school-prices-canada_n_8033152.html

 

For those who are in financial hardships, there are some forms on the district websites for forms for the waiver system to help you with fees. Other situations can be found on the website, or speak to the principle of the school to defer fees and other options!

 

Here’s to a great school year and the best to your budgeting!