Regardless of how untroubled about future some people are, it all changes once they become parents. The moment the baby arrives everything changes, especially our nonchalance toward money and savings. Only, this time is not just about rainy days that may come, but also the bright, shiny days when our kids are no longer drooling toddlers, but almost adults with their big dreams and life goals that they plan to achieve. Aside from unconditional love and proper upbringing, it is the parent’s main responsibility to make sure that their kids will have a good starting point in life once they leave the nest. Saving money and investing in their future is a long-term project, so read on to find out more about it.
Take care of yourself first
Although this may seem absurd, rest assured that it is one clever way to ensure a brighter future for your kids. Before starting to make plans about investments and children’s saving accounts, make sure to start saving for your retirement. In addition to that, consider getting a term life insurance, as it doesn’t cost a fortune, yet it does leave you at ease. Also, filing a will is a smart move, even if it seems too early. All of these measures are nothing else but caring for your little ones as you wish to release them of responsibility to financially take care of you in your old age.
Saving accounts
Saving money this way is traditional and perhaps the safest way to put away some serious money for your kids. Even though interest rates are low and taxed as income, keep in mind that bank saving accounts, unlike some of the investments, are completely risk-free. There is plenty of ways to set up a children saving account as well as saving options for children. For instance, in the UK, you can set up a saving account on behalf of children, and when they turn seven, they can start managing their account. Great lesson in money handling as well as adopting saving habits.
Investing in steady growth
Considering low rates, having a saving account may not be the best opportunity out there. There are plenty of financial products and saving plans that will allow you to achieve your goals with much higher interest and substantial return over time. It is a combination of investment strategies and savings that fits your planning horizon and risk tolerance. For instance, couples in Singapore save money for children’s future by investing in unit trusts and education endowments, which are quite flexible and risk managed option, as well as great opportunities for long-term growth. However, these types of investments do require a reliable financial advisor.
A specific education savings plan
Having a well-educated kid costs arm and leg, so start putting money aside timely. There are saving plans that ensure that all the money, including interest, is directed to cover qualified education expenses. These are tax efficient and relatively safe saving plans that hold parents as account owners and children as beneficiaries. In Canada, this is RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) and in the US is 529 plan (or College plan). Still, aside from the investment risk, there is a possibility that your child will not wish to go to college. In that case, you can change the beneficiary and still spend money on education. Spending money on unqualified expenses will result in penalties.
Try investing in commodities
Investing in commodities is a smart way to make money for the future, but not every commodity can stand the test of time and fluctuation on the market. Instead of investing your money in energy or agriculture, stick to the rarest and most valuable commodity of all – diamonds. It is not for the rich people only, since you probably have one already, on your engagement ring. Safe investing in diamonds involves learning the basics on how to properly diversify your investment portfolio. Also, monitoring the diamond market can be of great use, since lately, there is a big demand for naturally colored diamonds. Look for rare pieces and rest assured that their value will increase over time.
More ways to save money
Find the way to create passive income, or in other words, way to make money while you do other things. For example, if you have additional space, rent it out via AirBnB. Also, keep in mind that all of your current possessions are frozen money at the moment, so sell things that you don’t need and earn. You can sell outgrown clothes and old toys, cribs, strollers, sports gear, etc.
Conclusion
The world is an expensive place and future is costly. Still, with some planning and logic, it is possible to ensure a good life for your little ones.
