This little monkey started preschool this year. In the blink of an eye my tiny 7lbs babe was a preschooler. We went from changing diapers to practicing printing. From nighttime feedings to teaching her to ride a bike. I blinked, and she’s almost grown up! I hate to admit it, but with how quickly time has already flown by, I know that grade school, high school and the inevitable university are not far behind. My baby is growing up – and I’m still fumbling my way through planning her future.
While pregnant, I knew that we wanted to make post-secondary education savings a priority in our budget. We knew we couldn’t afford a lot, but we also knew the earlier that we started the more growth and return we would have. We went in blind. Like completely and utterly blind. I had no idea what questions to ask, what information I should be scribbling down or in the end where she would end up using this money.
But, there’s strength in the unknown – because even though I didn’t know, an RESP specialist did know and walked us through the entire process. How much would the money we were saving grow into, where she could use that money to go to school and what happens if she chose to not even go to post-secondary? All of our questions were answered.
Many families however, don’t ask the questions. And they’re missing out on free, zero obligation money!
I love free stuff, who doesn’t? I love free money more than stuff though. Â Paying for one child’s education can be scary enough, but what if you have 2, 3 or more children? Regular deposit commitment can be a serious barrier for most families but there is a very simple way to get started – and start collecting free money! The Government of Canada’s Canada Learning Bond offers up to $2,000 into an eligible child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). There’s no commitment, all you need to do is open an RESP in your child’s name, the Government of Canada will immediately deposit $500, and could deposit up to $1500 more before your child turns 15. That’s up to $2,000 in FREE post secondary education funds.
Starting November 1, 2015 there’s an added bonus! Families that apply for their child’s Canada Learning Bond through SmartSAVER.org before December 31, 2015 will also have the chance to win one of nine $1,000 weekly cash prizes. There are no costs or minimum contributions required to open an RESP, and families can choose to open their account with one of six participating banks or credit unions. A new $1,000 winner will be selected weekly, so apply early for more chances to win, now that’s WIN-WIN!
Contest Details:
Date: November 1 – December 31st, 2015
Winners: 9 winners, 1 chosen per week
Prize: $1,000 cash prize!
How to enter: Visit SmartSaver.org and use their online application to open a free Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)Â at no cost, with no contribution required at a participating bank or credit union of their choice, and apply for their child’s free Canada Learning Bond
It literally takes less than 10 minutes to apply and you can open the account without a deposit. You will require both yours, and your child’s social insurance number to successfully open an RESP.If your child was born in 2004 or later and your family income is under $45,000 you could get up to $2,000 in free money from the Government of Canada through the Canada Learning Bond.
Visit SmartSAVER.org for full contest rules and regulations.
Sounds easy enough to get started, right? Make sure to book that appointment and take advantage of the free money towards your child’s education!
SmartSaver has partnered with British Columbia Mom to give one lucky reader a $25 President’s Choice Gift card as a thank you for reading (and hopefully sharing!) the information you learned here. Enter below!
