Province asks residents to take advantage of education savings opportunities designed to save money

ALMOST 80% of job openings in B.C. over the next decade will require some form of post-secondary education, says the Province. Education Savings Week is from November 18-24.

Some easy ways to plan for the future include:

Receive $1,200 toward a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RESP) for children between six and nine years old

One easy way to plan for the future is to receive $1,200 toward a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RESP) for children between six and nine years old.

There are no additional fees or financial contributions needed to receive the $1,200 B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant through one of 56 banks or financial institutions in Canada. This allows parents and families who cannot currently afford to put money aside to start a RESP. Even the smallest investment can grow over time and make it easier to pursue post-secondary education and training.

Do not be one of the 40% of families who leave this grant unclaimed. Deadlines to apply for the provincial grant are fast approaching:

* Children born in 2009 have until the day before their 9th birthday to apply.

* Children born in 2010 have until their 9th birthday in 2019 to apply.

* Children born in 2006 also have until Aug. 14th, 2019 to apply.

Receive up to $2,000 to invest in a RESP

Eligible families with modest incomes can receive up to $2,000 for each child’s RESP from the Canada Learning Bond. There are no fees and parents can receive this grant without making any additional financial contributions: For more information, visit: http://Canada.Ca/education-savings

Have personal RESP contributions matched by the Canadian government

The Canada Education Savings Grant will match parents’ contributions up to a maximum of $7,200 per child: http://Canada.Ca/education-savings

Thinking about upgrading or making a career change?

Academic courses are now free of charge for all B.C. adult learners: http://ow.ly/pMEf30ezu6n

Learn More:

B.C. Training and Education Savings Grants: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/bc-training-and-education-savings-grant