Kids Headed Back to School? How to Budget for an Increasingly ‘High Tech’ Education

Marci • August 25, 2014

Nothing in life is free, and costs on all sorts of consumer goods keep climbing higher and higher every day. This especially holds true when it comes to school supplies. As the new school year looms ahead, you are probably already worrying about covering all of the expenses that are involved in giving your child a quality education. One of the biggest challenges is helping your child to keep up with the relentlessly growing use of technology in education. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs while setting your child up for success in a technology-driven school environment, use these budgeting tips to keep your spending under control.
Kids Headed Back to School How to Budget for an Increasingly High Tech Education

You Don’t Have To Go With The Most Expensive Brand

While there may be a tablet or laptop that has the reputation of being the best, you can find less expensive devices that will still do the job. Be sure to scope out all of the possible options before you actually buy any new technology for your child. The most important thing you need to do is make sure your child has something that will be useful for school. Whatever you choose, it should have enough battery capacity that a forgotten power cord isn’t an issue, and a fast enough processor to open a Word file in a few seconds.

Shop Around and See What Competitors Offer

Before you buy anything, whether it is the leading brand or a comparable device, shop around. Go online and check out prices at a variety of sites. If you prefer to shop in-store, find out if the retailer offers competitor price matching. Bear in mind that warranty programs can be a great investment if the device encounters issues.

Use Public Access for Non-Essential Items

If purchasing high tech gadgets is so far out of your price range as to be unfeasible, you can always use free computers and technology in public places. If your public library provides use of computers, plan accordingly. You can also inquire at school about use of the computer lab after school. Your child may be able to work with other classmates or with family members who have the technology you need.

Think About Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are definitely growing in popularity. Your child would be able to access a great deal of information from a mobile phone. If you’re considering a mobile device, get a phone plan that will provide Internet access. Once again, you can compare providers. To save on costs, opt for a pay-as-you-go plan (where you only pay for what you need) or a family plan (where bundling multiple accounts or services can often result in a discount.)

Look For Great Sales

If you’re having trouble affording the regular price, keep in mind that every major retailer has a big sale several times per year. Watch for back to school promotions and flash sales that show up quickly. It’s a great way to keep more money in your pocket while getting exactly the equipment that your child needs.
Vancouver’s back-to-school season can be a hectic time, but with proper planning and budgeting and a little creativity, you can stretch your dollars far enough to get everything your child needs. Are you and your family considering a home purchase in the Vancouver area? A qualified mortgage broker can help. Contact me via email for information about the Vancouver real estate market or for more great budgeting tips that can help you get the mortgage you need.

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Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Marci Deane • March 25, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

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