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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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy? A Look at Canada's 2026 Housing Market

By Marci Deane • March 17, 2026
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership has felt like a moving target. After years of market volatility, shifting interest rates, and economic uncertainty, you might be wondering: is 2026 finally the year to make a move?

Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Home

By Marci Deane • March 11, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Home? Here’s What to Know Before You Start Whether you're buying your very first home or preparing for your next move, the process can feel overwhelming—especially with so many unknowns. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and preparation, you can approach your home purchase with clarity and confidence. This article will walk you through a high-level overview of what lenders look for and what you’ll need to consider in the early stages of buying a home. Once you’re ready to move forward with a pre-approval, we’ll dive into the details together. 1. Are You Credit-Ready? One of the first things a lender will evaluate is your credit history. Your credit profile helps determine your risk level—and whether you're likely to repay your mortgage as agreed. To be considered “established,” you’ll need: At least two active credit accounts (like credit cards, loans, or lines of credit) Each with a minimum limit of $2,500 Reporting for at least two years Just as important: your repayment history. Make all your payments on time, every time. A missed payment won’t usually impact your credit unless you’re 30 days or more past due—but even one slip can lower your score. 2. Is Your Income Reliable? Lenders are trusting you with hundreds of thousands of dollars, so they want to be confident that your income is stable enough to support regular mortgage payments. Salaried employees in permanent positions generally have the easiest time qualifying. If you’re self-employed, or your income includes commission, overtime, or bonuses, expect to provide at least two years’ worth of income documentation. The more predictable your income, the easier it is to qualify. 3. What’s Your Down Payment Plan? Every mortgage requires some amount of money upfront. In Canada, the minimum down payment is: 5% on the first $500,000 of the purchase price 10% on the portion above $500,000 20% for homes over $1 million You’ll also need to show proof of at least 1.5% of the purchase price for closing costs (think legal fees, appraisals, and taxes). The best source of a down payment is your own savings, supported by a 90-day history in your bank account. But gifted funds from immediate family and proceeds from a property sale are also acceptable. 4. How Much Can You Actually Afford? There’s a big difference between what you feel you can afford and what you can prove you can afford. Lenders base your approval on verifiable documentation—not assumptions. Your approval amount depends on a variety of factors, including: Income and employment history Existing debts Credit score Down payment amount Property taxes and heating costs for the home All of these factors are used to calculate your debt service ratios—a key indicator of whether your mortgage is affordable. Start Early, Plan Smart Even if you’re months (or more) away from buying, the best time to start planning is now. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, you get access to expert advice at no cost to you. We can: Review your credit profile Help you understand how lenders view your income Guide your down payment planning Determine how much you can qualify to borrow Build a roadmap if your finances need some fine-tuning If you're ready to start mapping out your home buying plan or want to know where you stand today, let’s talk. It would be a pleasure to help you get mortgage-ready.