190) Must I Send My Child To Tertiary Education?

If you have a child in upper secondary, you will have this question or will be asking this very soon.

Let's look at the current education system to answer the question.

- It is easy to pass the exams. Be it SPM, STPM, UEC, O-levels, A-Levels, etc. It may be easy to pass, but the number of students who passed had increased steadily over the years. We now have almost 100% passing rates in most schools.
- There is hardly any dropout at lower levels than Form 5.
- More students are qualified to go to the University and Colleges.
- There are more colleges, universities and higher education institutes. It means there are more seats for students for each year and also more intakes.
- There are also more courses available. So, getting into the college is easier.
- Getting Masters or PhD is also very common in many more areas.

If you look at the information above, basically anyone who can and wants to study, can go to a college.

If young graduates are finding hard to find decent jobs now, then what about those who do not have a college degree? They will be in worse position to find a job.

If your child do not have a college degree, he or she will be at a disadvantage. Employers are now looking at higher qualifications than basic degree. 

A college degree is no longer a luxury.
It is a basic requirement. 

At the moment, a Master's or PhD is an added advantage. But, how long will this be?

So, do you need to prepare for your child education fees? 
The answer is no longer a question of YES or NO.

The updated Question should be, 

"How much to prepare for the child education fees?"

Some parents will say that they may not need to prepare. The child is very young and college education years is so far into the future. As most people know, it is easier to start savings for the longer years. The earlier you start, the less the amount you need to save regularly.

In investment and savings money, time is your greatest friend. 

Some of the parents will even say that they may be savings too much if start too early. Well, if you start early, you can also stop early. If you continue for a longer period, you may have more than enough.That is very good.

Having too much money is never a problem. 
The problem is always with not enough money.

So, look for financial consultants who can assist you to plan for your children's education fees needs.