Education Savings Take Kids One Step Closer to their Dreams

(Updated―1st published November 17, 2015)

"I grew up knowing that my parents were saving for my education in an RESP with Kaleido," says Vincent, now a shipping supervisor for a Quebec-based company, "this gift was priceless. I plan on having children of my own someday, and I too, will open an RESP with Kaleido to allow them the opportunity to pursue the career of their choice", concludes Vincent.

A Plan for the Future

The RESP is a very advantageous financial product given the generous government grants offered to boost contributions. In Quebec, these grants can represent up to $12,800^* lifetime per child. These grants, as well as the income generated by these and by the contributions constitute the amounts paid in the form of educational assistance payments (EAPs) to RESP beneficiaries pursuing an eligible post-secondary education program.

Most parents who invest in an RESP to offer their children the opportunity to pursue their dreams, as was the case for Léonie, and RESP beneficiary with Kaleido: "The EAPs I received gave me the means to pursue my studies at one of the best schools in the world and in a field I'm passionate about. This money eased the burden of financial stress and allowed me to focus on my education."

Educational Assistance Payments

EAPs are funds from an RESP used to cover the various expenses of a post-secondary education. Contrary to a popular misconception, the money from an RESP isn't only for University studies. Quite the contrary, EAPs can be paid for a very wide range of educational programs, such as those offered in community colleges, private colleges, technical schools, vocational/trade schools, CEGEP, distance learning programs... and the list goes on.

EAPs can be used to cover just about any type of education-related expense, from tuition fees to groceries. These can even be used to ensure transportation to and from school: "The school I wanted to go to was outside my home town, so I used my educational assistance payments to buy a reliable car and cover gas expenses," explains Samuel, who is currently pursuing industrial mechanic training.

Education savings: investing for tomorrow

Early planning for a child's education is very important because holding and building savings over the long-term plays a role in strengthening his or her educational aspirations. It's also a critical factor in helping young people find a good job to become active participates in their community.

Plan your child’s future today by opening an RESP. In addition to offering a range of flexible RESPs, Kaleido provides family support for the challenges of everyday life in areas such as parenting, tutoring, family finances, health and wellness, career counselling and more. Contact us for more information!