"As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" - Daniel 1:17 ESV.

BABY STEP 5

This baby step is written for you by a SmartSteward friend. He writes, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you” [BB King]

I had just turned 10 years old when I arrived in England on a cold February morning 24 years ago. For months I had dreamt of this day and now it was finally here. It was everything I had imagined.

I grew up in Zambia, a place I still regard as home. My parents had moved to England whilst I was still young and I was raised by my aunties and uncles. After a few years my older sister and I eventually joined my parents. I knew full well that this was the opportunity of a life time. When I arrived in the UK I could barely speak a word of English and the kids at school reminded me of this fact daily! They laughed and taunted me. But instead of getting despondent I made a determined effort to learn the language.

Years later I would break the record in my secondary school (high school) for being the first Student in its history to get an A* in GCSE English literature (back when A* were rare as gold). I even got a picture in my local newspaper. I went onto college and eventually University to study Medicine. Throughout my journey my parents had always instilled in me the importance of a good education.

When I was at University, tuition fees were just over £1000 per year. At the time I and many other students thought that this was outrageous. How could the government charge us so much money? Today tuition fees are roughly £9000 per year! Student debt is a big problem and many young people are being put off by the thought of graduating with thousands of pounds in debt. Unless your parents are extremely wealthy there really isn't any way you can avoid student loan debt! Or is there?

Welcome to baby step 5! This is where you (parents) start saving money for your children's University education so that they can graduate debt free! This week we will look at the importance as well as the dangers (yes the dangers) of a University education and why it is vital that as parents you are involved in the degree choice. Finally we will look at how the wealthy save money for the children's education. You might be surprised just how straight forward and inexpensive it is!