6 things parents should know about planning their child’s financial future

Pulse Mix 20:25 - 31 August 2026

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When you have a child, there is always something to pay for.

School fees come around, then there are books, uniforms, transport, lessons and all the other expenses that seem to find their way into the family budget. It can make planning for something that is still 10 or 20 years away feel less urgent.

But those years eventually arrive, and some of the biggest financial milestones in a child’s life may require more preparation than a parent can put together at the last minute.

That was the focus of United Capital’s recent webinar, “Investing in Your Child’s Financial Future,” which brought together experts from Asset Management, Trustees and Microfinance to discuss how parents can approach the different financial needs that come with raising a child.

Here are six things that stood out from the conversation.

1. Starting small is still starting

You do not need a large amount to begin planning for your child’s future. Start with what you can realistically afford and stay consistent.

For parents exploring investment options, United Capital’s range of mutual funds offers options for different financial goals and time horizons.

2. There is more to plan for than school fees

Education is a major financial goal, but it may not be the only one. University, career development, entrepreneurship and other milestones can also require financial support.

Thinking about these goals early gives you more time to prepare.

3. Your financial reality matters

One parent asked whether they should prioritise emergency savings, paying off debt or investing for their child when income is limited.

There is no one answer for every family. The important thing is to understand your current position and find a balance between what needs attention today and what you are building towards tomorrow.

4. Borrowing needs a plan

When school expenses come up, borrowing may sometimes be an option. Before taking on credit, consider what you need it for, whether the repayments are manageable and how it fits into your wider finances.

For immediate school-related expenses, parents can explore UCEE’s Back-to-School Loan.

5. Think about what happens to the wealth you build

Building assets for your children is one part of the journey. Thinking about how those assets will be managed and eventually benefit them is another.

Trusts and estate planning can help provide that structure. You can learn more about estate planning with United Capital Trustees.

6. You don’t have to have it all figured out at once

Saving for an immediate school expense is different from investing toward a goal 10 or 20 years away.

The biggest takeaway from the conversation was that parents can view their child’s financial future as a set of goals rather than trying to solve everything at once.

Start with what matters most, work with what you can realistically afford and build from there.