News
Killarney Credit Union advises on back to school planning

“AVOID moneylenders, shop around and plan a budget.” That’s the key advice from Killarney Credit Union when it comes to addressing back-to-school costs.
Research undertaken in June 2016 by the Irish League of Credit Union indicated that back-to-school costs negatively impact 26% of household bill payments with 13% of parents saying they will have to sacrifice spending on food to cover these costs.
Helen Courtney Power, business development officer with Killarney Credit Union, said: “We are very aware of the increased costs that families are facing when returning children to school after the holidays, we recommend that you plan early by making out a budget, shopping for deals in local retailers and avoid door step credit at all costs.
“We offer personal micro credit loans for smaller amounts which can be repaid through the household budget scheme or you can also look at our standard education loans for members.”
According to the credit union research, school associated costs have increased year on year from 2012 with overall spend for primary children on average is €967 per year per child and secondary €1,474.
On average primary school parents are spending €145 on uniforms per child, secondary school parents spending €234 per child
Some 31% of parents find themselves in debt covering back to school costs, borrowing an average of €357.
In 2016, 60% of parents will shop online for back to school items, up significantly from 47% in 2015
Some 79% of parents expected to make voluntary contribution to the school, averaging €118 per child, up from €112 in 2015.
Thirty-seven per cent of parents feel under pressure to buy branded school supplies, down from 42% in 2015, pressure more evident in secondary school parents.
Only 14% % of parents eligible for back-to-school allowance believe the back to school allowance is sufficient to cover school costs.
Helen Courtney Power, Killarney Credit Union.
News
Chamber pays tribute to late Dick Henggeler
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has expressed condolences following the death of Dick Henggeler, the well-known owner of The Rose Hotel in Tralee. Mr Henggeler passed away peacefully at […]
News
Beaufort Film Night returns with French drama-comedy
Beaufort Film Night will return on Friday (October 17) at Cullina National School, with a screening of the French drama-comedy The Marching Band. The film tells the story of Thibaut, […]