Paul Callaghan, Senior Asset Manager at Arlo Associates, tells us how best to save for school fees – it’s a scary thought but so much better if you start planning, mamas!

The majority of people move to Dubai with plans of saving for the future and building a better, more financially secure life for themselves and their family. Most parents would agree their most valuable asset is their family and it’s their number one goal to give their children the best start in life. We’ve been told that, 41% of parents believe that funding their child’s education is more important than contributing to their own pension.

Dubai is a fantastic city to raise a family. Not only is the climate perfect for kiddies and families to spend the majority of our free time outside during the cooler months, it’s extremely safe and children benefit from an excellent private education.

However, raising a family in the UAE is not cheap and we know the cost of living for most families continues to rise year-on-year. One of the biggest outlays for a family is the increasing cost of education, and the future investment of supporting your children’s development through college and university is often on parent’s minds. We all know a family who has experienced this themselves, and even sassy mamas have had to move their kids to new schools to balance the books. The worst scenario is that families get separated, as mama and the kids return home, with the main breadwinner (aka dad) staying to support them here.

With this in mind it’s key to know the costs now, so that you can plan ahead and don’t ever feel like you’re compromising on your children’s future, and you can stay in the Dubai as long as you want too.

Whether you’re at the start of your journey with a newborn, or your children are already at school it is important to have a holistic view of the costs associated with a quality education. Tuition fees rise as your child gets older.

See below for the potential average cost of putting one child through school, with many families paying even more:

–       Pre-school – USD 7,890 (average annual fee) x2 years.

–       Primary – USD 9,580 (average annual fee) x 6 years.

–       Secondary – USD 11,707 (average annual fee) x 6 years.

–       TOTAL: USD 143, 682

Here is the average annual tuition fees for undergraduate courses:

• UAE – USD 20,800
• UK – USD 15,500
• USA – USD 22,958
• Canada – USD 11,400
• Australia – USD 11,300

So, for example if your child is now 8 years old, and you envisage them potentially going to university in the UK the cost of putting them through university will look something like this depending on the course they choose:

Course fee: USD 15,500

Living expenses: USD 21,260

Total cost: USD 36,760

Total cost for 3 years: USD 110,280

With inflation in 10 years: USD 147,702

It’s quite likely the above figures may shock you at first but it is the reality of education costs. With a potential cost of USD 291,384 which is AED1,072,293 to educate one child, this is not the time to panic this is the time to plan! The sooner you start contributing to this pot, the better no matter how small the instalments.

The sooner you start saving, the better, and by planning early don’t have to compromise on your goals and dreams in the future.

If you want to hear more about saving for school fees, or for more information on education planning please email Paul on paul.callaghan@arloassociates.comor or call +971 55 217 0654.

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My mum recently told me that my 7 year old should start appreciating the value of money by receiving a regular allowance so I plucked a random figure out of the air (AED 10) and decided that he should get it every Sunday (or when I remember – poor kid is currently about AED 200 down). We’ve since spoken to a few friends and changed our tactics, only doling out the dosh if my son completes a few chores each week so that he really does understand that hard work pays off and doesn’t just come to me with his hand outstretched like it’s his divine right!

The whole allowance thing can be daunting – give them too little and you’ll be the meanest mama on the block or hand out too much and you’re at risk of creating a spoilt brat. And while pocket money is almost a rite of passage for kids, giving it to them too early could mean they won’t understand the value of it or come to expect to be given money ‘just because’. I’ve heard stories of 4 year olds being handed notes only to throw them around the house – not ideal!

Amongst my friends, the general consensus is that between the ages of 6 -8 is around the right age for kids to start getting some money of their own because there’s no point in starting when children who don’t have a grasp on maths yet. There’s also the argument that it should start right after the tooth fairy starts to visit so that they can begin to save those magic coins – and also to link it with something that the kids want (new toys etc) that they can start saving for themselves.

Most mamas I spoke with agreed that an allowance should come as part of an agreement that they’ll have to earn it. Emma, whose kids are now 12 and 14 says she started a little later when her eldest was 11 and her youngest 9, awarding them AED 20 each week if they ticked off everything on their list and removing the privilege of a weekly allowance if they didn’t. And her other tip? Not to actually hand over cash which can easily get misplaced but rather to use a fab app called Allowance Manager which you can use via the web or on your mobile and which solves that problem of forgetting the occasional week of pocket money (guilty!) by automatically adding pocket money weekly plus being able to reference which of the kids is getting how much and why. Emma says she specified an amount to post to each of her kids ‘accounts’ and then gets a little message every time it happens – she can also add extras like Christmas money from grandparents or a ‘bonus’ for VERY good behaviour!

So how about those chores then? Well here are a few you could list for starters if you’re looking to get going with pocket money each week:

Make your bed
Turn off all lights (is anyone else’s house left lit like a Christmas tree after they’ve left for school?!)
Put all laundry in the laundry basket
Lay the table
Clear the table
Load/unload the dishwasher
Help with any pets (walking dogs, feeding cats etc)
Prepare everything for school the next day – from uniform to book bags etc
Help with extras like carrying groceries from the car or cooking etc.

Don’t like the idea of linking chores to money? (ok yes, our kids should be doing more around the house and not expecting to get paid for it!) – then how about using weekly pocket money as a maths exercise where they need to add what they have or subtract what they’ve spent plus figure out how much they need and how long it’ll take them to get it before they can buy that toy/dress/Ferrari?

We can use money to instill values, to talk about charity and to help our kids pay for their own things even by starting with a few dirhams each week. That said, I’m off to pay my debts to my 7 year old!

Have an opinion on pocket money, mamas? Email us at sassy@sassymamadubai.com as we’d love to hear it!

The post Pocket Money: When To Start & How To Do It appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Want to fill your Half Term or weekends with fun, mamas? Careem is here to help! Not only can they whisk you and your fam around town in their fleet of cars but they’re also offering 15% discount on all your rides to seven approved places when you use the promo code HOLIDAY15 until 5 November, 2017 – hooray!

If you’ve never been to Motiongate Dubai, Legoland, Kite Beach, OliOli, Bounce, Aquaventure or The Green Planet then now’s the time, mamas, because the Careem Captains are on hand to get you there – and all at a very special price.

Trying to occupy the kiddos is stressful enough and there’s plenty to remember (snacks, water, spare clothes etc) without having to figure out the journey/parking too so booking a Careem to take you from door to door is just the way to make the whole process easier. The rides are super easy to book (either in advance or in real time) so you can focus on all the other stuff and get excited about your little adventure.

Once you’ve downloaded the Careem app to your phone, simply tap to book a car and pay in cash, credit card or Careem credits – too easy! And here’s the best part. As safety-conscious parents, the thought of braving a taxi journey without a car seat is enough to get us sweating, but the Careem Kids service has you covered by providing dedicated cars that come pre-installed with a Maxi Cosi child seat that can carry a child up to 30 kilos. Now there is only one seat per car, but if you’re traveling with more than one child under the age of four and need to add another carseat of your own then the lovely captains (drivers!) will help you install it. Perfect.

Oh and as an extra special treat, any mamas using the code will be entered into a special prize draw to win a Heavenly Spa Voucher courtesy of The Westin, Dubai (the best reward after a day of treating the kids? We think so.)

Promo code: HOLIDAY15

Terms & Conditions
Valid until 5 November, 2017

Pick up or drop off must be at one of these seven locations for the promo code to work

Maximum discount amount is AED 20 per trip. Valid on all car types excluding GO, UNHCR and BOX. Valid for 14 rides per user.

• Motiongate Dubai
• Legoland
• Kite Beach
• Olioli
• Aquaventure 
• The Green Planet 
• Bounce 

www.careem.com

The post Ride, Save & Win With Careem This Week Mamas! appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Looking to tighten your belt a little, mamas? We know the feeling! Back to school means afternoon activities (check out our latest list), uniform and all that jazz plus there’s money to spend on getting our homes and gardens visitor/winter ready and Christmas in 3 months time (yes, it’s true!). Make a few minor adjustments and you can be saving heaps while also getting the best out of the city!  Here are 9 ways to do it.

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There’s nothing we love more than a deal – and our friends at CitiSpi have very kindly put together a few of their best offers this February so that we can brunch, chill and enjoy a night out with the gals or a date night with the hubster without digging too deep. Enjoy!

Friday Brunch – Gastro Kitchen

Every Friday, head to Gastro Kitchen and enjoy a great brunch with your family with live cooking stations, live BBQ stations and a wide array of international delicacies. Let the children enjoy themselves with our entertainment and finish the day having a splash at the beach or in the pool (complimentary access to both!).

AED 225 (inclusive of soft drinks) – previously 299, AED 282 (inclusive of house beverages) – previously AED379, inclusive of free pool and beach access.

Please quote ‘CitiSpiDTJBR’ to make use of the exclusive 25% CitiSpi Discount.

Tel: 055 166 8092
Email: events.dtjumeirah@hilton.com
www.dubaijumeirahbeach.doubletree.com

Read more: New Family Restaurants & Date Night Experiences

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Aspen by Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

Afternoon tea just got sweeter. The new Friday Afternoon tea at Aspen by Kempinski revolves all around sweet treats made of chocolate. Yummy! In addition to superior teas indulge in pralines, eclairs, melt-in-the-mouth pastries and even chocolate fountains. Perfect for chocoholics! AED 150 per person every Friday from 3pm-6pm.

Tel: +971 4 409 5999
Email: restaurants.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com

Read more: The Sassy Mama Mini Guide To What’s New in Mall of the Emirates

Glamour Spa Wednesday – Anantara the Palm

Sip on welcome drinks and refreshments throughout the evening. Indulge in majestic pampering with a 45-minute Turkish Hammam, followed by a 30-minute mini facial with a 5-minute skin mapping session and a soothing 30-minute back and shoulder massage.

Extend your pleasure by enjoying full access to all of Anantara Spa’s luxury facilities. Relish even more sparkle, receive a fabulous Natura Bisse goodie bag. AED 399 per person.

Tel: 04 567 8140
Email: spa.dubai@anantara.com
www.dubai-palm.anantara.com

Read more: A day-cation at Anantara, The Palm Dubai

A Glowing Offer – Natural Elements Spa Le Meridien Dubai

Your visit to the Natural Elements Spa includes access to an aroma heat cave, a thermarium that combines subtle heat with aromatherapy and subdued lighting for a truly relaxing experience. At the end of your treatment the relaxation areas are designed with lounge-style couches, where you can sip herbal teas and enjoy fresh fruit.

When you book a Ila Kundalini Back Treatment, get one complimentary service for AED 600 with 10% off Ila retail products and 20% off Ila spa treatments. Purchase an Ila Body scrub (Energizing or Blissful) and get one complimentary service for AED 400 with the same discounts above! Great value! This offer is valid until Friday, 31 March, 2017.

Tel: 04 702 2455
Email: naturalelements.lmdubai@lemeridien.com
www.naturalelementsdubai.com

Read more: Fun in the Sun – The Best Beaches in Dubai

Diva Night 360 Degrees

Located at the end of Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Marina walkway, 360° promises a time you will never forget. Ideal for a stylish evening venue, unlike any other. And every Tuesday, join Diva Night from 8pm. All ladies receive four complimentary beverages from 8pm to midnight.

Tel: 04 348 0000
Email: 360@jumeirah.com

Read more: 18 of Dubai’s Best Hidden Gems

Blankets and Baskets of Fun at Lakeside Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, join Lakeview on their perfectly manicured lawn to relax and soak up the Dubai sunshine whilst enjoying stunning views of the rolling greens, waters and of course plenty of scrumptious food and drinks.

Upon arrival, picnic party-goers will be given their own rugs and a hamper filled with assorted healthy salads, crusty French baguettes, a cold cut selection, assorted cheese, and a homemade apple pie. There’s also an international buffet selection, with BBQs and a wide selection of yummy appetisers.

Those with little ones can keep them entertained and work up an appetite on the bouncy castle… although it’s probably best to keep away after too many donuts!

This brunch is pleasing on the purse strings too, priced at AED 250 for food and selected house beverages AED 65 per child between 4 and 12 years (3 and below go free).

Tel: +971 4 295 6000
Email: lakeview@dubaigolf.com
www.dubaigolf.com

Read more: Dubai’s Best Outdoor Play Areas

To discover even more of what Dubai’s five-star hotels and venues have to offer without breaking the bank, and without the need for vouchers, download the CitiSpi app on Play or iTunes. And remember to keep an eye out on social media for more information and news via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To stay up to date with all of CitiSpi’s upcoming events, join their closed groups: CitiBabies for mummy breakfast dates and play dates, as well as the CitiLadies for daytime and evening social get-togethers.

The post Citispi’s Top Deals For February appeared first on Sassy Mama.

I can’t count the times I have advised my customers on where to spend and where to save depending on the whether or not they are renting or owning. There are a lot of things we tend to forget as we are busy out there in the shops trying to make decisions based on what we like and what would fit best, but often forget to think long term. So here it is folks, my top recommendations for you!

If you are renting:

1. Don’t spend too much on a space-specific furniture. I can immediately recall that time we bought that perfect dining room cupboard that was wide enough for the wall we had, and quite frankly we probably should have left it there because it isn’t the right dimensions for our house. If you’re going to acquire nice items, invest in chairs, lamps and side tables, which are more easily integrated into any space.

2. Don’t invest in permanent storage: Maybe install one single shelf at the entryway, but otherwise get creative with something like a vintage crate or a wire basket to catch kicked-off shoes. Look for pretty and portable accessories for storage, like creative hooks for bags and scarves and a nice tray for keys. You can always use those elsewhere. In the living room, this is a good time to use a bookshelf, as built-ins are not a reality for rentals.

3. Repainting is really easy and can be done in an afternoon: you can totally do it yourself. I’ve never been in an apartment that didn’t have a paint job – its almost a given and mega look changer.

4. If you’re nervous about investing in an expensive coffee table, consider a group of poufs with a tray on top or layering smaller coffee tables together. You can then break them apart and use them throughout your new space.

5. Focus on accessories like throw pillows, dishes, and trays. You can buy a really crappy coffee table and put a gorgeous tray on it, and nobody will know what’s underneath!

6. Invest in a nice mirror for the entryway: It can always go from your apartment to your first home, and seeing as it’s the first thing people see when they enter, and the last thing people look at when they leave, its worthy of some budget.

7. Great art is everything, so start your collection now. You don’t have to spend a fortune by any means, but pieces found over the years generally tell a better story than one long session on the computer sourcing art to fill a new home. Why not try Dubai’s flee markets or picking up some art on your travels?

If you are owning:

1. Consider building in storage, particularly if your home lacks closets. We tend to collect a lot of things the minute we are settled and storage is key!

2. Invest in pieces that fit perfectly, whether it’s a standing lamp, a console table, or a chair in the corner. These are functional pieces that will be there forever (or as long as you own the house!)

3. Wallpaper your entry – or paint it in a separate colour. Spend the money and time to make this space feel really special so that entering and exiting your home is an event.

4. This is a good time to invest in shelving, particularly as a way to eliminate clutter or any extra furniture on the floor, as it can look kind of busy to have too many bookcases or even DVDs.

5. Invest in a high quality couch that fits perfectly – you don’t have to spend a fortune, but make sure that its really comfortable and sound enough that you can reupholster it as your taste changes without having to start over – hey we had our leather L-Shape sofa for ten years and simply gave it a fresh coat of paint to make freshen it up again!

6. Hire professional painters, even if you think your paint job is simple. It should be perfect. And while they’re at it, consider contrasting the ceiling or the moulding or the trim – even if it’s in a subtle way. Paint your entryway door and make a statement.

The post Renting VS Owning: When To Spend And When To Save On Interiors appeared first on Sassy Mama.