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COVID Impact on Saving for Post-Secondary Education

A Phase 5 study completed for strategic communications agency Agnostic on behalf of their client Knowledge First Financial (KFF) in November 2020 found that "One-third of Canadians are having difficulty saving for their child's post-secondary education since COVID-19". As Canada's largest RESP company with not-for-profit ownership, KFF wanted to better understand the effects of the pandemic on families' ability to prepare for and manage the education experience. 

It's not only saving for the future that is challenging, it is managing the present school situation (e.g. kids' stress, motivation, grades, disappointment), and for 1 in 4, it's also the stress of potentially changing plans for their child's post-secondary education. Plus 79% say they are "concerned about the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on their child's educational development". Stress abounds.

KFF President and CEO Carrie Russell reminds readers, "For the last 55 years, we have committed to educate and help families across Canada save for their child’s future." And with the insights from this study, the organization can continue to adapt to the times and help "ease parental worries and student stress.” 

For example, for budgets that are stretched more than ever, KFF is coaching families on how to maximize government grants and leverage tax savings opportunities. They also demonstrate the long-term benefits of starting to save early, even with small contributions. 

Visit their press release for more info on KFF and their findings from the November Phase 5 study.

Written by Stephan Sigaud

Stephan Sigaud, MBA, is Phase 5’s Chief Marketing Officer. Stephan is passionate about partnering with clients to address their challenges and opportunities around customer centricity. He has more than 25 years’ experience in Market Research and Customer Loyalty and Experience. A past Board Director of the Insights Association, he has also been volunteering with the Customer Experience Professionals Association (as past Chair of the CXPA Toronto Network) and the Canadian Marketing Association (as member of the Leaders Network and past co-Chair of the CMA CX Council).