Welcome to The school holidays may be here but people are already turning their thoughts to getting ready for the next school year. Our feature this week will be highlighting all the excellent products and services businesses have to offer parents, whether for pre-school, primary, secondary or third level. It’s an invaluable resource which is full of information on what’s available locally.
In next week’s edition (Friday July 26), we have our monthly Home & Living feature, which will be showcasing all about hallways/entranceways/boot rooms, lighting and much more. We offer fantastic rates and have an extensive readership to ensure your message gets out there so that you can reach your target market. To place an ad in our special features, contact us on: 064 6632215 or email: sales@killarneyadvertiser.ie.
FEATURE
Killarney Credit Union can help with back-toschool costs The number of parents saying they are struggling with back-toschool costs is on the rise. A new national survey has found that more than three quarters of parents, 78 percent, find the costs a financial struggle. This is a substantial 11 percent increase on last year. The findings were revealed this week in a new national survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions. Half of parents said meeting costs was their biggest back-to-school related worry. One third said they would be forced to deny their children certain school items this year because they could not afford them. Extracurricular activities and new school shoes were amongst the items to be cut from the budget this year. Karena McCarthy, Youth & Marketing Officer of Killarney Credit Union said the credit union is all too aware of the struggle for parents this time of year. “We frequently assist parents in the South Kerry community around this time of year who need help either budgeting for the back-to-school spend, or taking out a loan to see them through. It’s understandable that these costs are a financial burden for so many when parents are paying €949 per primary school child. The spend is even higher for parents with secondary school children who
are forking out €1,399 per child,” she said. “We want parents to know we are here to help, if only to have a chat about how they can budget for the upcoming spend.” The survey also found that there was a slight drop (one percent) in the numbers approaching moneylenders. Parents saying they are relying on credit cards to cover the back-toschool spend also decreased by five percent, falling from 18 percent to 13 percent. “We consistently try to provide financial education to parents in the community and inform them of the extremely high interest rates charged by moneylenders. We are happy to see a fall in the numbers going this route, but still concerned that three percent of parents will approach moneylenders in an effort to cope with costs. Our message would be to chat to us first in the credit union before making this decision. Using moneylenders can result in a recurring
78%
Parents spend
€1,399
of parents find
Back to School
a financial burden up
11
%
up
per secondary school child
20
€
Parents spend
36
%
€949
in debt
per primary school child
over Back to School costs
down
steady
50
€
Most expensive item at second level is
One third
Most expensive item at primary level is
forced to deny their children school items due to costs up
2
%
uniforms/ clothing
133 € 5
€ at
at
books
220 € 20
€
up
up
2019 Credit Union Back to School Research cycle of unnecessary debt and panic borrowing,” Karena added. “If for example a parent opted to take a Killarney Credit Union Back to School loan instead of using a moneylender, the APR rate would be 8.5 percent*, compared to rates of over 100 percent which some moneylenders can charge. Our loan is typically approved within 48 hours and there are no hidden transaction fees or charges. As always we are happy to work with parents to structure repayments in a way that suits their individual circumstances. We are more than happy to assist anyone who might need a little extra financial assistance at back to school time.” * For a €1,500, one year variable interest rate loan with 12 monthly repayments of €130.62 an interest rate
of 8.2 percent, a representative APR of 8.5 percent, the total amount payable by the member is €1,567. Information correct as at 16/7/19. For more information, please contact Helen on 064 6623730 or 087 451800.
FEATURE
The Dungeon Bookshop makes back to school shopping easy Take the burden out of the back to school chore by dropping your list into The Dungeon Bookshop Killarney. With over 20 years-experience dealing with school books and stationery, staff at the store, pride themselves on their customer service. We buy and sell second-hand school books, and have all new school books in stock. We try to save you money by providing second-hand books where possible at reduced cost, and by providing competitively priced school stationery,
all under one roof. We also have a large selection of school back-packs, wheelie bags, pencil cases, lunch boxes, and bottles, suitable for all ages. Drop your list in to one of our school book dedicated staff and let them get everything ready for you. Need your books covered? No problem, we can also do that too for just 80 cent per book.
Great quality clothing at affordable prices Mods & Minis has been selling great quality clothing at affordable prices for the best part of 15 years so they understand the importance of offering great products. At Mods and Minis, they have everything from sweat pants to winter jackets and long sleeve tops. “Planning for back to school is made easy with our deposit club which allows you to secure your items without having to pay for it all up front,” Deirdre McCloskey said.
“While getting school ready you can also take advantage of our amazing Facebook competition for a family weekend break at the Clonakilty Park Hotel. Simply log onto our new Facebook page: Mods & Minis, and like and share it so that you can be in with a chance to win.”
Walsh Brothers School Wear...
a one stop shop for all your school uniforms For all your school uniform needs, check out Walsh Brothers School Wear Killarney, located above Eddie Rockets on New Street which caters for 18 schools in the Killarney area. Proprietor Fiona Walsh and her trusted team which includes Mary, Sarah, Adam, and Rachel, are all geared up to help make life for the busy back to school period hassle free whilst providing a competitive service. Fiona and her team can now embroider school jackets, bags etc., with student’s initials or names to avoid lost items in school. All First Years will have their own colour to help distinguish them from other years thus helping the return of an item of uniform in the event of the item being lost. Fiona is also providing personalised gifts with a large selection of cuddly toys, baby robes, towels, comforters, christening blankets, baby blankets and gift boxes which are ideal presents. The store is located only three doors down from Walsh Brothers shoe shop. A huge selection of shoes from Clarks, ECCO, Vans and Susst are all available with full fitting service provided. Both stores offer a vast selection of school bags from Sporthouse and Ridge 43. “The school wear shop provides everything needed to make back to school and school uniform shopping
as hassle free as possible,” Fiona said. “There are several fitting rooms to help the kids try and fit the uniforms before purchasing. With shoes and bags also available, it really is a one stop shop for parents. “I feel we’re really working hard to provide a value package for parents at this expensive time of year. A lot of people have joined our savings club and we offer tiered discounts on bags and shoes.” The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm and the staff in the shoe shop will oblige as best they can to assist outside these hours. Customers will find uniforms for St Brendan’s College, St Brigid’s, Milltown Secondary School, Killarney Community College, Fossa NS, Loreto NS, St Oliver’s (Ballycasheen), Gaelscoil Faithleann, Loughguittane NS and Firies NS. Many more schools are also catered for.