What's the best way to save for my child's education?

2250 moms shared how they navigated this decisionRight on time for 👦 3-6-months

3 approaches by moms

Endowment Plan39% moms chose this path
Structured savings with insurance coverage and guaranteed payouts, often with lower flexibility and longer commitment periods.
This approach suits parents who prefer a disciplined, lower-risk method with some guaranteed returns for their child's education. You commit to regular premiums and receive payouts aligned with educational milestones, offering peace of mind.
CT
Cindy T.. · Experienced mom · Baby at 5 years
My endowment plan matured just as my son started poly. The payouts really helped cover his fees without dipping into our emergency savings.
Direct Investing35% moms chose this path
Building an education fund through ETFs, stocks, or unit trusts, with higher growth potential but fluctuating returns.
This is ideal for parents comfortable with market fluctuations and seeking potentially higher long-term returns over 15-20 years. You can manage your own portfolio through brokerage accounts or use robo-advisors for diversification.
DG
David G.. · Working mom · Baby at 6 months
We put our baby bonus and angbao money into an S&P500 ETF. It's grown nicely over the years, hoping it covers uni fees.
Savings & Bonds20% moms chose this path
Utilising high-interest accounts and Singapore Savings Bonds for low-risk growth, with slower returns.
This approach is best for risk-averse parents prioritising capital preservation and easy access to funds. These options offer stable, albeit lower, returns and are government-backed for security.
SL
Shanti L.. · First-time mom · Baby at 4 months
We use a high-yield savings account and SSBs for our daughter's fund. It's slow but steady, and I sleep better knowing the money is safe.

Expert guidance

Education costs can rise over time, making early planning important. MoneySense outlines options such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, Singapore Savings Bonds, regular investing, and insurance-based plans. What matters most is matching your time horizon and risk tolerance, as lower-risk options may offer slower growth while higher-return options can fluctuate in value.

Official sources
MoneySmart
DollarsAndSense
MoneySmart
NTUCIncome
MoneySense
MoneySmart

Parenting decisions are personal, and every child is different. The information shared here includes real experiences from moms and guidance from expert and public sources, but should not replace professional medical or healthcare advice.

Not sure which is right for you?