Sri Bestari's Info Day

Sri Bestari's Info Day was held on 27th of Sept 2014. Just couple of days ago, we visited Sri Utama private school located at Setapak area. Our intention was to check out both private and international schools. The Sri Utama's principal told us she is not getting many parents registering for private school as opposed to international. I reckon the main reason being most parents are now losing trust in Malaysian syllabus. Therefore, they rather send their kids to international schools even though they have to fork out quite a hefty amount of fees. In some circumstances, parents are also forced to change their kids to international schools due to the school is not able to form a class due to more and more parents are pulling out their kids from private schools. Or for those who are unable to afford it, they have no choice but to switch their kids to government schools. So, this is the reality we have to face. Another main reason why international school is favored is because the government has switched back teaching of Maths and Science in English to national language. 

Now, coming back to Sri Utama, the principal told us the school is due to increase its fee in year 2015. Therefore, she was only able to give us the fees structure for Year 1. One time payment was RM4,500 (pre registration is RM500, enrollment fee is RM1,000, security deposit is RM3,000) and per annum is RM11,700 exclusive of food (RM700 per semester), books (RM500) and uniform (RM300). The international school fees is the same as the private for the first year, however this is subject to change next year and also increases every 2 or 3 years. The syllabus for private school is taught in national language. But I was told the teachers would also use English to teach Maths and Science during the same time.

At Sri Bestari, the school looks like an ordinary school. We were greeted by few primary school ambassadors dressed in green-white uniforms. They took us for a tour before the briefing by the primary school principal. She highlighted the key features of the school which includes teaching of World Maths and World Science in English. This would be taught in extra hours but within the school timetable.Their core subjects are language classes (French/Japanese/Mandarin), PA (Performing Arts) and abacus.  The one time payment is RM2,700 (registration is RM850, deposit is RM1,700, entrance exam is RM150). Per annum the fees would be RM12,410 from Year 1 till Year 5. This is exclusive of food, uniform and books (approx. RM1000). For Year 6, the fees would be slightly higher - RM12,935. They have 2 classes for Year 1 and their entrance exams are scheduled in October. The school surroundings are green and also registered as Eco-School. 

Well, how shall I say? Life is not easy.When it comes at each milestones for your children, you will have to do lots of thinking taking into considerations of each factor and of course, money being the most important. There are times that you want the best for the child. But, only you know if you have tried best enough to give what you can. 

3 sure ways to save money

Are you eyeing for something ? Maybe a gold necklace? A silver bracelet? Or anything ? But you are not sure how you are able to save ?  You are struggling to make ends meet and you are not able to fulfill your desire to buy things you like? Fret not, all you need is determination and confidence that this will work for you. 

1. Make a point to save 10 dollars everyday. In a month you will be able to save 300 dollars. Promise yourself you will never miss a day of saving and at the end of month, you will have 300 dollars. 

2. Cut down your visits to restaurants & cafes. Yes, you heard it right. This one surely will add on your savings drastically. With most of the restaurants imposing service and government tax, eating out has become expensive now. Pack your own lunch or cook up simple dishes at night, these meals are much more healthier than eating out. Plus, you are able to save money by adopting this habit.

3. Revisit all your auto subscriptions. You might have subscribed to magazines or satellite TV stations. But, are you making use of all your subscriptions? It is time to check and ask yourself again do you really need it? Is it really worth the money? Terminate it if you are not using it, you could save few bucks. Or check your satellite TV channels again, switch to packages or customize it so you are maximizing the use. Every single cents count.

There are many ways to save money. It is important to understand your own spending habits and work out a plan which will work for you. Start small, soon you shall be reaping the benefits if you are determined to achieve your goals.