Everything you need to know about saving for your children's education

Q: Why should I consider investing in a fund to save for my child’s education?
A: Education costs are rising - from uniforms and activities, to grinds and college fees. While savings accounts offer predictable but low interest, growth can be slow. Investing gives you the opportunity to aim for higher growth over the medium to long term, though it’s important to remember that values can go up and down.

Q: What are some straightforward ways to start saving for my child’s education with Zurich?
A: Zurich offers several flexible options to suit your needs:

• Regular Savings Plan: Start saving from €100 per month, building an investing habit. You can choose funds based on your risk level and adjust contributions as life changes.
• Investment Bond: Ideal for lump sum investments, such as an inheritance or existing savings.
• Special Savings Plus: Great if you have a lump sum (for example, €10,000) and want to add monthly savings - this helps accelerate your education fund’s growth potential.

With each option, you can select from Zurich’s range of funds, including risk-rated choices like Prisma funds. And if your goals or comfort change, you can switch funds anytime.

Q: How much should I save?
A: Start with what’s manageable. Many parents use the Child Benefit (€140 per month as of December 2025) as a saving amount. Regular contributions, plus the power of compounding, can help your savings build year after year.

Q: Can you give me examples of what my savings could look like if I invest them?
A: Here are a couple of scenarios:

• Saving €140 per month in Prisma 4 could build a fund of around €8,995 after five years, or €23,605 after 12 years.*
• Adding a €10,000 lump sum to the same plan could grow to approximately €20,262 after five years or €37,040 after 12 years.*

Q: Are there tools to help me plan for education costs?
A: Yes, Zurich provides several handy calculators:

• Cost of Secondary School Calculator: Estimate costs for uniforms, books, activities, transport, and more.
• Cost of College Education Calculator: See likely costs for fees, accommodation, food, travel, and how much to save each month.
• Investment Growth Calculator: Explore how different monthly amounts, timeframes, and funds could shape your savings.
• Savings Calculator: Work out how much you need to save each month to reach your goal, with assumed investment rates of return.

Q: Why trust Zurich for education savings?
A: Zurich has researched the cost of education in Ireland since 2017 and supports families with clear tools, guidance, and award-winning investment expertise, so you can plan with confidence.

Q: What steps do I need to take to start investing to save for my child’s education?
A: Here’s how to get started:

1. Define your goal and timeframe - secondary school, college, or both.
2. Decide how much you want to invest - a monthly amount (from €100), a lump sum, or both.
3. Pick your fund, match risk to your comfort level and review regularly.

Q: Where can I get support to set up my education savings plan?
A: Sound advice makes all the difference. Speak with a financial broker or advisor to tailor a plan to your family’s needs. You can set up a Regular Savings Plan online and track your progress anytime in Zurich’s online Client Centre.

Q: How can I take the next step?
A: Find a broker in your area or contact Zurich directly for a Regular Savings Plan. We’re here to help you build for your child’s tomorrow, starting today.

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The information contained herein is based on Zurich Life’s understanding of current Revenue practice as at December 2025 and may change in the future.

This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice.

 

Source: *These are estimates, not guarantees. They assume a 5.5% gross investment return per annum, tax on gains at 41%, contribution increases at 3% per annum, a 1% government insurance levy (currently 1% as at December 2025 and may change in the future), an annual management charge of 1.35%, and an allocation rate of 101%. No surrender penalties apply.