Pattie Lovett-Reid: A little financial relief for students, but it isn't enough...

Pattie Lovett-Reid: Breaking down student relief available amid the pandemic CTV's Chief Financial Commentator Pattie Lovett-Reid breaks down the recently-announced COVID-19 student relief measures.

TORONTO — As a parent you did your part. You worked hard to raise financially independent children. You encouraged a post-secondary education. The costs associated with that were staggering but well worth the investment as your child lays the foundation for the next stage of their life. That sounds ideal in the perfect world however, life can throw you a curveball and that is exactly what has happened to students looking to embark on the next stage of their life during a pandemic.

What happens next?

The industrious student will be out looking for some work and ways to give back, pulling back on expenses and in many cases have moved back home while exploring life's next steps.

To buy some time the government has offered up some financial relief.

Let’s break them down:

However, on a personal level, students can take financial control as well.

This isn't an easy time yet it will be a defining time in all of our lives. When we look back I'm certain a common question will be: "What did you do during the COVID-19 pandemic?". With a little help from the government, maybe their parents, and utilizing their own resources, students have an opportunity to write this chapter of the story of their lives.