For many high school students, getting into their preferred university or college can be quite a challenge. With millions of "Baby Boom Echo" kids in Canada, today's teenagers must take their education planning very seriously.

"Students must prepare carefully for their post-secondary education," says entrepreneur Norman S. Smith, Ed.D. "It's an expensive purchase and very competitive."

Norman is an educational consultant specializing in university and college admissions (www.admissionsconsultant.com). "I work with families with children who are in Grades 8 to 12, who value education highly and expect their children to pursue university or college degrees or diplomas," he explains.

Smith brings considerable skills to each client, possessing a Doctorate in Educational Administration and over 25 years of experience in advising applicants to universities and colleges in Canada and the United States.

Soon after launching his business in 2003, Norman obtained an RBC Visa^® Business Card to help separate his business and personal purchases. "I got my card through RBC because it handles all of my banking and I'm very happy with its service," he says.

An obvious advocate of learning, Smith admits he's had to educate himself on operating a small business. "I know a lot about university admissions, but knew little about running a business," he confesses. "My Visa card makes my life easier by simplifying my accounting process. For example, the detailed monthly statements I receive help me to prepare my business tax return."

A post-secondary education is a big investment, so Norman also helps his student clients to learn how to properly handle their money. In fact, he routinely directs his students to the Visa Small Business website at www.visa.ca/smallbusiness where they can learn more about money management. "I've used Visa's excellent online material in my consultations with clients."

Attracted to its low annual fee, Norman followed his own advice by signing up for a Visa Business card. "If you're going to take your small business seriously, you need to get the right tools to build it," he says.