On July 4, parents across the United States will be able to start contributing to a Trump Account, a new option to invest in their child’s future. The investment accounts have attracted a wave of interest from eligible families who want to claim the $1,000 government contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028.
Comparing Trump Accounts to Other Savings Plans
Trump Accounts are entering an already crowded landscape of parental saving options, from 529 plans to custodial investment accounts and custodial Roth IRAs. Choosing the right account can be confusing, since many can be used for similar goals — like education or long-term savings — but differ in their rules, tax benefits and tradeoffs.
Financial experts say the key isn’t chasing government bonuses — it’s choosing the account that best matches how the money will actually be used. When parents are deciding among the many account options available, the first step is defining the purpose of the money, noted Timothy McGrath, a certified financial planner and managing partner at Riverpoint Wealth Management.
For example, a 529 plan can offer unmatched tax advantages for education savings, while a custodial brokerage account gives greater flexibility to use funds for major milestones, like a first home or general financial support. For long-term retirement savings, a custodial Roth IRA can offer a unique tax-free path to growth.
Trump Accounts are designed as custodial investment vehicles for long-term wealth-building, with limited investment options and a prohibition on withdrawals in all but one instance before a child turns 18. Unlike a custodial Roth IRA, families may contribute to Trump Accounts even if the child doesn’t earn income.
Control of a Trump Account transitions to the child at age 18. From there it functions in a similar way to a traditional IRA. That means withdrawals made before the child turns 59-1/2 will be subject not only to ordinary income tax but also a 10% early withdrawal penalty, unless the money is used for certain qualified expenses.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
