How to Build Wealth for Your Baby: Investment Accounts and Tools to Start Now

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Every parent dreams of giving their child a bright future—and one of the most impactful ways to do that is by building wealth for them early on. Whether your baby is on the way or already in your arms, taking steps now to invest in their future can help you create a financial foundation that lasts a lifetime.

From funding their education to empowering them with financial security in adulthood, there are tools and strategies you can use to build wealth for your child. Let’s explore some of the most effective options, including 529 plans, the Junior Roth IRA™, and other powerful investment accounts for kids.

Why Build Wealth for Your Baby?

Building wealth for your child isn’t just about securing their education—it’s about giving them freedom and flexibility as they grow. A strong financial foundation can help your child:

  • Pay for college or other educational opportunities.
  • Save for a home or their first major purchase.
  • Enjoy financial independence as they pursue their dreams.

Starting early gives you the advantage of compound interest, meaning your investments grow over time as they earn interest on both the principal and the accumulated interest. The sooner you start, the bigger the impact will be!

Key Investment Accounts for Kids

When it comes to building wealth for your child, the right investment account can make all the difference. These tools are designed to help you save for their education, future goals, and long-term financial security. Let’s explore the best options and how they work.

529 Plan: The Education Powerhouse

A 529 plan is one of the best tools for saving for your child’s education. Think of it as a tax-advantaged piggy bank that grows with your child.

  • How It Works: Contributions to a 529 plan grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses—like tuition, fees, and books—are also tax-free.
  • Why It’s Great: Starting early gives compound interest more time to grow your contributions into a sizable fund for your child’s future education.

Pro Tip: You can open a 529 plan in your name before your baby is born and update the beneficiary to your child after their arrival.

Junior Roth IRA™: A Legacy of Wealth

The Junior Roth IRA™, offered exclusively through FutureMoney’s investment advisory services, is a unique way to set your child up for long-term financial security.

  • What Is a Roth IRA?
    A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account that allows contributions to grow tax-free. Qualified withdrawals during retirement are also tax-free, making it one of the most powerful tools for long-term wealth-building.
  • How the Junior Roth IRA™ Works:
    • Contributions are first invested in a 529 plan, where they grow tax-free for at least 15 years.
    • After 15 years, the funds are rolled over into a Roth IRA, providing tax-free growth and withdrawals for your child’s future.
    • FutureMoney’s purpose-built technology makes the rollover seamless while managing and rebalancing the portfolio to maximize growth.
  • Why It’s Valuable:
    • The Junior Roth IRA™ combines the immediate benefits of a 529 plan with the long-term flexibility of a Roth IRA.
    • By starting early, even small contributions can grow into a substantial fund that your child can use for retirement, education, or major life goals.

Example: Saving just $10 a week can grow into over $1 million by the time your child retires, giving them a financial foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Custodial Brokerage Account: Flexible Wealth-Building

A custodial brokerage account allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds on behalf of your child.

  • How It Works: The account is held in your child’s name, with you acting as the custodian until they reach adulthood.
  • Why It’s Valuable: Unlike 529 plans, the funds aren’t restricted to education expenses, giving your child flexibility for other life goals, like starting a business or buying a home.

Pro Tip: Talk to an investment advisor about creating a diversified portfolio to maximize growth potential.

The Power of Starting Early

The earlier you start building wealth for your child, the greater the rewards. Even small contributions can grow significantly over time, thanks to the power of compound interest.

Here’s how small steps can lead to big results:

  • Start Small: Contribute $10–$20 a week to an account like a 529 plan or Junior Roth IRA™.
  • Be Consistent: Regular contributions, no matter how small, add up over time.
  • Think Long-Term: These accounts are designed to grow for decades, so patience is key.

Pro Tip: Set up automated contributions to make saving effortless.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Evaluate Your Goals: Decide what you want to prioritize—education savings, long-term financial security, or a mix of both.
  2. Choose the Right Accounts: Research the benefits of 529 plans, Junior Roth IRA™, and custodial brokerage accounts to find the best fit for your family.
  3. Open an Account: Partner with a service like FutureMoney to streamline the process of opening and managing investment accounts.
  4. Start Small: Even modest contributions can grow significantly over time.
  5. Review and Adjust: Revisit your contributions annually to make adjustments as your budget allows.

FAQs About Building Wealth for Your Baby

1. Can I start saving before my child is born?
Yes! Tools like the 529 plan and Junior Roth IRA™ allow you to start saving during pregnancy or even earlier.

2. What’s the difference between a 529 plan and a custodial brokerage account?
A 529 plan is specifically for education expenses, while a custodial brokerage account offers more flexibility for how funds are used.

3. How do I open a Junior Roth IRA™?
The Junior Roth IRA™ is available through FutureMoney. Their technology simplifies the process, from managing investments to navigating rollovers.

Building a Legacy of Financial Freedom

Building wealth for your baby is about more than just saving money—it’s about creating opportunities and empowering them to achieve their dreams. Whether you’re starting with a 529 plan, a Junior Roth IRA™, or a custodial brokerage account, the key is to start early and stay consistent.

With tools like FutureMoney, you don’t need to be a financial expert to make a meaningful impact. Take the first step today and create a legacy of financial security for your child.

Start your financial planning today by downloading the FutureMoney app and enjoy one year free with the code: VILLIE

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