If you want to save money for your children but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading to identify the best way to save money for kids. The first step is to assess your spending plan or budget to determine how much you can contribute to the cause each month. Next, decide which accounts are best to house your hard-earned money.
Do you want a traditional savings account, custodial account, trust or investment account to make your money work harder for you? Or maybe you’re completely overwhelmed and aren’t sure which are most ideal for your financial situation and savings goals.
Don’t fret. In this guide, you’ll discover the best way to save money for kids.
Greenlight offers a debit card for kids that you fully manage as a parent through a convenient mobile app.
Save. Invest. Earn rewards. And help your children achieve their future financial goals.
Help your kids manage their money while rewarding them with the GoHenry debit card and app.
5 Best Ways to Save Money for Your Kids
1. Custodial Brokerage Accounts
Custodial brokerage accounts belong to the child but are managed by the parent until the child is 18 years old or reaches the age of majority in their respective state. There are two options to choose from:
- Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) account: can consist of cash, annuities and securities
- Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account: can consist of almost any type of asset
You can contribute up to $30,000 annually without being subject to gift tax, and there’s no overall contribution limit. Any earnings on the assets subject you to a bill for kiddie tax. The upside is your child can use the funds however they see fit.
2. 529 College Savings Plans
A 529 college savings plan lets you save for future higher education expenses and enjoy tax benefits. Here are your choices:
- Prepaid tuition plan: You can use this account to save for tuition, but the major perk is you’ll lock in today’s rate for the future when your child attends college.
- Education savings plan: You can use this account to save for several types of college-related expenses.
Annual contributions are limited to $30,000 without paying gift tax. However, earnings are not subject to taxation if you apply them to qualifying education expenses.
Suppose your child decided not to attend college. The account can be transferred to a relative and retain the tax benefits. But if the funds aren’t used for qualifying education expenses, any gains on the contributions are assessed federal income tax.
3. Savings Account for Kids
These savings accounts for kids are available at most credit unions, banks and online financial institutions. You likely won’t earn a significant return on your money. Still, they’re an effective tool to teach your children the basics of money management.
It’s easy to open these accounts, and you’ll be noted as a co-owner with your child. Consider making recurring deposits or encouraging your child to do so when they receive cash to grow the balance. Also, keep tabs on how the money is spent and suggest how it can be managed more effectively.
Greenlight offers a debit card for kids that you fully manage as a parent through a convenient mobile app.
Save. Invest. Earn rewards. And help your children achieve their future financial goals.
Help your kids manage their money while rewarding them with the GoHenry debit card and app.
4. Roth IRA Accounts
Custodial Roth IRAs permit up to $6,000 in annual, post-tax contribution. This means you won’t be on the hook for federal income tax when you start making withdrawals at retirement age (or as early as 59 ½).
While pooling cash in a Roth IRA may not seem like a sensible idea to save money for your children, consider this:
- You won’t incur tax penalties for early withdrawals (up to the amount you contribute)
- The funds can be used for your child’s college education without tax consequences.
Note that there are income limitations for Roth IRA accounts. If you’re a high-income earner, it may not be a suitable option for you.
5. Trust Funds
Consider a trust fund if you have a sizable amount of cash you’d like to set aside for your child. It’s a valuable tool that allows you to dictate how the funds can be used. Plus, it can possibly shield the funds from future claims against your children brought forth by creditors.
Contact an attorney to learn more about how trust funds work and the assortment of benefits they offer.
Greenlight offers a debit card for kids that you fully manage as a parent through a convenient mobile app.
Save. Invest. Earn rewards. And help your children achieve their future financial goals.
Help your kids manage their money while rewarding them with the GoHenry debit card and app.
