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Children investment accounts

Posted on 6/24/20 at 7:45 am
Posted by Brobocop
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Feb 2018
1903 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 7:45 am
I have about $4,000 to invest for both of my kids that will both receive regular contributions.

Should I go with a 529, or a like a Vanguard account?

Would love to hear some of my best options. Thanks!
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
38749 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 7:47 am to
depends what you intend to use the money for.
if higher education then a 529 is a good choice as long as it’s self directed
Posted by TheWiz
Third World, LA
Member since Aug 2007
11676 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 7:52 am to
Like CGRAND said, for education use a 529. I put my kid's bday/Christmas money in a UGMA/UTMA at Vanguard.
This post was edited on 6/24/20 at 8:40 am
Posted by Auburn1968
NYC
Member since Mar 2019
19448 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 8:16 am to
The last time I looked into it, it depended on how old the kids were. There wasn't much advantage for kids 3 or 4 years before college age. Looked better for young ones.
Posted by ODP
Conroe
Member since Oct 2015
1938 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 8:20 am to
Go with a LA Start 529. They have some vanguards funds to choose from and if you live in LA you could see some benefit in state taxes.
Posted by DandyPimp
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2007
1090 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 10:03 am to
I have a similar question, however I'm already fully funding (over tax break amount) a 529, but expect college expenses will eventually deplete the account. My parents want to start funding an account for my kids. Goal is more for getting started in life after college. Thought about a Roth but they do not have sufficient income.
Posted by TheWiz
Third World, LA
Member since Aug 2007
11676 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 10:59 am to
quote:

Thought about a Roth but they do not have sufficient income.


Exactly.

Probably the UTMA/UGMA account will work best. They cannot touch it until they are either 18 or 25. Can't remember right now. I started one for my kid for bday/Christmas money. I just threw it into the furthest out target fund, so I can literally just let it cruise control and only have to add money to it.
Posted by LSU
Houston
Member since Oct 2003
8830 posts
Posted on 6/24/20 at 3:32 pm to
quote:

Probably the UTMA/UGMA account will work best.


UTMA accounts are what we're doing for both kids. Ours were not opened in Louisiana, but the age of majority is 18 in Louisiana. It's 21 in many states though.

The money is intended for college at this time, but the flexibility exists for it to be used on any expenses for them. Both of our UTMA accounts will likely exceed the amount required for college by the time they're that age, so allowing them the opportunity to use it for other "starting out" expenses afterwards will be great.

529 accounts have a specific purpose & there's nothing wrong with that, but the restrictions of what the funds can be used on swayed me to the UTMA instead.

I know some people have the concern of an 18 or 21 year old kid blowing all their UTMA money as soon as they get it, but I don't share this concern.
Posted by Weekend Warrior79
Member since Aug 2014
16367 posts
Posted on 6/25/20 at 11:56 am to
quote:

UTMA accounts are what we're doing for both kids

This is what we did for our kids as well, the wife is concerned about the fact the money turns over to our child at 18; but I figure worst case scenario we can pull it out to cover their expenses right when she turns 17.

My understanding of the downside of the UTMA is you will pay taxes on the earnings the year they are earned; but it's at the kids rate.

As far as 529 Plans go, you need to research the fee structures. You can get tax benefits, if you qualify, but the plan itself fees you to death. And, you are limited to what you can spend it on. The UTMA allows you to spend the money on "anything" for the child.
Posted by yatesdog38
in your head rent free
Member since Sep 2013
12737 posts
Posted on 6/25/20 at 3:44 pm to
Utma is 21 in most states and that is when they become the Minor's assets

As far as avoiding or minimizing tax burden... Munibond fund might be a good option and they are historically safer than corporate debt. Been better returns lately if you are comparing debt ratings.
Posted by yatesdog38
in your head rent free
Member since Sep 2013
12737 posts
Posted on 6/25/20 at 3:46 pm to
Also educate your child about money and of they let you at the age of majority they can add you as a joint owner if they would like or limited authorized trader.

Trusts are also an option.
Posted by LSUtiger89
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2007
3637 posts
Posted on 6/26/20 at 6:00 am to
I did an UGMA/UTMA for my kid.
Posted by 3D
NJ
Member since Sep 2013
1025 posts
Posted on 6/26/20 at 9:22 pm to
DRIP dividend reinvestment program can be used for anything later on
Posted by Palmetto08
Member since Sep 2012
4048 posts
Posted on 6/26/20 at 9:33 pm to
quote:

As far as 529 Plans go, you need to research the fee structures. You can get tax benefits, if you qualify, but the plan itself fees you to death.


What fees? I don't think the fees are very high if you set it up yourself. Don't let an advisor set it up.

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