As financial planners, one tool we discuss with parents is opening a custodial Roth IRA for their minor children. This strategy could provide significant long-term benefits and teach valuable lessons about saving and investing. Let’s explore why this might be a smart move for your family and how to get started:
What is a Custodial Roth IRA for Kids?
A custodial Roth IRA for kids is a retirement account opened for a minor with earned income. An adult maintains control of the account until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state where the minor lives).
Why Consider a Roth IRA for Your Child?
Tax-Free Growth Potential – Roth IRAs provide the opportunity for tax-free growth. The earlier your kids get started saving, the greater the opportunity to build a sizeable nest egg. The power of compound interest over time could lead to substantial savings by retirement age.
Financial Education Opportunity – Setting up and managing a Roth IRA can teach children valuable lessons about saving, investing, and long-term financial planning.
Flexibility for Future Use – Under the current rules, your child can take up to $10,000 from the Roth IRA penalty-free for a first home purchase. Additionally, they can always access the principal contribution amounts tax-free.
Continuity of Financial Planning – Many of our clients’ children use this strategy. It gives their kids the opportunity to engage our services at the age of majority, allowing us to become a resource for them as well. This approach helps maintain continuity in financial planning across generations.
Illustrating Time Value of Money – By starting early, we can illustrate to your children the significant impact of long-term, tax-free growth. This real-world example can be a powerful motivator for continued saving and investing.
Helpful Resource: Can I Contribute to my Roth IRA? Flowchart
Real-Life Success Story: The Power of Early Roth IRA Contributions
To illustrate the potential long-term impact of starting a Roth IRA for your child, consider this case study:
One of our long-standing clients began this strategy with their son when he was just 16 years old. Recognizing the potential, they made the maximum allowable contribution each year, as their son’s income permitted. When their son married, they extended this strategy to include their new daughter-in-law.
The Results:
Now, at age 35, their son and daughter-in-law have accumulated several hundred thousand dollars in Roth IRA assets. This significant sum can continue to grow tax-free and impact their financial freedom as they approach retirement age.
Key Takeaways from This Example:
- Early Start: Beginning at age 16 allowed for 19 years of contributions and growth before age 35.
- Consistent Maximum Contributions: By contributing the maximum allowed amount each year, they helped maximize the growth potential.
- Family Strategy: Extending the approach to include the daughter-in-law doubled the impact.
- Long-Term Vision: The focus on retirement, even from a young age, has set up a strong financial future.
- Tax-Free Growth: All of this growth will be tax-free at retirement, under current tax law, contributing to their financial flexibility.
How to Set Up a Custodial Roth IRA for Your Child
As a reminder, we can prepare the paperwork to set up a Custodial Roth IRA at our custodian and help you identify an appropriate risk posture – for management of the account in an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Please reference the flow chart for the income limitations and maximum contributions amounts for Roth IRAs; including Custodial Roth IRAs.
Verify Earned Income – Ensure your child has earned income for the year, such as wages from a part-time job or internship.
Choose a Financial Institution – Select a reputable financial institution that offers custodial Roth IRAs. Consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer service.
Complete the Paperwork – Fill out the necessary forms to open the account. You’ll need your child’s Social Security Number and other basic information.
Set Up Contributions – Determine how much you’ll contribute, keeping in mind the annual contribution limits and your child’s earned income.
Select Investments – Choose appropriate investments based on your child’s age and risk tolerance..
Starting a Roth IRA for your minor child can be a powerful tool for building long-term wealth and teaching important financial lessons. The earlier you begin, the more time the investments have to grow tax-free. As our client case study demonstrates, consistent contributions over time can lead to substantial savings by early adulthood.
Would you like to discuss using this strategy for your family? If you have any questions or would like personalized advice on setting up a custodial Roth IRA for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make informed decisions for your family’s financial future.