A little background: These tax-advantaged accounts were created via the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014. The aim was to allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest without losing eligibility for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid.The average ABLE account balance at Vestwell is roughly $13,000, and some accounts top $300,000, per Crist. Investment options run from an all-equity fund to an all-cash saving ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the complexities of tax and estate planning, particularly for retirees like James and Andrea, who have taken significant steps to prepare for their financial future and long-term care needs [1]. Group 1: Estate Planning - James and Andrea have established comprehensive estate planning documents, including wills, durable powers of attorney, living trusts, and have communicated their health care and funeral wishes with family and professionals [2]. - Their assets include a fully paid-off home valued at $2 million, art worth $100,000, a brokerage account with $500,000, and an emergency savings account of $100,000, all placed in a living trust to avoid probate [3]. Group 2: Retirement Accounts - The couple is considering consolidating and converting $2.8 million from traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, which would allow for tax-free withdrawals under certain conditions [4]. - Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account holder's lifetime, providing flexibility in withdrawals and allowing the account to grow tax-free [5]. Group 3: Tax Implications - Converting funds from traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs will incur taxes, and the couple currently has an annual income of approximately $235,000 from RMDs, a small pension, and Social Security benefits [6]. - The tax rate for married couples filing jointly is set to increase from 24% to 32% in 2026 at an income threshold of $403,550, indicating a strategic opportunity for conversions before the tax increase [6].

A new savings vehicle, dubbed “Trump accounts,” is designed to help the rising generation of American children build wealth into adulthood. Under the multitrillion-dollar tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump in July, the federal government will contribute $1,000 to accounts set up for every American baby born in the next few years. The initiative got a boost on Dec. 2 when billionaires Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion gift to seed accounts for millions of older children as ...

: A new savings option created under the Working Families Tax Cuts bill is starting to draw attention from parents planning for their children’s future. Known as Trump accounts, the program is being described as an “IRA for children” and comes with a notable incentive: a $1,000 government seed contribution, even before families add a single dollar of their own.Are Trump Accounts Really an “IRA for Children”While contributions to Trump accounts won’t begin until July 4, 2026, interest is already growing, es ...

Add in the initial $1,000 government seed money — or $250 for eligible families receiving the Dell gift — and the compound growth potential is substantial.If the account is left untouched without additional contributions, it could balloon to $2.2 million in assets by the time the beneficiary reaches age 60.The math looks compelling on paper. A family contributing the maximum $5,000 annually with a 6% growth rate could see the account reach roughly $191,000 by the time their child hits 18 , according to the ...

Core Viewpoint - The "Trump Accounts" initiative aims to help lower-income Americans build wealth through investment accounts for children, although the effectiveness will depend on the program's mechanics and implementation [1]. Program Details - The program is set to launch on July 4, 2026, with the U.S. Treasury depositing $1,000 into investment accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028 who have a valid Social Security number. The funds will be invested in low-cost index funds that grow tax-deferred, with income taxes due upon withdrawal [2]. - Contributions to a child's account can be made by parents, guardians, employers, or other entities, limited to $5,000 per year, with employer contributions capped at $2,500 per year [3]. Philanthropic Involvement - Entrepreneur Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, pledged $6.25 billion to deposit $250 into the investment accounts of 25 million American children, specifically targeting those in areas with a median family income of $150,000 or less [4]. Economic Impact - The initiative is expected to boost investment in the U.S. economy and educate families about compound interest as they observe their children's savings grow over time. Additional donors are anticipated to contribute to the program [5]. Tax Implications - The Trump Accounts function as custodial retirement accounts, converting to traditional IRAs when the child turns 18. Withdrawals will be subject to IRA-style treatment, including penalties for early or non-qualified use [6][7]. Comparison with Other Savings Mechanisms - 529 plans are highlighted as another savings option for families, primarily for educational expenses, with varying state tax benefits for contributions, although they do not offer federal income tax deductions [8].

Core Insights - Many Gen X middle-class families are experiencing stagnant wealth growth despite meeting traditional financial milestones such as homeownership and retirement accounts [1][3] - Everyday financial habits may be hindering their ability to build wealth [1] Group 1: Financial Strain from Caregiving - Gen Xers often prioritize financial support for aging parents and children's education over their own retirement savings, leading to delayed contributions [3][4] - Strategies such as using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for parental medical expenses and 529 plans for college funding can help rebalance caregiving costs [4] - Automating retirement contributions before allocating funds for caregiving is recommended to prevent retirement savings from being neglected [4][5] Group 2: Debt Challenges - Gen Xers have the highest median debt across generations, largely due to high-interest credit cards and lingering student loans, with the collective credit card balance in the U.S. reaching $1.2 trillion as of Q2 2025 [6] - This debt creates a cycle where funds that could be invested for retirement are instead used to service debt [6][7] - The "Avalanche Plus" strategy is suggested to manage debt effectively, which involves consolidating credit card debt onto a 0% APR balance transfer card and focusing on paying down high-interest debt [7]

Core Insights - J.P. Morgan Asset Management has launched the 12th edition of its annual College Planning Essentials, providing financial advisors with insights and data to assist clients in planning for education savings and investments [1][2] Group 1: College Planning Trends - College planning is increasingly complex due to rising tuition costs, changing financial aid landscapes, and diverse saving strategies [2] - College tuition has increased by an average of 5.6% annually since 1983, significantly outpacing other household expenses [6] - Families now cover 48% of college expenses from their income and investments, up from 38% a decade ago, indicating a growing financial burden [6] Group 2: 529 Plans and Financial Strategies - J.P. Morgan Asset Management manages nearly $11 billion in 529 plan assets for over 346,000 families, offering two 529 plans available nationwide [3] - Despite the advantages of 529 plans, 63% of families are not utilizing them, missing out on potential savings and tax-advantaged growth [6] - The guide emphasizes the importance of starting early and maintaining a diversified investment strategy to enhance education funds [6] Group 3: Company Overview - J.P. Morgan Asset Management has $3.6 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, serving a diverse clientele including institutions and high net worth individuals [4] - JPMorgan Chase & Co. operates globally with $4.0 trillion in assets and is a leader in various financial services, including investment banking and asset management [5]