On July 4th, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed into law by President Trump. One of the many provisions it introduced is a new financial tool for minors called the Trump Account. These special accounts are designed to give children a head start on building wealth by offering tax perks, government contributions, and opportunities for growth. But are they as good as they sound, or do existing options still have the edge?
Trump Accounts: The Basics
The Trump Account is essentially a tax advantaged investment account for children, where parents or guardians can contribute money on their behalf. Here’s how it works:
- Government Money: A huge benefit is that children who are born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, are eligible for a $1,000 government contribution to kickstart the account. The idea is to give kids a little extra push when they start saving.
- Annual Contributions: Parents can contribute up to $5,000 a year into the account. On top of that, the parent’s employer can contribute up to $2,500 annually, and these employer contributions won’t be taxed as income. These contributions from employers are made with after tax dollars, so there is no tax deduction. Parents and employers can’t contribute after the child turns 18.
- Growth Potential: Funds are invested in diversified index-based portfolios tracking major U.S. equities (such as the S&P 500).
- Tax Benefits: Money in a Trump Account grows tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay taxes on earnings until they are withdrawn. Until the child turns 18, the account is held in a custodial structure, and withdrawals are generally not allowed (with limited exceptions for disabilities). At age 18, the account would roll into a Traditional IRA, where standard IRA tax rules apply—including taxes on withdrawals and a 10% penalty for most withdrawals before age 59½, unless certain exceptions are met.
- Withdrawal Exceptions: No distributions are allowed to be made before 18, but after 18 there are some exceptions to taking money out without penalties:
- Paying for higher education.
- Disability, domestic abuse, or natural disasters.
- $10,000 for a first-time home purchase.
- Up to $5,000 for the birth or adoption of a first child.
All distributions after 59½ are taxed as ordinary income and are penalty-free.
Who Can Use Trump Accounts?
Anyone can open a Trump Account for their child, but the $1,000 government bonus is only available for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, who are U.S. citizens with a Social Security number. This makes the bonus essentially a limited time offer for children born in that window for now.
The accounts are expected to be available starting July 4th, 2026 (this will include children born within the January 1st, 2026, deadline.
Comparing to Other Accounts
While the Trump Account offers some benefits, there are other types of accounts that might work better for different goals. For example:
- 529 College Savings Plans: If you’re primarily saving for your child’s education, a 529 plan offers more flexibility and tax advantages when it comes to education-related withdrawals.
- Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA): These accounts have higher contribution limits. They’re also more flexible when it comes to who can contribute.
- Traditional Brokerage Accounts: If you don’t need the tax perks and just want to invest for your child’s future, a regular brokerage account might offer the most flexibility.
How Can We Help?
The Trump Account may be a good option, especially if your child qualifies for the $1,000 government boost. If you’re looking for a long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicle for your child’s future, it could be worth considering. If you have any questions, please give us a call!
Have a great weekend!
Golf Tip of the Week
5 Mental Keys to Sharpen Your Golf Game—Whether You’re on the Range or on the Course
Dr. Luke Benoit (PhD in motor learning and founder of Ryp Golf) recently joined the Golf IQ podcast to break down how to practice smarter and play better. Below are his key takeaways to help you elevate both your swing and your mindset.
1. Up the Mental Work on the Range—Dial It Back During Play
There are two distinct modes for practicing golf: the range and the course. Dr. Benoit suggests leaning into “high thinking” when you’re on the range—experimenting with swing adjustments, testing new mechanics, and actively exploring feel. It’s perfectly fine if you hit a few duffed shots along the way—that’s all part of the learning process.
But once you’re on the course, he recommends switching to “low thinking.” Quietly see your target, trust your swing, and let your body react naturally. Think of it as responding instinctively, like catching a ping-pong ball mid-flight.
“High thinking during practice, low thinking during play,” Benoit says. “On the course, just see your target and react.”
2. Keep Swing Thoughts External, Not Internal
Thinking about your body (like “keep your arms straight”) can inadvertently lock up your movements. Instead, use external cues aligned with your surroundings—like imagining you’re reaching toward the sky. This encourages fluid motion and helps your swing feel more natural.
“Avoid thinking about your body,” Benoit advises. “An external cue keeps things free and smooth.”
3. Harness the Power of Mental Imagery
As you prepare to swing, sharpen your focus on the target—not the ball. Visualizing your shot in detail primes your brain to be reactive and confident. This technique is similar to “heads-up putting,” where visual focus on the hole (not the ball) has been shown to improve performance.
“Mental imagery helps you get in the zone—target-focused and ready,” Dr. Benoit explains.
4. Train for the Course’s Fast-Paced Reality
Your practice should mimic the mental and physical demands of actual play. Incorporate elements into your warm-up that require quick thinking and ball control:
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Switch clubs to different targets to fine-tune adaptability.
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Purposefully fade or draw balls to teach your brain different shot shapes.
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Blend in mental imagery and external cues to rehearse instinctive play.
“You don’t want your brain stuck in rigid habits,” Benoit notes. “You have to train for the real game.”
5. Focus on Solving New Problems—Don’t Just Repeat What You Know
On the range, you might spend hours trying to fix one swing flaw—and all too often, golfers mistakenly try to apply that same fix under pressure on the course. Dr. Benoit encourages instead thinking strategically: If a hook isn’t cooperating, play a fade. If the green is tight, choose a more conservative chip shot.
“We’re not here to repeat solutions,” he says. “We’re training ourselves to adapt and solve new challenges on the fly.”
In Summary:
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High thinking during practice → low thinking during play
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Use external cues—not body mechanics—for better motion
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Visualize the target, not the ball
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Warm up with real-game drills to build adaptability
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Solve problems on the course, don’t force fix swings
Equipped with these tools, you can make your practice smarter and your course play smoother and more resilient.
Golf Tip adapted from Golf Digest. Read the full article here: 5 evidence-backed mindset tips to play better golf, according to a PhD | How To Play Golf | GolfDigest.com
Recipe Tip of the Week
Crispy Grilled Cheese–Topped Tomato Soup
A comforting twist on a classic—creamy tomato soup served hot with a golden, cheesy grilled sandwich topper.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 celery stalk, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small shallot, minced
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
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1 bay leaf
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3 cups water
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Grilled Cheese Toppers:
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2 tablespoons softened butter
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8 thin slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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4 slices Muenster cheese
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4 slices sharp Cheddar
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4 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
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1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the Soup:
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In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté celery, garlic, and shallot with oregano, salt, and pepper until softened—about 4–5 minutes.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until darkened.
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Add in the tomatoes (including their juices), bay leaf, and water. Break up the tomatoes using a wooden spoon.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well developed.
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Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully use a countertop blender in batches).
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Stir in the butter until melted and combined. Set aside.
For the Grilled Cheese:
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Preheat your oven’s broiler.
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Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread, then follow with mayonnaise on top of the butter.
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On a baking sheet, arrange 4 slices mayonnaise-side down. Top each with a slice of Muenster and a slice of Cheddar.
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Add the remaining slices on top, mayonnaise-side up.
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Broil until the bottoms are golden brown and the cheese is melting, about 2–3 minutes.
Assemble:
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Spoon hot tomato soup into four oven-safe bowls placed on a foil-lined baking sheet.
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Place one sandwich on top of each soup bowl.
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Combine shredded Colby Jack and Parmesan cheeses, and generously sprinkle over the sandwiches.
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Broil again until the cheese is bubbly and golden—2 to 4 minutes.
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Carefully serve hot, straight from the oven.
Recipe Tip adapted from Food Network. Read the full article here: Crispy Grilled Cheese-Topped Tomato Soup Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
Travel Tip of the Week
A Luxe Return: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Reopens October 1
Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula in Cabo San Lucas, this legendary beachfront resort has undergone a meticulous renovation designed by its original architect, Paul Duesing. With modernized suites, curated local art, and a reimagined culinary and wellness experience, the resort now offers a refreshed take on luxury—rooted in Mexican tradition.
What’s New at the Resort?
Refined Accommodations
All 112 guest rooms, suites, and villas have been redesigned with calming neutral palettes, handcrafted furniture, and custom Mexican artwork—including an original mural by Baja artist Tanya Talamante. Every detail has been selected to reflect the cultural richness of the region while enhancing guest comfort.
Elevated Dining
New culinary concepts include:
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Travesía: A nine-course taco tasting adventure, celebrating regional flavors.
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Agave Study at Peacock Alley: A sensory deep dive into the craft of agave spirits.
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Neutral Coffee Lab: Featuring artisan blends from Mexico and abroad.
Signature restaurant Don Manuel’s has also received an elegant update and continues to showcase contemporary interpretations of classic Mexican cuisine using local ingredients.
Classic Favorites Remain
The iconic cliffside restaurant El Farallon, with its dramatic ocean views and market-fresh seafood menu, continues to offer unforgettable sunset dining. Crudo, a breezy oceanside ceviche and sushi bar, remains a daytime favorite for light bites and cocktails.
Reimagined Wellness
The Waldorf Astoria Spa now includes an updated salon and a tranquil saltwater meditation pool. Wellness-seekers can also continue participating in the resort’s Alo Moves Retreats, three-day mind-body experiences rooted in mindfulness, movement, and nature.
A Reader Favorite Returns
Recently voted among the Top 10 Best Resorts in Mexico by Travel + Leisure in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, the reopening of Pedregal is one of the most anticipated moments in luxury travel this fall.
Plan Your Escape
Nightly rates begin at $1,214 USD. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat, or simply a few nights of refined relaxation, this resort promises a luxurious and culturally immersive experience.
Travel Tip adapted from Travel & Leisure. Read the full article here: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Reopens After Renovation
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