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    Digital Savings for Grandkids

    Money + lessons that compound.

    Best account types

    • 529 College Plan — tax-free for college expenses. Open at Vanguard, Fidelity. $25 starting deposit.
    • UTMA / UGMA custodial — for any purpose at age 18-21.
    • Roth IRA for working teens — they earn, you match. Tax-free retirement.
    • HYSA in their name — Ally, Marcus. 4-5% yield.
    • I Bonds (TreasuryDirect) — inflation-protected. Up to $10K/yr.

    Easy gifting platforms

    • Greenlight Card — debit card + savings + investing for kids.
    • UNest / Acorns Early — grandparents gift to UTMA.
    • Goalsetter — kids' banking + gifting.
    • Backer.com — share 529 link, family contributes.
    • Direct check to parents' account — old school works.

    Tax-smart gifting

    • $19,000 / yr / grandkid tax-free (2025).
    • Couples can give $38K each grandkid.
    • Direct tuition payment — UNLIMITED, no gift tax.
    • Direct medical payment — UNLIMITED.
    • 5-year accelerated 529 — give $90K at once for super-charged growth.
    • See /tools/estate-gifting-planning.

    $50 monthly for 18 years

    $50/month from birth at 7% return = $21K at 18 (college). $80K at 30 (down payment). Best legacy gift = consistent small contributions over years. Better than one big gift later.