Trump Accounts: A Military Parent’s Practical Guide

Military parents already juggle enough financial complexity without adding another confusing savings vehicle to the mix. Trump accounts are a new, government-created option for children that come with a headline benefit; a potential $1,000 seed deposit for eligible kids. They also strict rules, limited flexibility, and long-term tradeoffs. Before opening one, families should step back and ask a simple question: what are you actually saving for? This guide breaks down how Trump accounts work, who qualifies, and why they are rarely the automatic choice compared to more established options like 529 plans or Roth IRAs.