ARE THERE INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS? CAN THE BENEFICIARY BE CHANGED? CAN THE PARENT TAKE THE MONEY BACK? WHEN DOES THE CHILD GAIN CONTROL? WHY MIGHT A PARENT CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT? WHAT DOES THIS ACCOUNT DO? ARE THERE INTERNAL EXPENSES OR FEES? DOES THE ACCOUNT GROW TAX-DEFERRED? PARENT-OWNED BROKERAGE ACCOUNT UTMA/UGMA 529 PLAN PERMANENT LIFE INSURANCE TRUMP ACCOUNT This account allows a parent to set aside and invest money using a highly flexible, open-ended investment structure with minimal use restrictions. A parent might consider this account for maximum flexibility and control, allowing them to invest for a child’s future without use restrictions or mandatory transfer of ownership. Never 1 Yes Yes No Expense ratios No This account allows a parent to set aside and invest money within a custodial structure that is legally designated for the child’s benefit. A parent might consider this account to formally and irrevocably set assets aside for a child, creating a committed strategy that helps ensure the funds are preserved for the child’s benefit. At the age of majority (varies by state) No No UTMA: No UGMA: Yes Expense ratios No This account allows a parent to set aside and invest money within a tax-advantaged structure designed to fund a broad range of qualified education-related expenses. A parent might consider this account to implement a focused, tax-advantaged strategy designed to support a child’s education and career development, creating a disciplined approach toward long-term learning and career goals. Never 1 , unless established as a custodial 529 Yes Yes Yes Expense ratios Yes This policy allows a parent to secure permanent life insurance coverage on a child while building cash value within a tax-advantaged structure that can be accessed flexibly to support future needs. A parent might consider this policy to lock in permanent life insurance coverage while the child is young and healthy, hedging against future health or career limitations, while also building tax-advantaged cash value that can be accessed flexibly. Never 1 Yes Yes Yes COI charges, surrender fees, subaccount fees, rider fees Yes This account allows a parent to contribute to a tax-advantaged investment structure designed to kick-start a child’s financial growth, with potential eligibility for an initial government contribution subject to program guidelines. A parent might consider this account to give a child a head start in saving for their future retirement goals, while potentially being eligible for additional support via government incentives. At 18 years of age No No Yes Expense ratios Yes
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