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Savings for Kids: Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans
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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain the key differences between Trump Accounts and 529 Plans, two tax-advantaged savings options designed to help families invest in their children's futures.
You'll learn who qualifies for a Trump Account, how these new custodial investment accounts work, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how they compare to traditional 529 college savings plans. I also break down the advantages and drawbacks of each option, including flexibility, eligible uses, long-term growth potential, and strategies for maximizing tax-efficient wealth building.
“The spirit of the 529 plan is towards education and education savings. And the spirit of the Trump account is towards retirement savings, a lifetime nest egg.”
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain the key differences between Trump Accounts and 529 Plans, two tax-advantaged savings options designed to help families invest in their children's futures.
You'll learn who qualifies for a Trump Account, how these new custodial investment accounts work, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how they compare to traditional 529 college savings plans. I also break down the advantages and drawbacks of each option, including flexibility, eligible uses, long-term growth potential, and strategies for maximizing tax-efficient wealth building.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:00 Introduction to Trump Accounts and 529 Plans
02:00 What Are Trump Accounts? Eligibility and Benefits
04:50 Pros and Cons of Trump Accounts
09:07 Understanding 529 Plans and Their Benefits
13:01 Transferability and Investment Options in 529 Plans
17:58 Using 529 Funds for Education and Beyond
20:04 Comparing Purpose and Benefits of Both Vehicles
21:03 Final Tips and Strategic Considerations
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
Episode Links:
The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
Invest for Your Kids: New Trump Accounts Now Available
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the new Trump Accounts, a custodial savings program for children introduced in 2026. I walk through who qualifies, how these accounts work, how to open one, contribution limits, and the tax rules you need to know.
I also explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using a Trump Account as part of a long-term savings strategy, how it compares to other options for investing in a child's future, and what families should consider before contributing. Despite the name, these accounts are a good thing.
“Compound interest over time is magic. And when you invest for a child, they have the longest possible time horizon.”
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the new Trump Accounts, a custodial savings program for children introduced in 2026. I walk through who qualifies, how these accounts work, how to open one, contribution limits, and the tax rules you need to know.
I also explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using a Trump Account as part of a long-term savings strategy, how it compares to other options for investing in a child's future, and what families should consider before contributing. Despite the name, these accounts are a good thing.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:10 Introduction to Trump Accounts and Their Purpose
01:28 What is a Trump Account and Its Legislative Background
02:52 Eligibility, Bonus Contributions, and Funding Limits
04:15 How to Open a Trump Account and the Election Process
07:17 Investment Strategies and Allowed Assets in Trump Accounts
09:04 How to Use the Trump Accounts and Withdrawal Rules
11:48 Who Can Open a Trump Account and Additional Flexibility
14:56 Next Steps for Building Wealth
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
Episode Links:
The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
Book Curious? The 7 Stages of Writing A Book
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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I've learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.
We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you're thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I've learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.
We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you're thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update
08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing
10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement
14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal
18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning
19:07 Platform and Audience Building
22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting
22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book
29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours
32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book
33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book
35:00 Reader Engagement and Feedback
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
Episode Links:
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
Professor Ray Madoff on How to Tax the Rich
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Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans?
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.
We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you've ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.
“Somebody who is self-employed and earned sixty thousand dollars will pay about thirteen thousand dollars in income taxes and payroll taxes.”
Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans? In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.
We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you've ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.
“Let’s say that you’re Mark Zuckerberg. What he has is a growth in value of his stock. And even though that growth in value of his stock has made him very, very rich, it is not treated as taxable income.”
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work
05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy
07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment
09:02 Living off wealth, not income
10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation
12:15 The estate tax and loopholes
16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system
17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets
23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms
25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges
29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes
31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policies
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
About Professor Ray D. Madoff:
Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.
Episode Links:
Professor Ray Madoff’s Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy
My FAQ page on how to Tax the Rich
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
Get Free Money By Using Your Retirement Accounts
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.
“If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.”
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection
02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts
06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs
08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning
11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth
15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving
17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A Millionaire
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.
Episode Links:
Join the Workshop:Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts
Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed
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