Wages from a part-time job (W-2), or 1099 income from "gig" work like babysitting, lawn mowing, or dog walking.
The adult manages the account, but the assets belong to the teen.
Every dollar earned via investment growth is withdrawn tax-free in retirement.
Since minors cannot legally open brokerage accounts, a parent or guardian must open a .
When the teen reaches the "age of majority" (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state), the account is converted to a standard Roth IRA in their name. 💡 Pro-Tips for Success
Allowance, cash gifts, or investment income (dividends/interest).
If a teen earns $2,000 and wants to spend it on a car, parents can "match" that amount by contributing $2,000 of their own money into the teen's IRA (as long as the total doesn't exceed what the teen earned).
The principal (the money they put in) can be withdrawn at any time without penalty, providing a safety net for future emergencies. 📈 The "Time Machine" Effect