Trump Accounts, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, were designed to help families build wealth by helping kids invest early. But so far, many of the families who could benefit most are not participating, according to one recent study. Just 5% of low- to moderate-income families eligible for a530A Trump Accounthave actually opened one, according to a study by the national nonprofit Commonwealth.
The organization surveyed over 1,000 eligible parents living on low or moderate incomes following the program's July 4 launch. The Trump administration has said these accounts will "afford a generation of children the chance to experience the miracle of compounded growth and set them on a course for prosperity from the very beginning." However, the survey indicates that many parents are still unsure how the accounts work, keeping them from taking advantage of them — and, for some, leaving a $1,000 starting deposit on the table. _Read more:__Trump Accounts just added another perk for working parents_ According to the Commonwealth survey, awareness of Trump Accounts isn't necessarily the biggest obstacle among low- to moderate-income families. Fifty-five percent of eligible parents surveyed said they were aware of the program.
That share rose to 65% among parents also eligible for the $1,000 federal contribution. Still, 36% said they are simply undecided about whether to sign up. "Families often lack clear information about how the 530A/Trump accounts work logistically, how they fit alongside other investment accounts, and whether the accounts would continue into the future through administration changes," Timothy Flacke, CEO and co-founder of Commonwealth, told Yahoo Finance.
"Information gaps, misconceptions, and unclear guidance can create barriers. Many of us hesitate to act or follow through when we feel uncertain or have unanswered questions." Many parents' uncertainties are financial. Of those surveyed, 27% of eligible parents were concerned about how the account could affect their tax responsibility or eligibility for benefits.
About a quarter (25%) also say they cannot afford to contribute to the account. "For many families, early investing opportunities can feel complex or inaccessible," Flacke said. A lack of trust in the Trump administration was another barrier, cited by 25% of eligible parents.
Flacke said the findings point to a need for clear communication about the account benefits and long-term wealth-building potential, in "neutral, transparent language — including both '530A' and'Trump' together to be clear about the accounts' name and their basis in the federal tax code, through legislation passed and funded by Congress." _Read more:__These are all the companies pledging matching funds to Trump Accounts_ Some financial experts say Trump Accounts have drawbacks compared to other tax-advantaged accounts for kids. And given how new the program is, details involving additional contributions from nonprofits and investment options are still evolving. Nevertheless, education and information for families across income thresholds is an important part of helping those eligible make the choice that's right for them.
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