How to Buy Stocks for Kids
Start investing on behalf of your kids by opening an account on Stockpile.
Question:
I used the ShareBuilder program through Capital One, which automatically deducted money from my bank account, to buy Disney stock for my niece. The program was discontinued. Is there a similar program?
Answer: Online brokerage Stockpile offers one with no monthly fees or minimums and 99-cent trades. You can sign up for automatic deductions from your bank account and invest in more than 1,000 stocks (including Disney) or exchange-traded funds. You will need to open a custodial account if your niece is a minor. But you can give her access to the account so she can place trades, subject to your approval. Dividend reinvestment is free.
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As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.