Which account fits what you actually want.

A decision-framework worksheet for saving-for-kids accounts. Check what matters to your family; the grid shows which account types align with each criterion. The worksheet returns a feature-match grid for you to interpret. It does not recommend an account.

Family name

Child's name

Filled on

Step 1. Check what matters to your family

We want to keep control of the money past the child's 18th birthday.

Some accounts hand control to the child at the state's age of majority; others stay with the parent indefinitely.

We want tax-free growth on the dollars we put in.

Both Roth IRAs and 529s offer tax-free growth subject to use rules (qualified education for 529s; retirement age for Roth).

We want the money to be usable for anything the kid might need at 18, not just school.

529s carry a federal 10% penalty plus tax on earnings for non-qualified withdrawals (with limited exceptions). UTMA money can be spent on anything that benefits the child.

We want to minimize the impact on financial aid.

Parent-owned 529s and parent savings are parental assets on FAFSA (assessed up to 5.64% in the SAI). Custodial accounts are student assets and assessed at a higher rate.

We want grandparents and family to contribute easily.

All listed accounts accept third-party contributions. 529 plans typically have the simplest gift mechanism (a giver can contribute directly to the plan).

We are comfortable with the money being a permanent gift to the child.

UTMA and custodial brokerage gifts are irrevocable from day one; the custodian cannot reclaim them. 529 ownership stays with the account owner.

Our child has earned income from a job.

A Teen Roth IRA requires earned income equal to or above the contribution amount, with the standard Roth IRA cap on top of that.

We want a state-level tax deduction or credit for our contributions.

Many states offer a state income tax deduction or credit for contributions to the home-state 529 plan. State tax treatment varies; verify with the home-state plan.

We want maximum simplicity (no special tax forms, no use rules).

A savings account in the parent's name has the fewest special rules. Interest is just taxed at the parent's bracket.

Step 2. Feature-match grid (your interpretation, not a recommendation)

Your criterion	529	UTMA / UGMA	Custodial Brokerage	Savings (parent's name)	Teen Roth IRA
We want to keep control of the money past the child's 18th birthday.	+			+
We want tax-free growth on the dollars we put in.	+				+
We want the money to be usable for anything the kid might need at 18, not just school.		+	+	+
We want to minimize the impact on financial aid.	+			+
We want grandparents and family to contribute easily.	+	+	+	+
We are comfortable with the money being a permanent gift to the child.		+	+
Our child has earned income from a job.					+
We want a state-level tax deduction or credit for our contributions.	+
We want maximum simplicity (no special tax forms, no use rules).				+
Match count (selected criteria only)	0	0	0	0	0

The match counts show which account types align with the criteria you checked. This is not a recommendation. A family that values flexibility may rank that criterion more heavily than tax breaks, even if the count is lower. Use this grid as a structured conversation starter with a CFP or CPA, not as a decision engine.

How this worksheet works

From what matters to which account.

Each criterion in Step 1 maps to one or more account types in Step 2. When you check a criterion, its row activates in the grid; the match count at the bottom of each column shows how many of your checked criteria that account aligns with. The column with the highest match count is the account type that satisfies the most of your stated preferences; it is not a recommendation.

Assumptions

The account-to-criterion map is static and reflects general federal-level treatment in 2026.
The kiddie-tax mechanic for UTMA / UGMA / custodial brokerage is treated as a single category-level note (taxable, kiddie-tax-eligible).
State tax effects and specific-plan fees are not represented in the grid.
The teen Roth IRA row presumes the child has earned income equal to or above the intended contribution.

Limitations

It is a decision framework, not a recommendation engine. The match count is a sum, not a ranking; different families weigh different criteria more heavily.
It does not capture every account type. Trusts, Coverdell ESAs, and specific state programs are not included.
It does not factor in the household's specific tax bracket, state, or financial-aid horizon.
It does not handle hybrid setups (e.g., a 529 plus a UTMA running side by side).

What this worksheet is NOT

It is not personalized advice. State, tax bracket, family situation, and aid horizon all matter; talk to a CFP or CPA for the household-specific call.
It is not a recommendation of any specific 529 plan, brokerage, or financial product.
It is not a tax filing tool. The kiddie-tax mechanic referenced here is a notes-level note; for actual tax calculations use the Kiddie Tax Estimator on this site and a CPA.
It is not a guarantee that a higher match count produces a better outcome for your family.

Common questions.

Does this worksheet recommend an account?

No. The worksheet is a decision framework. You check what matters to your family; the grid shows which account types align with each criterion. The match-count row is a sum, not a ranking. You decide which criteria matter most and choose accordingly. A CFP or CPA can help with the household-specific call.

Can I print or save the worksheet as a PDF?

Yes. Click the Print or save as PDF button at the bottom (or use your browser's print menu). The page uses print-friendly CSS to remove inputs and chrome so the printed copy is a clean handout.

What account types are in the grid?

529 plan, UTMA or UGMA custodial account, custodial brokerage (non-UTMA), a savings account in the parent's name, and a teen Roth IRA (which requires the child to have earned income).

Educational decision framework only. The match count is a sum of feature alignments, not a ranking or a recommendation. State tax effects, plan fees, household tax bracket, and financial-aid horizon are not modeled here. Always verify with a CFP or CPA before making decisions. ClearMoneySchool does not provide personalized financial or tax advice.