Investing in Your Child’s Future: An Message from Steven Johnson, Kansas State Treasurer

Steven Johnson, Kansas State Treasurer. Courtesy photo

By STEVEN JOHNSON
Kansas State Treasurer

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most hopeful moments, filled with endless possibilities. It’s also a natural time to start thinking about that child’s future, and right now there has never been a better time to do it.

Across Kansas, new federally supported child investment accounts are sparking fresh conversation about how families can save for their children, and the opportunities available today are more accessible than many parents and grandparents realize.

This summer, my office is reaching out to Kansas families with a simple message: you don’t need to be a financial expert to start building a brighter future for your child. Education remains one of the most significant investments a family will make, and education looks different for every child. Whether next steps include college, trade school, apprenticeships, workforce certifications, or whatever path your child chooses, there’s a way to start saving for it now.

Investing for a child’s future can sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. My office is focused on making sure every Kansas family knows about the financial incentives and savings opportunities available to newborns and children today. Eligible families may qualify for seed funds and other programs designed to give kids a head start on a strong financial future, often with just a few minutes to open an account.

Three Great Ways Kansas Families Can Start Investing

1. Quest529 Plan

The Quest529 Education Savings Account is a tax-advantaged savings tool built specifically for a child’s future education expenses. Unlike general-purpose investment accounts, Quest529 offers tax advantages, flexible investment options, and one of the lowest fee structures in the nation. Learn more at Quest529.com.

2. ABLE Savings Accounts

The ABLE Savings Account is a powerful tax-advantaged savings tool for individuals living with a disability. Currently, a $100 ABLE Empowerment Grant is available to all Kansans who complete a 30-minute course on how these accounts can help build greater financial independence. More information and available courses can be found at Kansasstatetreasurer.ks.gov.

3. Trump Account Grant

The Trump (530A) Account is a tax-deferred savings tool designed to give children a jumpstart on retirement or other savings. For all children born between 2025 and 2028, the federal government is offering a $1,000 contribution into a Trump Account. Families can claim this seed funding by filing IRS Form 4547 at TrumpAccounts.gov.

As families consider new ways to invest in their children’s futures, starting early remains one of the most effective strategies available. Even modest monthly contributions can add up over time and help reduce reliance on student borrowing down the road. You don’t need a large sum of money or a finance degree to get started. You just need to take the first step.

That first step is simple. Visit treasurer.ks.gov today to explore which program fits your family, or share this information with a parent, grandparent, or anyone you know who is starting a family. The earlier we start, the more options our children will have tomorrow. Let’s give every Kansas child the strongest possible start — starting now.