Lifestyle

3 Financial Gift Ideas That Will Benefit Your Child Now And Later

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2022

Watching your kids grow is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. They will hit various milestones, such as going to their first dance and graduating from high school. You will probably have high hopes for their futures, but you’ll also realize that challenges await them as well.

Many of those challenges could be of a financial nature. When they’re in their late teens or early twenties, it’s hard to tell whether your kids will be looking at the pros and cons of consolidating credit card debt or raking in the earnings from a world-changing invention or entrepreneurial pursuit.

Assuming your child is not independently wealthy very early on in life, there are some financial gifts you might consider giving them that could help them a great deal. Let’s look at three of those right now.

1. Roth IRA Contributions

A Roth IRA is a retirement account that some companies will set up for their workers. The designation “Roth” means that the account’s owner pays taxes on the contributions before they contribute, instead of during the account’s distribution when the owner reaches retirement age.

If your adult child gets a job where their employer offers them a Roth IRA, it would benefit them to take it. A company will often match funds that your child puts into the account up to a certain point.

However, you can also contribute to that IRA, if you’re in a financial position to do so. Like your child’s employer, you might agree to match their contributions. That’s one way you can help your child prepare for their eventual retirement.

2. Stock

You might also consider buying stock for your child. If you start doing this for them at a young age, it’s a way you can teach them about the market’s potential risks and rewards. You could buy a stock for them in which they have a personal interest, such as Nintendo or Disney.

Stocks can be pretty pricey, so you might buy your child a portion of a stock instead of a whole one. Maybe when their birthday rolls around, you might offer them either the choice of a new toy or a percentage of a stock. Make sure you explain to them the inherent risks and potential rewards.

3. A Piggy Bank

Teaching your child about saving is something you can start doing when they’re very young. You might give them an allowance along with a money jar or piggy bank where they can keep their savings.

If they want something that’s on the more expensive side, you can explain to them that if they save up for a few weeks, they should be able to afford it. They can put this teaching to good use in later years if they want a video game system, a high-end TV, or something else for their college dorm or first apartment.

Financial Gifts Can Help Your Child

It can be hard to help your child reach maturity if you fail to teach them some financial basics. Giving them stock for their birthday or a holiday is one way to begin teaching them about the market, which they will probably want to invest in when they start a portfolio at some point.

Giving them a piggy bank is something you can do when they are very young, so they’ll start learning about the benefits of saving for a larger purchase. When they’re a little older, you can help contribute to their Roth IRA.

Remember that a child will watch what you do, and if you demonstrate financial responsibility, it’s likely your young one will follow in your footsteps one day.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.