The Grifin Blog
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Trump Accounts
Every Question People Are Asking About Trump Accounts (And Where to Find the Answers)
Most parents are still trying to figure out what Trump Accounts even are, let alone whether their kids qualify. Here's every question we're seeing — with answers.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
What Happened to Bumped, and Is Grifin the Replacement?
Bumped shut down in December 2022 with no successor; Grifin is the closest live app, but it invests your own money rather than giving stock away free.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What Happened to Stockpile and Bumped, and What Should You Use Instead?
Stockpile closed April 17, 2026 and Bumped shut down in December 2022; the right replacement depends on whether you gifted stock, earned it, or bought it.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Stash vs Robinhood: Is a $12 Monthly Subscription Worth It Over a Free App?
For most buy-and-hold investors, no: Robinhood's free tier wins unless you'll use Stash's advisor, kids accounts, and Stock-Back card past $144/year.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What Can You Use Instead of the Stash Stock-Back Card?
The category has thinned out: your real options are Grifin, the Fidelity Rewards Visa, the invite-based Robinhood Gold Card, or a plain 2% cash-back card.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Robinhood vs Fidelity: Which Brokerage Should You Actually Open First?
Fidelity for retirement money and index funds; Robinhood for the fastest small-dollar start and an IRA match Fidelity doesn't offer.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Robinhood vs Acorns: Which Should a First-Time Investor Open?
Acorns if you need investing to happen without you; Robinhood if you'll pick a few ETFs yourself and want no monthly fee plus an IRA match.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Which Investing Apps Buy Individual Stocks Instead of ETFs?
Robinhood, Public, Cash App, Stash, Fennel, and Grifin all buy individual stocks in small amounts; the right one depends on who's doing the picking.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Is Grifin Better Than Acorns?
Grifin is better if you want to own the brands you already shop at; Acorns is better for round-ups, an IRA with a match, and kids accounts.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Grifin vs Stash: Which App Invests the Way You Spend?
Grifin invests based on where you already spend with any card; Stash rewards spending only through its own debit card and adds DIY stock picking.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Grifin vs Robinhood: Which Is Better for First-Time Investors?
Grifin is better for a first-timer who doesn't know what to buy; Robinhood is better and cheaper for anyone who wants to place their own trades.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Cash App Investing vs Robinhood: Which Is Better for Your First $100?
Cash App wins if your $100 already sits there and you want one or two stocks; Robinhood wins if you might ever want an IRA, since Cash App has none.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What's the Best Investing App for a Beginner Over 40?
Max your 401(k) match first, then Fidelity for most beginners over 40, Schwab if you want a branch, and Grifin if you know you'll never place a trade.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What's the Best Beginner Investing App That Isn't Robinhood?
Fidelity is the best boring-on-purpose pick, Acorns if you want hands-off, Public for a calmer middle ground, and Grifin if you want no trading screen at all.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What's the Best App to Invest $20 a Month?
For a strict $20 monthly budget, Fidelity or Schwab at $0 in fees is the right answer; any subscription app eats too much of a deposit this size.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What's the Best App for Buying Stock in the Stores You Shop At?
Grifin buys stock in every public brand you shop at automatically; Fidelity is better if you just want to buy one or two favorite brands yourself.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
Acorns vs Stash: Which One Is Actually Cheaper for a Small Balance?
Acorns is cheaper for small balances: its $3 Bronze tier is a quarter of Stash's single $12 monthly plan, which now has no cheaper option.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What Are the Best Alternatives to Acorns in 2026?
SoFi and Public for no monthly fee, Betterment for retirement, M1 for control, and Grifin if round-ups felt too abstract to stick with.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What Are the Best Acorns Alternatives With No Monthly Fee?
Robinhood, Cash App, Public, SoFi, and Fidelity Go all skip the monthly fee; the tradeoff is that free apps mostly wait for you to act.
Bo Starr • Aug 17, 2026
Investing
What Is a Fractional Share?
A fractional share is a piece of a single share of stock, so you can invest a dollar amount you choose instead of paying the full share price. Own $5 of a $500 stock and you hold 1/100th of a share, with the same growth and dividends at scale.
Bo Starr • Aug 11, 2026
Investing
How Do You Start Investing With $50?
Open a free brokerage account through an investing app, deposit your $50, and use fractional shares to buy pieces of stocks or an index fund. $50 is more than enough; the average deposit on Grifin is around $18.
Bo Starr • Aug 11, 2026
Investing
What Are the Apps That Invest for You Automatically?
Automatic investing apps fall into three types: robo-advisors like Betterment that invest scheduled deposits into ETF portfolios, round-up apps like Acorns that invest your spare change, and spend-matched apps like Grifin that buy stock in the companies you shop at.
Bo Starr • Aug 11, 2026
Investing
I'm 45 and Have Never Invested. Where Do I Start?
Start by opening a brokerage account (free, about 10 minutes) and putting in a small amount you won't miss, even $10 or $20. At 45 you likely have 20+ working years ahead, which is plenty of time for compounding to matter.
Bo Starr • Aug 11, 2026
Investing
Is Grifin Legit?
Yes, Grifin is a legitimate investing app. Brokerage accounts opened through Grifin are carried by a U.S.-regulated broker-dealer, member investments are protected by SIPC, and over $47.5 million has been invested through the app.
Bo Starr • Aug 11, 2026
Trump Accounts
How Do Trump Accounts Work?
Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts for kids, backed by the U.S. government. Here's exactly how they work and what your child could receive.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can Grandparents Open a Trump Account for Their Grandchild?
Grandparents can open a Trump Account for their grandchild. Here's how it works, what role they play, and how contributions factor in.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What If I Miss the Signup Deadline for a Trump Account?
There is no signup deadline to miss. The IRS election can be filed anytime, and accounts are open now. Here's how to sign up in about 10 minutes.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What If I Withdraw Early From a Trump Account?
Trump Accounts are locked until January 1 of the year your child turns 18. Here's what the law actually says, and what the rules look like once the account becomes an IRA.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
How Long Does It Take to Open a Trump Account?
Filing for a Trump Account takes about 10 minutes if you go the tax form route. Here's what the timeline actually looks like from application to open account.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
How Much Will $1,000 Grow Over 18 Years in a Trump Account?
The government seeds Trump Accounts with $1,000 at birth. Here's how much that could realistically be worth by the time your child turns 18.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
How to Check If Your Child Is Eligible for a Trump Account
Any U.S. child under 18 with a Social Security Number can open a Trump Account. But eligibility for the free $1,000 seed depends on when your child was born. Here's how to check.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is Invest America Live Yet? What You Can (and Can't) Do Right Now
Yes. Invest America is live. Accounts are open, and the official Trump Accounts app is available now. Here's what you can do today.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
What Happens to a Trump Account When My Child Turns 18?
When your child turns 18, their Trump Account converts to a traditional IRA. Here's what that means, what they can do with the money, and what happens next.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Who Created Trump Accounts? The Origins of Invest America
Trump Accounts didn't come out of nowhere. Here's who created them, what legislation created them, and how the program actually came to exist.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can Parents Add More Money on Top of the $1,000 Government Seed?
Yes, parents can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a Trump Account on top of the $1,000 government seed. Here's how the contribution rules work.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can You Withdraw Money from a Trump Account?
Trump Account funds are locked until January 1 of the year your child turns 18. Here's what the rules actually say, including what changes once the account becomes an IRA.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Who Qualifies for Invest America?
Almost every child in America qualifies for an Invest America account. Here's the full breakdown of who's eligible and what they can receive.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What Are Trump Accounts?
Trump Accounts are new tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children under 18. Kids born between 2025 and 2028 also get a free $1,000 from the government to get started.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What is the $1,000 Investment for Kids?
The government is giving eligible children a free $1,000 head start through a new investment account program. Here's what it is and how to claim it.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can Non-Citizens Apply for a Trump Account?
Citizenship status affects Trump Account eligibility, especially for the $1,000 government seed. Here's what non-citizen families need to know.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What If I Don't Have a Bank Account? Can I Still Open a Trump Account?
Not having a bank account doesn't automatically disqualify your child from a Trump Account. Here's what you need to know.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Are There Taxes on Trump Accounts? Here's the Full Breakdown
Trump Accounts grow tax-deferred, but not everything is tax-free at withdrawal. Here's exactly what gets taxed, what doesn't, and what that means for your family.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Can a Trump Account Replace a College Fund?
Trump Accounts and 529 plans both build wealth for your kids. But they work very differently. Here's what parents need to know before choosing one over the other.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
How to Open a Trump Account for Your Child
The program is live. You can open and manage your child's Trump Account through the official Trump Accounts app at trumpaccounts.gov. Here's exactly what to do.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
What Documents Do You Need to Open a Trump Account?
Opening a Trump Account doesn't require a stack of paperwork. Here's exactly what you'll need to have ready before you apply.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is Invest America a Scam? Here's What's Actually Real
If you've seen posts about Invest America or Trump Accounts online and wondered if it's too good to be true, here's the honest answer.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans: What's Actually Different
Trump Accounts and 529 plans both help you save for your child's future, but they work very differently. Here's how to compare them.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Trump Accounts vs. Roth IRA for Kids: How Do They Compare?
Both Trump Accounts and custodial Roth IRAs can build serious long-term wealth for your child. Here's how they stack up and which one might make sense for your family.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Do All Children Get the $1,000 from Invest America?
Not every child receives the $1,000 government seed, but most still qualify for a Trump Account. Here's exactly who gets it and why.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What If I Have Twins? Do Both Get a Trump Account?
Yes, twins each qualify for their own Trump Account and their own $1,000 seed. Here's exactly how it works for parents of multiples.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Where Is the Money in a Trump Account Invested?
Trump Account funds are invested in low-cost S&P 500 or U.S. equity index funds. Here's what that means for your child's money and how it grows.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans: Which Is Better for Your Child?
Trump Accounts and 529 plans both help families save for kids, but they work very differently. Here's how to compare them and decide what makes sense for your family.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is There a Deadline for Trump Accounts?
No. There is no April 15 deadline for Trump Accounts. The IRS election can be filed at any time. Here's the real timeline and how to sign up now.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Is Invest America Real?
Yes, Invest America (also called Trump Accounts) is a real government program. Here's what it actually is, what the law says, and what parents need to do.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What Is Invest America?
Invest America is a new government program that gives every American child under 18 a tax-advantaged investment account. Here's what it is, who qualifies, and how it works.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
What Happens to a Trump Account If the Market Drops?
Trump Accounts are invested in the stock market. So what happens when markets fall? Here's what parents need to understand before they worry.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Can I Withdraw Money from a Trump Account?
Trump Account funds cannot be withdrawn before January 1 of the year your child turns 18. Here's what the withdrawal rules actually look like, before and after that date.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Can Parents Add More Money to a Trump Account Beyond the $1,000?
Yes, families can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a Trump Account on top of the $1,000 government seed. Here's exactly how the contribution limits work.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Has the Trump Account Bill Been Signed Into Law?
Yes, Trump Accounts are real and the law has been signed. Here's what was passed, when it happened, and what it means for your family.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is Invest America Government-Backed? Yes. Here's What That Means.
Invest America is a real federal program backed by the U.S. government. Here's exactly what that means for your child's account and your money.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is My Money Safe in a Trump Account?
Trump Accounts are managed by the U.S. Treasury and invested in index funds. Here's what that means for safety, and what parents should actually understand about the risks.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Is a Trump Account Better Than a Savings Account for Your Child?
A savings account is familiar. A Trump Account is new. Here's how they actually compare for parents trying to build their child's financial future.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Trump Accounts vs. Custodial Accounts: What's the Difference?
Trump Accounts and custodial accounts both let you invest money for your child, but they have very different rules. Here's how they compare.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
What Is IRS Form 4547? The Trump Account Tax Form Explained
IRS Form 4547 is how you claim the $1,000 government seed for your child's Trump Account. Here's what it is, who needs it, and how to file it.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
When Does Invest America Launch? Key Dates for Trump Accounts
Invest America accounts officially opened on July 4, 2026, alongside the official Trump Accounts app. Here's the full timeline and what to do now.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
When Will My Child Receive the $1,000 from Invest America?
The $1,000 government seed is deposited once your child's Invest America account is activated. Accounts are open now. Here's how to claim it.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Investing
Where Is the Money Invested in a Trump Account?
Trump Account funds are invested in low-cost S&P 500 index funds managed by the U.S. Treasury. Here's what that means and why it matters for your child.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can I Sign Up for a Trump Account Before My Child Is Born?
You can't open a Trump Account before your child is born, but there's nothing to worry about. Here's what expecting parents should do right now.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Can Multiple Kids in the Same Family Get a Trump Account?
Yes, every eligible child in a family qualifies for their own Trump Account. There's no household cap. Here's how it works for families with more than one child.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Do Newborns Qualify for a Trump Account?
Yes, newborns qualify for a Trump Account. In fact, starting at birth gives your child the most time for the account to grow. Here's what new parents need to know.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Do You Need to Be a U.S. Citizen to Open a Trump Account?
Citizenship isn't the explicit requirement for Trump Accounts. What matters is that your child has a valid Social Security Number. Here's what parents need to know.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Is There a Contribution Limit for Trump Accounts?
Yes. Trump Accounts have a $5,000/year contribution cap for family and employer contributions combined. Here's everything you need to know about the limits.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What Age Qualifies for a Trump Account?
Any child under 18 with a Social Security Number can open a Trump Account. Here's what parents need to know about the age rules.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
What Happens to a Trump Account When My Child Turns 18?
When your child turns 18, their Trump Account converts to a traditional IRA. Here's what that means and what they can do with it.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Who Manages a Trump Account?
Trump Accounts start under U.S. Treasury management with a parent or guardian as custodian. Here's how the oversight works and what parents are responsible for.
Grifin • Apr 3, 2026
Trump Accounts
Trump Children's Investment Accounts: How Much Your Child Can Receive
How much can your child actually get in a Trump Account? Here's every source of funding broken down, from the $1,000 government seed to philanthropic contributions and family contributions.
Grifin • Feb 20, 2026
Trump Accounts
Is a Trump Account Right for Your Family? A Practical Decision Guide
A Trump account isn't right for every family. Here's how to figure out if it fits your situation before you decide.
Grifin • Feb 20, 2026
Trump Accounts
How Do Trump Accounts Work?
Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts for kids, backed by the U.S. government. Here's exactly how they work and what your child could receive.
Grifin • Feb 10, 2026
Trump Accounts
Trump Children’s Investment Accounts Explained: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Understanding Trump children’s investment accounts: eligibility, contributions, tax treatment, how to open one, comparisons to 529 plans, and how to plan for your child’s financial future with Grifin.
Bo Starr • Feb 6, 2026
General Disclaimer
Interest Financial, LLC ("Interest Financial") is an SEC registered investment adviser. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. Interest Financial's investment advisory services are available only to residents of the United States. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, recommendation, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell any security. The information provided herein is for informational and general educational purposes only and is not investment or financial advice. Additionally, Interest Financial does not provide tax advice and investors are encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisors.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections are hypothetical in nature and may not reflect actual future performance. A balanced portfolio requires different investment strategies which Interest Financial does not provide. Brokerage services will be provided to Interest Financial clients through Apex Clearing Corporation ("Apex"), who is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC . Member of SIPC. Securities in your account protected up to $500,000. For details, please see www.sipc.org. Although trading occurs free of commission, relevant SEC & FINRA fees may apply. Please visit Commissions and Fees for our full fee schedule.
Software platform services will be provided by Grifin, LLC ("Grifin") through its patent pending mobile and web software application configured to assist Interest Financial's clients in automatic purchases of securities. Interest Investments, Inc. ("Interest Investments") is the parent company of Interest Financial and Grifin.
grifin® is a registered trademark of Interest Investments, inc.. Other trademarks and logos which may be depicted on the website or app are the property of their respective owners and do not represent endorsements of any kind. Unless otherwise noted, Interest Financial, LLC, Grifin, LLC, and Interest Investments, Inc. are not partners, affiliates, or licensees of these companies.
Notwithstanding the use of services through Apex and Grifin by Interest Financial, LLC, any investment advisor, trade related or brokerage questions shall be communicated to hello@interestfinancial.com. Any questions pertaining to the functionality or use of the Grifin mobile and web software application should be communicated via the chat functionality on the website or app.
All corporate logos and prices are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Please read Important Legal Disclosures
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Business Continuity - Wrap Fee Brochure - Form CRS
grifin® is a registered trademark of Interest Investments, Inc.
Greatest Revolution in Finance is Now™ is a trademark of Interest Investments, Inc.
The Grifin App is Patent Pending.©
Copyright 2026 Interest Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.
Interest Investments, Inc.
802 East Whiting Street
Tampa, FL 33602
V.05 06/25/2026
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections are hypothetical in nature and may not reflect actual future performance. A balanced portfolio requires different investment strategies which Interest Financial does not provide. Brokerage services will be provided to Interest Financial clients through Apex Clearing Corporation ("Apex"), who is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC . Member of SIPC. Securities in your account protected up to $500,000. For details, please see www.sipc.org. Although trading occurs free of commission, relevant SEC & FINRA fees may apply. Please visit Commissions and Fees for our full fee schedule.
Software platform services will be provided by Grifin, LLC ("Grifin") through its patent pending mobile and web software application configured to assist Interest Financial's clients in automatic purchases of securities. Interest Investments, Inc. ("Interest Investments") is the parent company of Interest Financial and Grifin.
grifin® is a registered trademark of Interest Investments, inc.. Other trademarks and logos which may be depicted on the website or app are the property of their respective owners and do not represent endorsements of any kind. Unless otherwise noted, Interest Financial, LLC, Grifin, LLC, and Interest Investments, Inc. are not partners, affiliates, or licensees of these companies.
Notwithstanding the use of services through Apex and Grifin by Interest Financial, LLC, any investment advisor, trade related or brokerage questions shall be communicated to hello@interestfinancial.com. Any questions pertaining to the functionality or use of the Grifin mobile and web software application should be communicated via the chat functionality on the website or app.
All corporate logos and prices are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Please read Important Legal Disclosures
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Business Continuity - Wrap Fee Brochure - Form CRS
grifin® is a registered trademark of Interest Investments, Inc.
Greatest Revolution in Finance is Now™ is a trademark of Interest Investments, Inc.
The Grifin App is Patent Pending.©
Copyright 2026 Interest Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.
Interest Investments, Inc.
802 East Whiting Street
Tampa, FL 33602
V.05 06/25/2026
