LO received some nice Christmas gifts, including some nice checks. We want to open an account for him. What's best? Just a savings account or is there something else. We don't want anything that has risk of losing money. Also , what would we need? Usually we need a picture ID but we don't have that for him. Is his birth certificate or social security card enough?
Re: Opening bank account
SCANDAL!
You could also look into your state's 529 college savings plan. Most are set up so that you pay for college tuition at the current rate and essentially buy credits, then you can cash in the credits no matter what tuition is later. Basically free money if your kid goes to a designated state school (not necessarily a 4 year university some include trade schools and community colleges too) otherwise it's just a regular savings account and you can get your money back. We opened one for DS with just his SSN and mine in Pennsylvania. There was no fee for starting it since he was less than 6 months old, and contributions can be made by anyone at anytime in amounts as little as $15.
[MC 11.20.11] [DS born 9.24.12] [DD born 10.15.14]