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A new federal account offers eligible kids $1,000. Heres how it compares to a 529 savings plan

• Free money for eligible newborns: Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, can qualify for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution to a Trump Account.

• Different tax benefits: Trump Accounts offer tax-deferred investment growth, while 529 plans generally allow tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

• You don't have to choose just one: Families can maintain both accounts, using them for different financial goals.

Want to give your child or grandchild a financial boost or start the process of saving for college? A new savings option could help you do just that.

Trump Accounts, created under the 2025 federal tax law, are now available to eligible children under 18. And for millions of young Americans, the federal government is offering a flat $1,000 to help start investing.

But here's where things get interesting. For years, 529 college savings plans have been a popular way for families to put money aside for education. Now parents have another tax-advantaged account to consider.

So should you put money into a Trump Account, stick with a 529 plan, or use both? The answer depends largely on what you want the money to accomplish.

What exactly is a Trump Account?

A Trump Account is a special type of traditional individual retirement account (IRA) established for children. Parents or other authorized adults can open one for an eligible child under 18 who has a Social Security number.

The biggest attention-getter is the government's $1,000 contribution. But not every child qualifies for that money.

According to the IRS, the one-time deposit is available to eligible U.S. citizens born from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028.

Older children can still qualify for an account, but they don't qualify for that federal $1,000 contribution.

Pro tip: If you have a child born between 2025 and 2028, don't assume the $1,000 automatically arrives. Visit the official Trump Accounts website or use IRS Form 4547 to establish the account and request the federal contribution.

How does a 529 college savings plan compare?

A 529 plan is specifically designed to help families save for education costs. Parents, grandparents, and others can contribute money, choose investments from the plan's available options, and allow the account to grow over time.

The major attraction is the tax advantages. When withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses, including eligible college tuition, books, and certain room-and-board costs, the investment earnings generally come out tax-free.

And 529 plans have become more flexible. Depending on the expense and applicable rules, money can also be used for certain K-12 education costs, qualifying apprenticeships, student loans, and postsecondary credential programs.

Unlike Trump Accounts, 529 plans obviously don't come with a universal $1,000 federal contribution. However, some states do offer tax deductions, credits, or other incentives for contributing.

Trump Account vs. 529 plan: The biggest differences

Both accounts offer tax advantages, but they're designed for different purposes. Here's how they compare:

• Who qualifies: Trump Accounts are available to eligible children under 18 with a Social Security number. A 529 plan can be opened for a beneficiary of any age.

• Government seed money: Trump Accounts offer a one-time $1,000 federal contribution for eligible U.S. citizen children born between 2025 and 2028. Traditional 529 plans don't offer a universal federal contribution.

• Annual contribution limits: Trump Accounts generally allow up to $5,000 in annual contributions during the special childhood period, with inflation adjustments beginning after 2027. The limits for 529 plans are substantially higher and vary by state.

• Tax advantages: Trump Account investments grow tax-deferred, meaning taxes generally aren't due on investment gains while the money remains in the account. With a 529 plan, investment earnings can be withdrawn tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

• Using the money for college: Qualified 529 withdrawals are generally tax-free. Trump Account withdrawals may be taxable under traditional IRA rules, although qualifying education expenses can provide an exception to the 10% early-withdrawal tax.

• Accessing the money: Trump Accounts generally restrict withdrawals before the calendar year the child turns 18. Money in a 529 plan can be withdrawn earlier for qualifying education expenses.

• Investment options: Trump Accounts generally limit investments to qualifying low-cost U.S. stock index funds during childhood. A 529 plan offers investment choices selected by the plan, often including age-based portfolios.

• Who controls the account: A Trump Account belongs to the child, with an adult custodian managing it during childhood. With a 529 plan, the account owner generally retains control over the money.

• If your child skips college: Trump Account funds can remain invested for retirement. A 529 plan may allow you to change beneficiaries, pay for other qualified education expenses, or roll over up to $35,000 into the beneficiary's Roth IRA, subject to eligibility requirements.

What could $1,000 actually grow into?

Here's why starting early matters. Lets suppose an eligible newborn receives the $1,000 federal contribution and the money stays invested for 18 years.

Assuming a hypothetical 7% annual return, compounded annually, heres how that adds up:

• Initial $1,000 only: Approximately $3,380 by age 18.

• $1,000 plus $50 monthly: Approximately $24,800 by age 18.

• $1,000 plus $100 monthly: Approximately $46,200 by age 18.

These numbers assume monthly contributions at the end of each month and don't account for taxes, fees, or inflation.

The lesson here is that even small contributions, made consistently over many years, can grow into a significant amount of money.

5 smart moves parents can make right now

Whether you're considering a Trump Account, a 529 plan, or both, here are five practical steps.

1. Check whether your child qualifies for the $1,000. If your child was born from 2025 through 2028 and meets the eligibility requirements, visit TrumpAccounts.gov and review the enrollment process.

2. Ask your employer about contributions. Some employers may offer qualifying Trump Account contributions. Check with human resources before assuming the only money going into the account will come from your family.

3. Compare your state's 529 tax benefits. Some states offer deductions or credits for contributions to qualifying plans. Visit Savingforcollege.com to compare plans, then verify any available tax benefits with your state.

4. Match the account to the goal. If the money is intended for college expenses, examine the 529's tax-free withdrawal rules. If the goal is building long-term retirement savings, consider the Trump Account's IRA structure and withdrawal restrictions.

5. Don't sacrifice your own financial security. Before making large contributions to a child's account, make sure you're addressing emergency savings, any expensive debt, and your own retirement needs.

From fake package delivery alerts to AI-powered impersonation, younger adults are losing money to online at alarming rates

• More than one in three Gen Z adults lost money to an online scam in the past year, according to new McAfee research.

• Gen Z is more likely than the average American to fall for involving fake package deliveries, phony customer support, and AI-generated impersonations.

• McAfees Head of Threat Research shares how to spot red flags, verify suspicious requests, and protect your money and personal information.

Gen Z may be comfortable navigating the digital world, but that doesnt mean theyre immune to online .

New findings from McAfee show that more than one in three Gen Z adults lost money to an online scam in the past year. Even more concerning, younger adults are falling for certain at higher rates than the general population, including fake package delivery notifications, phony customer support messages, and AI-generated impersonations.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee, who explained which are catching Gen Z off guard, why these schemes can be so convincing, and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

Methodology and key findings

According to McAfee, the research combined a nationally representative survey of 5,000 U.S. adults with McAfee Labs analysis of text-based scam activity.

The findings highlight how frequently Americans encounter online and how these experiences differ for Gen Z adults. More than one in three Gen Z adults reported losing money to an online scam in the past year, and younger adults were more likely than the general population to report financial losses from several specific .

The biggest differences included package delivery , which affected 25% of Gen Z adults compared with 18% of Americans overall; fake customer support , at 24% versus 18%; and AI-generated impersonation , at 20% versus 15%. McAfee also found that Gen Z encountered fake social media profiles, AI-generated images, deepfake-style videos, and fake recruiters at higher rates than the general population.

Technology may make you more susceptible to

So, why is the most tech-savvy generation falling victim to these ? Karnik explained it could be because of how they use their phones.

They've grown up shopping, banking, and tracking packages online, making it easier for fraudulent messages to blend in with everyday notifications they already expect and trust, Karnik said. Growing up online doesn't necessarily mean you're better at spotting .

Know the red flags

For Gen Z consumers who want to protect themselves, Karnik shared some of his best tips.

With AI, it's getting harder to tell if something is fake just by looking at it or listening to it, he said. A message can look like it's from a trusted company, and a voice can sound just like someone you know.

For Gen Z, I'd focus less on how convincing something looks and more on what it's asking you to do. Is someone rushing you? Asking for money or personal information? Is the request unusual or something you weren't expecting? Those are all red flags.

Other things to look for: If you get a text about a delivery issue, don't click the link. Instead, use your order confirmation number to check the tracking information directly on the retailer's app or website, Karnik recommended. And if someone you know calls with an unusual request, hang up and call them back using a number you trust.

Slow down

When all else fails, Karnik recommends that all consumers pause before making any moves especially when someone is asking for money or personal information.

My biggest advice is to slow down when something involves your money or personal information, he said. Scammers want you to act quickly. Whether that's paying a fee to secure a job, jumping on an investment opportunity, or sharing a verification code before you've had time to think. If something feels off, take a moment to verify it before acting.

His other piece of advice: Be careful about how much personal information you're putting online.

Scammers can use details shared on social media to tailor their lure and make it more believable, Karnik explained. Keep your accounts private where possible, use strong and unique passwords, and turn on multifactor authentication. A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your information and finances safe.

Two stores open this week, with 28 more on the way across 16 states. Here's how to check if your neighborhood is getting one

• Major expansion: Trader Joe's has announced 30 new stores across 16 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.

• Two opening this week: New locations in Anaheim Hills, California, and West Jordan, Utah, open October 22 and 23.

• Want one near you? Trader Joe's actually lets shoppers request a new store in their city through its website.

If you've been wishing that Trader Joe's would open closer to home, you might finally be in luck.

The popular grocery chain is expanding again, with 30 new locations planned across 16 states. Two are opening this week, while the other 28 are listed as "coming soon" on the company's website.

According to Trader Joe's official announcement, the first two grand openings are:

• Anaheim Hills, California: October 22 at 9 a.m., 6336 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

• West Jordan, Utah: October 23 at 9 a.m., 5561 W. 7800 South

The company hasn't announced specific opening dates for most of the remaining stores, and some aren't expected to open until 2027.

Complete list of 30 new Trader Joe's locations

Here's the state-by-state breakdown, including the two stores opening this week.

Arizona (2)

• Phoenix 4519 E. Thomas Road

• Phoenix 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 1030

California (4)

• Anaheim Hills 6336 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

• Encinitas (Leucadia) 1590 Leucadia Boulevard

• Riverbank 2135 Claribel Road

• San Diego (Clairemont) 3962 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard

Colorado (1)

• Denver 8564 E. Northfield Boulevard

Florida (3)

• Boynton Beach 334 N. Congress Avenue, Unit B

• Orlando 1444 N. Alafaya Trail

• Sarasota 8199 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100

Illinois (4)

• Chicago 6191 N. Lincoln Avenue

• Chicago 804 W. Montrose Avenue

• Joliet 2741 Plainfield Road

• Oswego 1930 U.S. Highway 34

Maryland (1)

• Baltimore 6311 York Road

Massachusetts (1)

• Quincy 111 General McConville Way

Michigan (1)

• Farmington Hills 27658 Middlebelt Road

Nebraska (1)

• Omaha 210 N. 191st Street

New Jersey (2)

• Jersey City 55 Hudson Street

• West Orange 471 Mt. Pleasant Avenue

New York (2)

• Syracuse 3515 W. Genesee Street

• Yonkers 2482 Central Park Avenue

Ohio (1)

• University Heights 2643 Warrensville Center Road

Oregon (1)

• Bend 61284 S. Highway 97

Texas (3)

• Bellaire 5130 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite 100

• Cedar Park 1800 E. Whitestone Boulevard

• Mansfield 1580 E. Debbie Lane

Utah (1)

• West Jordan 5561 W. 7800 South

Washington (2)

• Seattle 401 NE Northgate Way

• Spokane Valley 13414 E. Sprague Avenue

How to check when your new Trader Joe's will open

If your city made the list, don't assume the store is opening immediately.

Trader Joe's typically adds locations to its upcoming store list three to six months before opening, although some take longer.

With that said, three newly announced locations aren't expected to open until 2027. They include Phoenix, Arizona on East Thomas Road, Boynton Beach, Florida, and the location in Bend, Oregon.

Pro tip: Bookmark the Trader Joe's store opening announcements page. The company updates individual announcements with grand opening dates and other details as they become available.

No Trader Joe's nearby? Request one

Here's something many shoppers don't realize. Trader Joe's actually lets customers suggest where the company should open their next location.

Visit the Request a Trader Joe's in My City page to make it happen.

You simply enter your city, state, and ZIP code, then explain why your community would be a good fit for a TJs.

Instead of simply asking for a Trader Joe's, suggest a specific shopping center or neighborhood that's convenient for local residents. While there's obviously no guarantee a request will lead to a new store, it serves as an actionable and direct way to let the company know where there's interest.

3 ways to save when your new store opens

A new Trader Joe's can be exciting, but don't assume everything is cheaper than your regular grocery store.

1. Compare unit prices. Check the price per ounce or pound, especially on snacks, frozen meals, and packaged foods. Smaller packages aren't necessarily better deals.

2. Shop with a list. Trader Joe's is known for unique products and seasonal favorites. Stick to what you need before experimenting with unfamiliar items.

3. Try before you stock up. Limited-time products can create a sense of urgency. This is why its smart to buy one first to make sure you actually like it before filling your freezer or pantry.

New research explores how treating psoriasis and obesity together may affect inflammation and skin health

• A clinical trial found broader changes in inflammation-related proteins and genes when Taltz and Zepbound were used together compared with Taltz alone.

• Researchers studied 274 adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight accompanied by another weight-related health condition.

• The findings offer new clues about the connection between skin disease, inflammation, and metabolism, but further research is needed to understand their full significance.

Psoriasis is more than a skin condition. It involves the immune system and can cause raised, scaly patches that may be uncomfortable or difficult to manage. For people who also have obesity, treating both conditions may require addressing more than skin symptoms alone.

New research from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is exploring how these conditions may be connected and whether treating them together could have additional benefits.

The study examined two medications: Taltz (ixekizumab), a prescription treatment for plaque psoriasis, and Zepbound (tirzepatide), a medication used for weight management. Researchers wanted to better understand how the drugs affect the body's immune and metabolic processes when used together.

The findings were presented at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference. They suggest that combining the medications may affect a broader range of biological markers associated with psoriasis, inflammation, and metabolism than using Taltz alone.

"People living with psoriasis and obesity carry a compounded burden that extends beyond what is visible, yet these conditions are too often viewed through separate treatment lenses," Mark Genovese, M.D., senior vice president of Lilly Immunology development, said in a news release.

"The broader biomarker changes observed with Taltz and Zepbound, including those associated with skin clearance, may point to a meaningful relationship between immune and metabolic biology. Along with previously reported clinical outcomes, these findings support a more comprehensive approach to psoriasis care that also addresses obesity for people managing both conditions."

How researchers conducted the study

The Phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial included 274 adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who also had obesity or were overweight with at least one additional weight-related health condition.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received Taltz alone, while the other received Taltz and Zepbound together. Both medications were administered by injection, and participants in both groups received guidance on eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity.

The trial lasted 52 weeks, with researchers evaluating treatment outcomes and safety. The study's main goal was to determine how many participants achieved complete skin clearance and at least 10% weight loss by Week 36.

For the newly announced analysis, researchers examined blood samples to measure changes in proteins and gene activity associated with psoriasis, immune responses, and metabolism. These measurements, known as biomarkers, can help scientists understand what may be happening inside the body during treatment.

What the results could mean for patients

By week 36, researchers identified changes in 482 proteins and 467 genes in the group receiving both medications. In comparison, the Taltz-only group showed changes in 140 proteins and 16 genes.

The combination treatment was also associated with greater reductions in certain inflammatory immune activities, including changes involving neutrophils, a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation. Some of these changes accounted for part of the additional improvement in psoriasis severity seen with the combination treatment.

Earlier findings from the same trial showed that participants receiving both drugs experienced better skin clearance and meaningful weight loss than those receiving Taltz alone at week 36. Those improvements continued or increased through week 52, with safety findings consistent with the known profiles of the medications.

For consumers, the research offers a possible explanation for why addressing psoriasis and excess weight together could be beneficial for some patients. However, changes in biomarkers do not automatically translate into better long-term health outcomes for everyone.

The findings are still part of an ongoing effort to understand the relationship between immune function and metabolism. Anyone considering either medication should discuss its potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional.

"This analysis provides new insights into the potential connected immune and metabolic biology in people with psoriasis and obesity," James G. Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Laboratory Head, The Rockefeller University, said in the release.

"What is most compelling is these findings identified differences in inflammatory pathways when patients received concomitant treatment with Taltz plus Zepbound for both conditions. These data at the intersection of psoriasis and obesity highlight immunometabolic health as an important area for continued scientific research."

Fake recruiters are using job searches to steal personal information and money, raising new concerns about how applicants can protect themselves

• More than half of recent job seekers surveyed said they were targeted by fake recruiters, with some experiencing identity theft or financial losses.

• Red flags include rushed hiring processes, suspicious email addresses, interviews conducted only through messaging apps, and requests for sensitive information.

• Cloaked CEO Arjun Bhatnagar recommends using separate contact information for job applications, securing online accounts, and acting quickly if you suspect a scam.

Looking for a job is stressful enough without having to worry about whether a recruiter is real. But new research suggests fake hiring opportunities are becoming another risk for job seekers.

A study by Cloaked found that 55% encountered fake recruiters during their search. Some applicants faced even more serious consequences, including stolen identities, misused online accounts, and financial losses.

To better understand how these work and what job seekers should watch out for, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Arjun Bhatnagar, CEO of Cloaked, about the growing privacy risks facing people looking for work.

Methodology

Cloaked surveyed 1,012 U.S. adults who had applied for at least one job in the previous 12 months.

Conducted in August 2026, the survey asked respondents about the personal information they shared while job hunting, their experiences with fake recruiters, and the privacy risks they encountered. Participants represented multiple generations and industries.

Key findings

The findings revealed how common job-related and privacy risks have become.

More than half of respondents (55%) said they had been targeted by a fake recruiter, and 17% of those targeted reported that their identity or an online account had been misused. Among those targeted, 10% said they had lost money, while 42% said a scam recruiter had asked them to upload an identification document or provide their Social Security number.

The report also found that 60% of job seekers who suspected they had encountered AI-generated or deepfake content saw it in a job posting or listing.

Know how to spot the

Bhatnagar shared some of the biggest red flags that job seekers should keep in mind. His biggest red flag to look out for: when the process moves too fast.

Someone may look credible on LinkedIn and know the right industry terms, but then they rush you into a text-only interview, push you onto WhatsApp or Telegram, or start asking for information before there has been a tough conversation about the job, he said.

Id also check the recruiters email domain carefully, especially if it is close to a companys real domain but not exact. And if someone offers you a job without a proper interview or sends you a check to buy equipment, one should stop the process immediately.

Protecting your identity

If youve lost money or had your identity stolen because of a job scam, Bhatnagar recommends acting quickly to protect your personal information.

Act quickly and contact the bank, card issuer, payment app, or wire service involved, he said/ Ask whether the payment can be stopped, recalled, or disputed, and if a check was part of the scam, call the bank before moving any of that money.

After that, change passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication, and consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if identity information was exposed. Keep copies of the emails, texts, job posting, payment records, and recruiter profile too, because those details can disappear once the scammer realizes theyve been reported.

More advice for job seekers

With nearly 20% of job seekers having issues with their accounts being misused or their identity stolen, Bhatnagar shared some additional advice to protect your digital life during your job search.

Id separate the job search from your everyday digital life as much as possible, he said. A dedicated email address and a second or masked phone number can keep your main accounts from being tied to every application you submit.

A rsum usually does not need your full home address, date of birth, Social Security number, or banking details. References can wait until later in the process. Its also worth going back after the search ends and removing old rsums or profiles, because they can stay publicly searchable much longer than people realize.