Mutual Funds: How to Set One Up for Loved One’s 1st Birthday

With Hadley’s second birthday around the corner (blows my mind), I’ve been reminiscing more frequently about her first birthday festivities last year. My sister and brother-in-law gifted Hadley something very unique last year that Jamie and I thought was brilliant, so I figured I’d share their idea in case there’s a tiny little love in your life that you’ll be looking to spoil with a birthday gift soon!

Because they knew Hadley would be receiving plenty of fun toys and such from other family members and friends, they decided to think outside of the box a bit. They teamed up with my mom to secretly get Hadley’s social security number so that they could set up a mutual fund for her through their financial advisor at Edward Jones.

The particular fund they chose has a longer track record and a strong return on investment. They deposited a nice chunk of money into it and then wrote Hadley a letter explaining the account (we obviously have that letter tucked away for safe keeping!). The letter detailed that the account was made in her honor for her first birthday and that they were going to let it grow until she’s in college. They also explained to Jamie and me that the account will make gift giving easy for them in the future in case they want to just deposit money into the account instead of gift her with another toy.

I was speechless at their brilliant idea! My sister and I are really close, but I was shocked when Hadley “opened” this gift! Hadley has a really special relationship with her aunt and uncle, so I know that they spent a lot of time thinking of the perfect gift and that a lot of love went in to creating this for her and her future.