Help! The Tax Man is Beating Up My Kid

Hi Scott,

I have a very hardworking 13-year-old who has amassed quite a bit of money: she has saved up $200,000! She would like to purchase a property but as a minor she will have to pay 66% on any income earned from the property. (Clearly she’ll still live at home until she’s old enough!) The goal is to own it outright in a few years and invest in more property, but I’m way out of my depth here. What is the best way for a minor like her to make their money work for them until they turn 18 — in their own name, not mine?

Helen

Hi Helen

Two hundred grand? That’s amazing! You must be very proud (and a fine role model).

You’re right about the penalty rate on kids under the age of 18 – however, this only applies to unearned income, like a bank account, rent or dividends from shares. It does not apply to income from the sweat of their own brow.

I wouldn’t limit your research just to property. It would be a good idea for her to learn about investing in the share market as well. To kick off her portfolio, all you’d need to do is set up an account as trustee for your daughter and purchase a hands-off portfolio of local and international shares. You’ll need to pay tax on the dividends – though franking credits mean it’s not much of an issue. To minimise this, open the account in the lower-earning spouse’s name. Then the shares can be transferred to her when she turns 18.

Finally, I’d give her my book (or audiobook) so she can learn all about investing and how to manage her money, as she seems to have the earning part all worked out!

Scott.

Making Hay

Hi Scott,

I just want to say I’m glad you’re writing a book for kids. I have this amazing young man called Jarrah (13 years old) who works for me. He comes once a week to help around my property, cleaning paddocks, cleaning water troughs and filling hay nets. He has worked for me a year now and it’s just an hour a week, but when I advertised the job he told me about his savings accounts. One account is for his car, one for his house and one for spending. Plus, if he invests money in the investment account his mum set up for him she matches what he’s put in. I’m blown away by the solid head on young Jarrah’s shoulders! His mum is a Barefoot follower (like me) and she has educated him well. When your book is published, I’ll buy him a copy.

Jan

Hi Jan,

What an amazing young bloke!

He’s exactly the kind of Barefoot kid that I want to feature in my new book.

So please go to www.barefootinvestor.com/kids

Scott.

I’m setting up a caravan park

My boys had cornered me.

“Dad, we’d like to talk to you about a business idea we’ve come up with”, they said in unison.

“We’re calling it … Pape Point Campground”, announced my eight-year-old.

“We could rent out the top paddock to caravanners for, say, $40 a night!”, added the six-year-old.

“Oh”, I said, trying my best to remain noncommittal.

They stood there eyeballing me expectantly.

I must have twitched, because they were off like a flash. They spent the next couple of hours huddled in their room coming up with a detailed plan for their caravan park: job titles, hours of operation, even a logo design (which they outsourced to their three-year-old sister — very sparkly).

Then they reappeared for round two of the pitch … this time with upsells:

“We could provide a rustic breakfast for $10.” (“Oh, that’s a great idea, mate!”)

“And sell them campfire wood and marshmallows, for $15.” (“Nice!”)

“And you can also give them some financial advice, Dad, for, say, $20?” (“Oh, now hang on a minute!”)

Pape Point Campground may be confined to family and friends … but still I was impressed. Not only was their creativity in full flight, but they were full of excitement. As a parent, I’m under no illusions: these are the good old days.

And it’s something that’s been on my mind, because I’m currently writing my next book, and it’s all about kids.

When I pitched my publisher the idea they loved it, especially when I told them the main idea: “It’s kids teaching kids.”

And that’s where I need your help … or, specifically, your kids’ help.

I’m looking for kids to feature in my book and inspire the kids of Australia.

So, if you’ve got a Barefoot Kid who:

Has their own little business …

Set up a stall …

Created a product …

Or enthusiastically done their Jam Jars at home …

Then I want to hear from you!

For the kids I choose, I’ll interview them, set them challenges, even help them learn about the share market.

(And of course also feature them in my new book.)

I’m on a tight deadline, so — parents, guardians, friends and grandparents — please go here to apply by this Tuesday 22nd March, 5:00 pm:

barefootinvestor.com/kids

Tread Your Own Path!