07/30/2026
We were all once someone’s intern.
Today is National Intern Day, and it made me think about the person who took a chance on me early in my career.
Most of us still remember that person.
For families, there is another reason to pay attention to the teenagers or young adults working this summer.
A paycheck can make a teenager eligible for a Roth IRA.
A teenager who contributes $2,300 a year starting at age 15 could have more than $707,000 by age 65, assuming a 6 percent average annual return.
And the contribution does not have to come out of the teen’s pocket.
A parent or grandparent can fund it, as long as the teen has enough earned income to qualify.
A summer job can be more than a first line on a resume.
It can be the start of a long-term financial habit.
If a teenager in your life is earning money this summer, have the Roth IRA conversation sooner rather than later.
📝 To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.
📝 Consider talking to your tax, legal, or accounting professional before moving ahead.
Financial Planning and Investment Advisory services offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors.