the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a transformative provision within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reshape how the next generation of Americans engages with capitalism—by providing every newborn with a retirement-style investment account.
Backed by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the plan has been described as a way to help young Americans build financial literacy and future wealth through early exposure to the stock market.
“Very much designed to get the next generation to invest in the market,” Cruz told Semafor. “When every child has invested, it’s no longer an abstract idea.”
How It Works
The proposed initiative would create a tax-advantaged $1,000 investment account for every baby born in the United States with a Social Security number. The funds would be invested in the S&P 500 index, allowing the account to grow with the market over time.
In addition to the government contribution, families and employers could add up to $5,000 annually to each child’s account. Major companies—including Uber, Dell, Nvidia, and Oracle—have reportedly pledged to contribute to the accounts of employees’ children.
Teaching Capitalism Through Ownership
Economists and policymakers see this program as more than just a financial tool—it’s also a cultural and educational one.
“They get to look at that account on their iPhone for the rest of their lives and see what America is doing for them,” said Kevin Hassett, former Director of the National Economic Council.
The idea is to foster early appreciation for market-based economies, especially as recent polling shows a growing number of young people expressing skepticism toward capitalism and a preference for socialist policies.
Take the Wall Street Walking Tour https://www.facebook.com/unofficialwallstreet #WallStreetTours,#FinancialDistrictExploration, #ExploreWallStreet, #FinancialHistoryTour, #StockMarketExperience, #FinancialDistrictDiscovery, #NYCFinanceTour,#WallStreetAdventure
Now, add to that a public school course using the investment account as an example of personal finance. I feel the grandkids are badly lacking in this area. Very badly lacking.