Grandparents are giving Christmas gifts that grow–and it's not what you think
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This holiday season, some families are choosing to rethink the traditional gift-giving approach.
Instead of the usual presents, one family’s decision to invest in their grandchildren’s future is sparking a new conversation about what really matters.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a movement that’s catching the attention of many.
This year, the Wallis family decided to swap out traditional Christmas presents for a more meaningful gesture.
Instead of stocking up on more toys or gadgets, Grandpa John and Grandma Chris found a creative way to invest in their grandchildren's futures.
'These days kids have got so much they don’t really need a lot more stuff,' John Wallis shared.
'We give a monthly donor a contribution, so $25 each to the six grandchildren each month, and then the fund gets topped up occasionally by uncles and aunts.'
This move is part of a growing trend among baby boomers, with more Australians over 60 turning to financial investments for younger generations.
According to a spokesperson from Vanguard Australia, 'We are seeing a real rise in those over 60 years, about 25 per cent increase in Australians over 60 opening a kids account.'
Grandpa John and Grandma Chris Wallis have embraced the idea of investing in their grandchildren’s future.
Vanguard portfolios, for example, allow parents and grandparents to set up a trust for their child with as little as a $25 deposit.
Further contributions are optional, and there are no account fees, though some investments may incur fees.
Past 10-year returns ranged from 4.57 per cent (on conservative settings) to 9.66 per cent (in high-growth funds), though past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
The real power lies in compound interest, where interest is earned on interest.
Imagine if $25 were invested each month in a high-growth fund from the day a child is born—by the time they turn 18, that could grow to $12,107, assuming an 8 per cent return per annum.
'Even if it was $10 or $15 a month, putting money aside adds up,' Chris Wallis said.
Vanguard isn’t the only platform offering such options. Parents can also invest for their children through platforms like Commsec’s Minor Trust account, Stockspot, and micro-investing platform Raiz.
For the Wallis family, Christmas became a chance to give their grandchildren a future-focused gift, one that grows in value year after year.
Watch the full report below:
In a previous story, we explored how Australia’s top pension funds are outperforming global markets, showcasing impressive strategies and returns.
If you're curious about what’s driving their success and how your own fund compares, check out our detailed breakdown on the latest pension fund trends. Read the full article here.
How do you feel about swapping traditional gifts for something that grows in value over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Instead of the usual presents, one family’s decision to invest in their grandchildren’s future is sparking a new conversation about what really matters.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a movement that’s catching the attention of many.
This year, the Wallis family decided to swap out traditional Christmas presents for a more meaningful gesture.
Instead of stocking up on more toys or gadgets, Grandpa John and Grandma Chris found a creative way to invest in their grandchildren's futures.
Wallis family prioritizes investments over presents this Christmas. Image source: 9 News Australia on Youtube
'These days kids have got so much they don’t really need a lot more stuff,' John Wallis shared.
'We give a monthly donor a contribution, so $25 each to the six grandchildren each month, and then the fund gets topped up occasionally by uncles and aunts.'
This move is part of a growing trend among baby boomers, with more Australians over 60 turning to financial investments for younger generations.
According to a spokesperson from Vanguard Australia, 'We are seeing a real rise in those over 60 years, about 25 per cent increase in Australians over 60 opening a kids account.'
Grandpa John and Grandma Chris Wallis have embraced the idea of investing in their grandchildren’s future.
Vanguard portfolios, for example, allow parents and grandparents to set up a trust for their child with as little as a $25 deposit.
Further contributions are optional, and there are no account fees, though some investments may incur fees.
Past 10-year returns ranged from 4.57 per cent (on conservative settings) to 9.66 per cent (in high-growth funds), though past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
The real power lies in compound interest, where interest is earned on interest.
Imagine if $25 were invested each month in a high-growth fund from the day a child is born—by the time they turn 18, that could grow to $12,107, assuming an 8 per cent return per annum.
'Even if it was $10 or $15 a month, putting money aside adds up,' Chris Wallis said.
Vanguard isn’t the only platform offering such options. Parents can also invest for their children through platforms like Commsec’s Minor Trust account, Stockspot, and micro-investing platform Raiz.
For the Wallis family, Christmas became a chance to give their grandchildren a future-focused gift, one that grows in value year after year.
Watch the full report below:
In a previous story, we explored how Australia’s top pension funds are outperforming global markets, showcasing impressive strategies and returns.
If you're curious about what’s driving their success and how your own fund compares, check out our detailed breakdown on the latest pension fund trends. Read the full article here.
How do you feel about swapping traditional gifts for something that grows in value over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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