The best investment you can make for your child? Time in the market. An ETF savings plan from birth with 50 euros monthly grows to approximately 23,000 euros by the 18th birthday — at 8% return. By 25: 40,000 euros.

Junior Depot vs. Own Depot

Junior Depot (in the childs name)

Advantages: Own tax-free allowance, own basic tax allowance, potential for zero capital gains tax
Disadvantages: Money belongs to the child at 18. You have no access. Financial aid relevant.

Own Depot (in your name)

Advantages: Full control. You decide when and how much to give the child.
Disadvantages: No separate tax allowance.

The Simplest Children Depot Strategy

50-100 euros monthly into an MSCI World ETF (accumulating)
Duration: 18 years
Estimated result at 8%: 23,000-47,000 euros

Family Finances: The Overall Plan

Step 1: Emergency fund for the family (6 months expenses)
Step 2: Parents retirement provision (close pension gap)
Step 3: Start children depot (only when steps 1+2 are solid)
Step 4: Check insurance (disability, term life, liability)

Important: Do NOT prioritize childrens depot over your own retirement. Your child can take a loan for education — you cannot take a loan for retirement.

Financial Education for Children

The depot is also a learning tool. From about age 10, you can show the child: This is your money, this is how it grows. You teach compound interest, patience, and the difference between saving and investing.

Bottom Line: 50 euros per month, 18 years, one ETF. That is all you need to give your child a massive financial head start.