Birth Investment Compounds

A proposed alternative to Universal Basic Income (UBI) where every US citizen receives a one-time investment at birth that compounds until age 21.

Core Concept

• Government provides $25-30K to every newborn US citizen
• Money cannot be touched until age 21
• Investment compounds for 21 years in market index funds
• Expected to grow 3-4x over the period
• Results in $100-200K available at age 21

Benefits

Financial Benefits

• Provides substantial starting capital for young adults
• Can be used for:
  • Creative pursuits
  • Starting businesses
  • Life cushion
  • Education

Educational Benefits

• Teaches value of investing
• Demonstrates power of compound interest
• Shows importance of "time in market"
• Provides hands-on experience with investment growth

Economic Benefits

• Money is invested in economy for 21 years
• Creates aligned incentives among citizens
• Everyone has "skin in the game"
• Fuels market growth through consistent investment

Advantages vs UBI

• One-time investment vs ongoing payments
• Money is productively invested vs potentially spent
• Creates long-term wealth building vs consumption
• More financially sustainable model

This approach creates what the speakers called an "American Bar Mitzvah Fund" - giving young adults a meaningful financial foundation as they enter adulthood.