How can I even up the investments for my children?

Question

My son and daugther are 4.5 years apart in age. My son was the first grandchild and my grandmother showered him with various stocks and investments. By the time my daughter came along, there were too many great-grandchildren and Grandma couldn't keep up. I want to even my kids up, but my daughter shouldn't have the same amount as my son as she's younger. Is there some formula that I can use to determine how much my daughter should have compared to my son to insure that they're somewhat close in value when they take over the accounts when they're grown. Obviously, subject to market fluctuations. When I buy an investment now, I buy the same one for both, so that if one pick is good or bad, they're affected equally.

Answer 1

I understand your difficulty. Sort of a common problem. The 1st born gets the goods. The 2nd gets the crumbs.

With my sons, I have two and no daughters, I am very careful to see that they receive equal amounts and so were their grandparents.

Here is what I suggest you might try. If they are 4 1/2 years apart, and assuming 10% annual return, take your 1st born's amount and multiply it by 54% then subtract that amount from his balance. That should be the amout that will very roughly even out the amount assuming that the oldest has his invested in good mutual funds. If on the other had it is in a bank account, then you can do them both a favor by moving it into a good mutual fund.

Answer 2

The fairest way is to have them both start with the same seed money.

If your mother invested say $1000 for your son, but only $250 for your daughter you could add $750 so they both started from the same point.