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The global race to build and deploy artificial intelligence is moving faster than most people realize. Nvidia has become one of the most valuable companies in the world, on the back of surging chip demand. Worldwide AI spending is projected to hit $2.5 trillion in 2026, according to Gartner. Wall Street has declared AI one of the defining investment themes of the decade.And yet, for most companies, the returns are not showing up. A landmark MIT study found that 95% of organizations saw zero measurable return on their AI investments, despite spending between $30 billion and $40 billion on enterprise AI initiatives.The tools are working. The models are capable. The problem, according to experts who work inside these organizations, is almost never the technology. It is the people, the culture, and the systems around it. Here is what’s really going on.The real barrier to AI is human, not technicalMost executives treat AI deployment like a software rollout. Buy the tools, install the system, train the staff. Done.That approach is failing at scale. Axialent, a leadership consulting firm that works with large organizations on transformation, has studied this pattern closely. The firm argues that companies consistently underestimate the human side of AI adoption, focusing on technology while ignoring how people actually change the way they work.”AI is adopted by people, not servers,” Axialent CEO Oseas Ramirez told TheStreet. “If people do not change how they work, the technology simply sits there.”Related: Bill Ackman makes bold AI betEven when generative AI tools are fully available, employees frequently use them only for minor, surface-level tasks. The deeper workflows, the decisions, the judgment calls remain unchanged. The technology is present. The transformation is not.This pattern is consistent. Budgets flow toward models and infrastructure, while the harder work of changing how people actually work gets little attention. AI gets handed off to technical teams even when the real decisions are strategic. And when experiments fail, as they often do, most organizations do not have the resilience to push through.Why AI adoption stalls inside large organizations:Management hierarchies and incentive systems were built long before AI existed, giving employees little reason to adopt new workflows when performance metrics remain tied to old practices.Sales teams may receive AI-generated forecasts that challenge traditional quotas, but if compensation systems are unchanged, those insights get ignored entirely.Most employees use AI as a slightly smarter search engine rather than a tool that fundamentally changes how work gets done.Organizations that invest heavily in AI models without addressing culture tend to see tools used only for minor tasks, with no measurable impact on business results.Winning with AI requires an organizational overhaul, not just new toolsThe companies seeing real results from AI are not necessarily the ones with the most advanced models. They are the ones that have restructured how people work around those models.More AI Stocks:Morgan Stanley sets jaw-dropping Micron price target after eventBank of America updates Palantir stock forecast after private meetingMorgan Stanley drops eye-popping Broadcom price targetThat means changing mindsets, rewriting incentive structures, and holding leadership accountable for adoption, not just deployment. Research points to culture as the make-or-break factor when organizations adopt AI. Prepare the culture, and adoption follows. Skip it, and the technology collects dust.Ramirez put it plainly. “The majority of employees use AI essentially as a slightly smarter search engine. The technology is there, but the way people work has not really changed. The companies that invest most in human adoption rather than purely in technology see far stronger results.”There is a second problem most companies are not even talking aboutEven when companies successfully deploy AI and drive real usage, a new and largely invisible problem emerges: they cannot accurately charge for it.Traditional software pricing is built around subscriptions, seats, and licenses. AI services work differently. Pricing is tied to tokens processed, API calls made, or model runs executed. Most billing systems were never designed for that kind of consumption tracking.Vayu, a revenue management platform that works with SaaS companies on this exact challenge, has seen the consequences up close. CEO Erez Agmon told TheStreet the pattern is consistent.”The majority of SaaS billing systems were designed with predictable subscriptions in mind,” he said. “AI leads to erratic consumption.”

The companies that invest most in human adoption of AI, rather than purely in the technology itself, see far stronger results, says an expert.Termmee/Getty Images

The result is revenue leakage. Agmon recalled a CFO whose billing system only recorded usage on the day of the billing cycle. If a customer moved up a pricing tier mid-month and dropped back down before the billing date, the spike vanished entirely. As that CFO put it: “I only collect what was on the billing cycle date. I missed the spike. I lost that money.”How broken billing systems are quietly draining AI revenue:Billing systems built for flat subscriptions cannot track the erratic, consumption-driven patterns that AI products generate, creating gaps between usage and invoiced revenue.Finance teams resort to exporting usage data into spreadsheets, manually reconciling across platforms, and generating invoices by hand — workarounds that break down as AI adoption scales.Companies that fail to capture usage accurately struggle to understand their own product’s value, making informed pricing decisions nearly impossible.Revenue leakage compounds over time: Small per-customer gaps across a large base can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual lost revenue.Monetization has to become a product decision, not just a finance problemThe companies pulling ahead are treating monetization as a core product design decision, not an afterthought for the finance team to sort out later. Those that move fast enough to build billing infrastructure capable of tracking AI consumption accurately will have a structural advantage over those still reconciling spreadsheets.The numbers make the stakes concrete. SaaS companies typically lose between 0.25% and 2% of their annual recurring revenue to billing gaps alone. For a company with $20 million to $50 million in ARR, that translates to $250,000 to $600,000 in lost revenue every year.The competitive edge is organizational, not technologicalHistory consistently shows that access to technology rarely determines which companies win. The advantage goes to organizations that align their internal systems with new tools fastest.In the AI era, that principle is sharper than ever. MIT’s own research found that the companies succeeding with AI are not those with the most advanced models. They are the ones that pick one pain point, execute well, and integrate AI deeply into existing workflows rather than running disconnected experiments.Those that skip these steps may find that deploying AI was the easy part. Making it work inside a real organization, and getting paid for it accurately, is proving to be an entirely different challenge.Related: AI is the buzz—But here’s where the real opportunities are

The United States has an international reputation for liking things big.Our food portions are big. Our homes are big (as long as you don’t live in New York City). Our roads are big. And the cars we drive on those roads are humongous.SUVs accounted for 52% of new vehicle sales in 2025, up from 46% in 2021 and 38% in 2016, per Good Car Bad Car. Full-size SUVs have doubled their market share since 2016, representing 3.5% of the market.The growth in SUV popularity is great news for automakers. Profit margins for SUVs and trucks average 10% to 20% higher than those for smaller cars, since larger vehicles are more expensive, but use many of the same components, according to The Week.Many Americans buy SUVs not just due to an affinity for big toys, but also because they believe these vehicles are safer.SUVs are heavier and generally sit higher than sedans. That extra mass can reduce the force transferred to occupants in a head-on collision or side impact, according to Pierce Skrabanek.Also, because SUVs’ higher ride height places the bumper above the main reinforcement zones of a sedan, they are less vulnerable to side-impact crashes than their smaller counterparts.They also score better in multi-vehicle accidents.Related: These are the 5 most reliable compact SUVs, says Consumer ReportsBut there are tradeoffs.Smaller vehicles tend to handle better because they are lighter. So they are better at avoiding collisions altogether if the driver can react in time. Also, due to the higher ride height mentioned above, SUVs have a greater risk of rollover than sedans.That higher center of gravity also works against the vehicle’s control during sharp turns, swerves, or high-speed crashes. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous because roof crushes and ejections are common in those situations.What is Consumer Reports?Founded in 1936 by a group of workers fired from a product-testing firm called Consumers’ Research, Consumer Reports is a multifaceted nonprofit organization that aims to educate consumers about products and help them make informed purchasing decisions.It does this by purchasing and testing products directly, administering detailed surveys to its members about the products they own and use, and investigating the veracity of manufacturers’ claims.Related: See 5 more SUVs Consumer Reports calls ‘most reliable’Consumer Reports at a glanceFounded: 1936 (as Consumers Union by former employees of Consumers’ Research, fired after they attempted to unionize)Headquartered: Yonkers, NYLeadership: Marta Tellado, president and CEOEmployees: Approx. 500 to 600Members: At least 6 millionMission statement: “Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.”Consumer Reports’ slogan, “Smarter choices for a better world,” captures the organization’s purpose. CR aims to educate and inform the public by providing objective information about popular products, helping consumers make “smarter choices” when purchasing major items.For this list, Consumer Reports relied on the company’s own road-test scores, overall scores, reliability ratings, and owner-satisfaction ratings from its exclusive Annual Auto Surveys.5 of the most reliable compact SUVs, according to Consumer Reports2026 Lexus UX

Lexus

Price Range: $36,995 – $46,945CR MPG: Overall 37/ City 32/ Hwy 42 mpgCR Ranking: #6 of 10 Luxury entry-level SUVsWhat CR says: The UX Hybrid comes in front- and all-wheel-drive versions. We got an excellent 37 mpg overall in our test of the AWD model, but the four-cylinder sounds very whiny when it’s asked to work hard. The UX has a comfortable ride, although it isn’t as plush as the bigger, more expensive Lexus SUVs. Handling is responsive, and the compact size makes the UX very maneuverable, but it isn’t sporty to drive. 2026 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche

Price Range: $89,900 – $214,800CR MPG: Overall 21/ City 15/ Hwy 29 mpgCR Ranking: #3 of 17 Luxury mid-sized SUVsWhat CR says: While the Cayenne has impressive handling agility, the ride has an underlying firmness, and some bumps punch through. We found the base turbo V6 had some initial hesitation off the line, but acceleration was robust once up to speed. Interior fit and finish is top-notch, and the seats are very comfortable and supportive.2026 Lexus RX

Lexus

Price Range: $50,525 – $71,860CR MPG: Overall 24/ City 16/ Hwy 34 mpgCR Ranking: #4 of 17 Luxury mid-sized SUVsWhat CR says: The RX uses a 275-hp, 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic. It’s economical at 24 mpg overall, but the engine can sound gritty. The ride is comfortable with the standard 19-inch wheels and tires, but worse with the optional 21s. Handling is sound and secure but not sporty. The well-finished cabin has lots of padded surfaces, the front seats are comfortable, and the rear seat is roomy. 2026 BMW X5

BMW USA

Price Range: $67,600 – $131,000CR MPG: Overall 23/ City 15/ Hwy 33 mpgCR Ranking: #1of 17 Luxury mid-sized SUVsWhat CR says: Recent updates have given the X5 a digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that houses most controls. The standard 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder now makes 375 hp, is quick and smooth, and returns a decent 23 mpg overall. The ride is comfortable and impressively steady and composed. The luxurious cabin is whisper-quiet, and the seats are all-day comfortable.2026 Lexus TX

Lexus

Price Range: $56,440 – $80,310 CR MPG: Overall 21/ City 14/ Hwy 29 mpgCR Ranking: #4 of 17 Luxury SUVs 3-rowWhat CR says: The three-row Lexus TX is a more mainstream, family-friendly SUV than the three-row GX. Sized a notch up from the RX, the TX 350 comes with a 275-hp turbo four-cylinder that returns 21 mpg overall but requires premium fuel. Handling is on the mundane side, which isn’t unexpected for a luxurious, family-friendly SUV. There’s plenty of room in all three rows and tremendous cargo-toting ability when the third row is folded.Related: 5 more great SUV deals to consider, according to Consumer Reports

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealThere’s nothing that perks me up quite as much as the arrival of spring. I’m not a fan of winter, so the first day I can go outside in short sleeves and see the flowers blooming puts me in a great mood. After so many months indoors, avoiding the cold, it feels refreshing to spend time outdoors again.The only thing better than enjoying this weather is sharing it with your friends and family. That’s why a patio set is a great investment, whether it’s on a balcony or in a backyard. We saw a terrific deal at Walmart on the Ovios 4-Piece Patio Set that would be perfect for entertaining. Not only can it seat four, but it also comes with a coffee table so you can enjoy coffee, tea, or even breakfast outdoors. And best of all, it’s 30% off.Ovios 4-Piece Patio Set, $399 (was $570) at Walmart

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Why do shoppers love it?If you like the look of wicker, you’ll fall in love with this patio set. All the furniture features rust-resistant steel frames for durability and a hand-woven wicker shell that’s easy to clean. The loveseat measures 47.5 inches long, 30.1 inches wide, and 33.7 inches high, and each chair measures 26.4 inches long, 30.1 inches wide, and 33.7 inches high. Both pieces come with 3.5-inch thick seat cushions made of high-density foam, as well as matching back cushions. All cushions have removable covers that are machine-washable. The set comes with a coffee table as well, which measures 39.4 inches long, 23.6 inches wide, and 17.7 inches high, and comes with a tempered glass top and a lower storage shelf.This patio set does require assembly, but several shoppers mention that it’s easy to put together. All five cushion color options are included in the sale, including beige, black, gray, dark gray, and Denim Blue. This set ships for free, so there’s no additional cost to worry about. Simply open the box, set it up, and start enjoying your outdoor space.Shoppers have positive things to say about this set, with many sharing photos of it in their homes and saying how much they enjoy it. One shopper wrote, “You can’t beat this deal!” going on to say, “The quality of this set matches its elegance and comfort! Easy to assemble, extremely sturdy, and the cushions are really comfortable and thick, not like others with thin padding. Worth every penny and then some!”Details to knowColors: Cushions are available in five colors: beige, black, gray, dark gray, and Denim Blue.Material: The seating has a steel frame with a wicker shell, and the coffee table has a tempered glass tabletop.Needs assembly?: Yes.Related: Walmart’s bestselling 3-piece rocking chair patio set is only $170, just in time for springAnother shopper mentioned that the patio set “helped create their happy place,” writing, “Very comfortable and easy to assemble. I enjoy this on my porch.”Shop more deals Lausaint 3-Piece Patio Set, $240 (was $330) at WalmartLofka 4-Piece Patio Set, $103 (was $196) at WalmartAsofer 7-Piece Patio Set, $289 (was $700) at WalmartThe bestselling Ovios 4-Piece Patio Set is $171 off at Walmart, reducing the price to just $399. That’s a great price for sturdy, attractive patio furniture that will last for years to come.

Emblazoned on signs at thousands of gas stations worldwide, Chevron Corporation’s (CVX) stacked blue and red “V” logo is an instantly recognizable symbol of corporate identity, one so iconic it actually shaped the company’s rebranding in 1984, when what was then known as Standard Oil Company of California changed its name to Chevron Corporation.But Chevron’s logo means much more than “fill ‘er up.” Embodying both ancient symbolism and American industrial might, it also became known as an emblem for quality.So, what, exactly, does it signify? @emanuelthelogohistoryfan Chevron Logo History #chevron #logohistory ♬ Duck Tales – Main Theme – Geek Music What does the Chevron symbol mean?The symbol of a chevron, or a V-shaped geometrical figure, has been used for thousands of years:It appeared on knights’ shields in the Middle Ages as a sign of protection.It can also be seen in architecture, like the herringbone patterns on the floors of European chateaus, representing strength and luxury.It has also been widely used as a military insignia to signify rank and honor. During World War II, for instance, the US Army used chevrons as a visual identifier for specialists, such as medics.The pattern can even be found in some of the world’s earliest known artworks, created during the Neolithic era, etched onto deer bones as an expression of complex culture.Chevron’s logo is built around two inverted chevrons, one in blue and the other red, stacked atop a white background, forming a shield-like shape. The name “Chevron” appears above, in a round, sans-serif font.According to brand analysts, this design represented a clean and simple look that reflected the 20th century’s industrial optimism. It was also meant to signify trustworthiness, and some even say that the red, white, and blue color scheme is a subtle nod to the American flag.Related: Who owns Chevron? Understanding who controls one of the world’s largest energy companiesWhat are the origins of the Chevron logo?Back in 1879, when the company was known as the Pacific Coast Oil Company, its logo embodied the ornate typography typical of the Victorian era.In 1906, Pacific Coast Oil Company became Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL), and a few years after that, in 1931, SOCAL introduced its chevron logo to “standardize brand identity and set it apart from competitors,” in the company’s words.More on brands:History of Microsoft: Company timeline & factsHistory of Target: Company timeline and factsThe Sphere: Las Vegas’ iconic new residency venue explainedThe logo quickly became a sign of quality, and the word “Chevron,” which was originally used on Depression-era affiliate gasoline products, became so widely recognized that Chevron Corp. started using it as its official identity.Just like McDonald’s golden arches or Nike’s “swoosh,” Chevron’s deceptively simple logo has an enduring place in visual culture. Just go anywhere in the world and see its distinctive sign, and you will be reminded of road trips and American life. Simply put, it’s a symbol built to last.Related: Who owns Apple? Institutional holdings & executives’ shares

After opening a “Trump account” to receive any “free” money you’re eligible for, personal-finance experts say parents may be better off directing their own dollars toward other account types for kids.

Oil prices have surged above $90 amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s a reality-based look at how high crude could go—and what ultimately limits the spike.

Broadcast Retirement Network’s Jeffrey Snyder discusses the plans for a new dementia village in the U.S. with Agrace’s Lynne Sexten.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkJoining me now is Lynne Sexten from Agrace.Lynne, it’s so great to see you. Thanks for joining us this morning. Glad to be here, Jeff.Thanks for having me. Well, I’m really excited for your community. I’m excited for so many families out there that maybe have a loved one with dementia.I want to take a step back, though, and just ask maybe for some definition. What is a dementia village?Lynne Sexten, AgraceSo the way we envision it is a place where folks who have moderate to severe dementia can continue to live a life with the kind of daily rhythms that they were accustomed to. The things that they did day in and day out prior to their dementia diagnosis, rather than what is so much more standard in our country when people go to memory care facilities, their life gets a lot more limited. And what we want to create is an actual neighborhood, a village, where people can really continue to safely engage with the rhythms of normal daily life.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkAnd in your mind and in the organization’s mind, I mean, there’ll be retail shops and events and, you know, just be like living in a small town or a village.Lynne Sexten, AgraceCorrect. It’s really going to be modeled after kind of small town USA is kind of what it will feel like, and it will have 8 normal sized homes that you would kind of see in anywhere in America. Each home will house up to 8 residents.And those homes will all be in a village that’ll have a grocery store, a theater, a hair salon. It’ll have a big pub and grill. It’ll have a coffee shop.And then it’ll have lots of space for activities that not only the residents that live there can avail themselves of, but we will also have the village available to between 40 and 50 what we’re calling day club members. And these are folks that don’t live there. They might still live with a spouse or with a child, maybe, but they come to the village and they get to enjoy all of its amenities each day.And then they just go back home at night.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkThis sounds like groundbreaking. I mean, is there anywhere else, either in the United States or in the world that has taken created this model? It sounds to me like it’s one of the first of its kind.Lynne Sexten, AgraceSo, its genesis is out of the Netherlands, and we’ve spent a lot of time working with the Hogwick dementia village just outside of Amsterdam. And their village has been around for a few decades, and it has demonstrated fantastic results and quality of life for the people that live there. And other developed countries have replicated this model successfully.So, Norway, Australia, Canada, China, Italy, and others, but not here in the US. And so we have spent considerable time with the folks at Hogwick to develop a model that really tries to replicate some of their secret sauce.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkI mean, I love this because you’re not putting these people, and I don’t take this the wrong way, but throwing them away. You’re actually bringing them together. There’s got to be mutual benefit of doing that.I would imagine that since you’ve announced this, I’m sure your phones, your email addresses, your texts are kind of going through the roof in terms of interest. There have to be plenty of families out there that would love to take advantage of this. And I got to say, I would love living with seven other people in the house, like the real world.Lynne Sexten, AgraceRight. It absolutely is. Instead of kind of maybe being alone in your home or in the memory care facilities in our country, the people that work there are angels.And they are doing their darndest to bring a fulfilling life to those with dementia. It’s just the way the system is structured that’s not resulting in that. I would rather live somewhere like what we’re building.If I ever have a dementia diagnosis, this is the kind of place I would want to live.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkAnd if you find success, clearly this model has been successful elsewhere, so there’s no doubt that it will be successful here. Would you envision a test period and then trying to create different communities in all 50 states and maybe American territories like Puerto Rico?Lynne Sexten, AgraceSo this is definitely the proof of concept, initial foray. And we have been asked that question so many times. But, yeah, we have to demonstrate that we can make it happen in the United States.Others have tried, and they have ended up modifying the model so much that by the time they start accepting residents, the folks at Hogwick tell us they’ve really deviated from the model so much and are much more closer to the U.S.’s very medicalized way of caring for those with dementia.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkAnd will there be lessons? So, you know, I think the people, given we’re an aging population, many of us, you know, we’re going to have so many people over 65. And I know the Congress, local leaders, every state has a Department of Aging.Maybe the time is really right for this. And these lessons that you’re going to create with this new community will be able to filter around the country. You’ll get some assistance from local and national politicians.Lynne Sexten, AgraceI sure hope so. I believe that if what we’re going to offer is the exact same price point as other memory care facilities. So it’s not going to cost X amount more.It’ll be at the same level. But what we hope to be able to do is provide so much more enrichment and an ability to feel like I can make my own autonomous decisions. I was supposed to go to play Mahjong today, but instead I feel like just sitting around and reading the newspaper or working on a puzzle.And I can do that. I don’t have to be on this regimented schedule. We’re going to do all of that enrichment at the same price point.So it is my hope that this proliferates.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkAnd last question for you. I could talk to you about this for hours, so we’ll have to bring you back as this unfolds. But what about, there’s been so many studies around Alzheimer’s and dementia.You’re in the great state of Wisconsin. I would imagine that some of the universities that are focused on this type of research may have an interest. I’m not saying that we want to make these people guinea pigs, but there’s a lot to be learned here in academia about how it’s being applied.Lynne Sexten, AgraceAbsolutely. One of the, I think, kind of cool things that we’re doing as part of this is we’re creating workforce housing. And so we’re partnering with these very universities to have college students who are pursuing healthcare degrees actually live on in the village and get free room and board in exchange.They work a certain number of shifts every month for us. So that’s introducing the notion of caring for people with dementia to a much broader group of college students than might otherwise have been exposed to it.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkAnd you’re exposing them, but it’s kind of like this internship. It’s only going to benefit whomever they provide care for. There’s so much watching this, they don’t live in the area, but they want to apply.Can they apply to be one of your caregivers and possibly live in the village? I would imagine you’re going to be deluged.Lynne Sexten, AgraceYeah, yeah. So we break ground in April, and we hope that people will be starting to move in in September of 2027. So we’re not quite yet taking applications or creating that official wait list, but people can go to a grace.org.And there’s an opportunity to fill in where you want to be kept up to date on all the happenings and as we get closer to our opening.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkYeah, well, Lynne, I’m excited. I can’t wait for this to unfold, but we wish you and the EGRACE team all the best, and we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon.Lynne Sexten, AgraceThanks so much, Jeff. Appreciate chatting with you.

Dave Ramsey is not a fan of Trump Accounts.On a recent episode of “The Ramsey Show,” the personal finance expert told a caller he wouldn’t recommend opening one. “I would not be doing any of this,” he said in a video clip of the exchange posted to Instagram.“I’m a fan of some of the things the President is doing. I’m not a fan of some of the things the President is doing, and I think this is a political stunt,” he continued. “You’ve got other ways to save.”While Trump Accounts won’t officially launch until July 4, 2026, there’s been a lot of conversation surrounding them following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24.During his speech, the president called out the accounts, describing them as “tax-free investment accounts for every American child,” according to a transcript provided by the Associated Press. He went on to claim that with “modest” contributions, these investment accounts could reach upwards of $100,000 by the time a child turns 18 — a claim that’s certainly appealing to parents looking to ensure their children’s financial futures.What is a Trump Account?First introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, Trump Accounts are long-term savings accounts designed for children. As a part of President Donald Trump’s pro-family policy, eligible accounts will receive a one-time contribution of $1,000 from the federal government. No additional contributions are required, but custodians can deposit up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18, the Trump Accounts website says.

Personal finance author Dave Ramsey discusses Trump Accounts and other child-focused investment vehicles.Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

The intent of the accounts is to “provide for stronger and more financially secure futures, and harness the strength of the United States economy to lift up the next generation,” according to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. However, critics like Ramsey point out that the accounts have some major downsides. Related: Wall Street quietly rolls out new ‘Trump accounts’In a post on Ramsey Solutions, the personal finance expert points out that the accounts lack flexibility, limit your investment options, and are placed under some pretty tight restrictions. Additionally, money held in Trump Accounts is taxed as ordinary income when it is eventually withdrawn.Perhaps most significantly, Trump Account funds can only be used for certain, government-approved, qualified expenses, like education, down payment on a home, or business-related start-up costs. If account holders intend to use their Trump Account money for other reasons, they’ll get hit with a 10% withdrawal fee, Ramsey said.What Trump Account alternatives does Dave Ramsey suggest?Instead of investing in a Trump Account, Dave Ramsey offered several alternatives for parents looking to invest for their children.529 Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA)If helping your child pay for higher education is top of mind, Ramsey suggests opening a 529 Plan or an ESA.Both 529 Plans and ESAs are tax-advantaged investment accounts designed with the specific intention of paying for qualified education expenses.Both plans offer tax-free withdrawals when used for education-related expenses.
Source: Ramsey Solutions
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) and Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) AccountsIf helping your child with large expenses is your primary goal, Ramsey suggests UTMA or UGMA accounts.While both accounts are taxable, they have no annual contribution limits, meaning custodians can grow these at a faster rate.These accounts also offer more investment flexibility, including investing in mutual funds.
Source: Ramsey Solutions
Custodial Roth IRAsIf preparing your child for retirement is your main focus, Ramsey suggests a custodial Roth IRA.In retirement, taxes are not taken on money withdrawn from custodial Roth IRAs.It is important to note that you cannot open a custodial Roth IRA until your child is earning an income, and contributions can’t outpace that annual income. 
Source: Ramsey Solutions
The Bottom LineWhile Dave Ramsey doesn’t consider opening a Trump Account a financial misstep — especially if your child qualifies for the $1,000 federal contribution — there are better ways to prepare for their future. “[Trump Accounts] are just spreading around the money to give attention to a political office,” Ramsey concluded. “I personally wouldn’t do it.”Related: Dave Ramsey has surprisingly critical words for finance ‘stunt’

Optical components are becoming a critical chokepoint in AI infrastructure, as the data-center buildout drives strong demand for more efficient data-transfer methods.