Witten by AI … with help from Brandon Price
For years, I’ve been shouting from the rooftops about the wonders of Universal Basic Income (UBI). It’s the Libercarean dream—a way to ensure every American has a safety net without tripping over the free market’s shoelaces.
- Accounts for all Americans—everyone gets a slice of the pie, no matter their age, job, or questionable life choices.
- Contributions from the government—a little love in the form of cold, hard cash (or digital dollars, because it’s 2025, people).
- Regular deposits—think monthly money drops, like a Spotify subscription.
Enter the Invest America accounts, the government’s shiny new initiative for every American born after January 1, 2025. These accounts come with a crisp $1,000 starter deposit and the opportunity for more contributions down the road.
Note: If you aren’t familiar with Invest America it Has a Frequently Asked Question Page here
It’s not UBI—let’s not get carried away—but it’s got the vibe of a toddler taking its first wobbly steps toward something bigger. Let’s unpack why this could be a delightful move toward UBI, shall we?
The Invest America Accounts: UBI’s Adorable Cousin
First off, these accounts nail two out of three UBI pillars. Accounts for all Americans? Check—well, at least for the fresh-out-of-the-womb crowd born after New Year’s Day 2025. Every newborn gets their own financial sandbox to play in. Government contributions? Check again! That $1,000 is a no-strings-attached gift from Uncle Sam, no diaper changes required. It’s like the government saying, “Welcome to the world, kid. Here’s a grand to start your empire—or at least buy some overpriced coffee in 2043.”
But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. These accounts aren’t quite the UBI utopia we’ve been dreaming of. For one, they’re more about investment than income—think stock market piggy bank rather than monthly grocery money. They’re also not for all Americans, leaving those of us born before 2025 to sulk in our pre-UBI misery. And regular contributions? Nope. The government’s not promising a monthly top-up, just a one-time deposit.
A Big, Bold Baby Step
Still, let’s give credit where credit’s due. The Invest America accounts are a huge step toward UBI, and I’m not just saying that because I love a good underdog story. Setting up accounts for every newborn is no small feat—it’s the government admitting that everyone deserves a financial foothold, no matter their background. That $1,000 deposit? It’s a symbolic high-five, a way of saying, “We’re investing in you, tiny human, because you’re part of this messy, beautiful thing called America.”
This move lays the groundwork for something bigger. If the government can pull off accounts and contributions for the class of 2025, and allow for an option where accounts can be established for all children who enroll, what is to stop the government from creating UBI accounts for all Americans to enroll in?
The Future’s So Bright, We Need Shades
Are invest America Accounts UBI? Nah. It’s more like UBI’s quirky cousin who shows up to the family reunion with a savings bond and a dream. But the Invest America accounts are proof that the government can think big, bold, and a little bit wild. They’re a cheeky nod to the idea that everyone deserves a piece of the pie—or at least a starter slice.
So here’s to the babies of 2025, with their fancy new accounts and their $1,000 head start. They’re the guinea pigs in this grand experiment, and I, for one, am rooting for them. If this is the first step toward UBI, I say keep waddling, America. The Libercarean dream is closer than you think.