You don't need to be Bill Gates to consider setting up a trust for your kids.

So starts the article at the WSJ by Stacey L. Bradford author of The Wall Street Journal Financial Guidebook for New Parents

Children under the age of 18 can't directly inherit so you have to appoint a guardian to manage the assets or the court will do it for you.

A trust can give you some say in how the money is used, like for college, etc., and at what age or ages it is made available to your child.

This article has some real good information and advise including things to consider when choosing a trustee.

The author's book is a practical approach to affording your kids from cradle to college, according to the publisher Random House. You can get a 22 page preview the here.