Issue 244:
– News & Research
– ABLE Act Column
– 529 Conference 2021

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to help institutions and financial professionals who sell and service families and employers in the college financial planning process by creating and sharing industry relevant news, product training, and best practices, while also building awareness and understanding of the importance of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Director of 529 & ABLE Research
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

529 & ABLE April 2021 Webinar
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1pm EST

Hosted by Paul Curley, CFA, Director of 529 & ABLE Research at ISS Market Intelligence, the webinar will cover 1Q 2021 market trends in 529 and ABLE plans from a legislative, product, marketing and distribution perspective. In addition to discussing new data and research analysis on trends in ETF demand and usage in 529 savings plans, April’s webinar session will also spotlight key findings from the 529 Industry Analysis 2021 report, 1Q 2021 529 & ABLE data highlights and 529 & ABLE industry announcements.

Register today to learn more and to ask live questions.

Here is what you need to know from stories, research and data released this week:

• AZ529, “Dream. Write. Win.” Editor’s Take: As part of a build up to 529 Day 2021, Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee is launching its second annual essay contest for Arizona 5th graders with a due date of 5/29. Winners will receive $529 toward a new or existing AZ529 Education savings Plan account, and thank you Ascension College Planning for suggesting that I highlight the announcement in this week’s 529 Dash to help get the message out.
• YouTube, “Should you use a 529 plan for K-12 expenses?” Editor’s Take: The Money Guy Show provides a 4-minute video evaluating the proposed question with pros and cons. Also, check out the ISS status board here on which states have passed, have not passed and will not pass enabling legislation to include K-12 tuition as a 529 qualified expense for state tax purposes.
• SavingforCollege, “What are the pros and cons of using a 529 plan?” Editor’s Take: Thank you Katie Flynn for creating and sharing a solid list, and much appreciated. Keep up the great work Katie and SavingforCollege, and read to learn more.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families. 
News, Research, Data & Resources:

• The Hill, “Congress can help Americans living with disabilities by passing the ABLE Age Adjustment Act.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Treasurer Ma and Treasurer McMillan for covering this timely topic in The Hill, and click the link to learn more.
• Yahoo Finance, “How ABLE accounts aid with savings for people with disabilities.” Editor’s Take: Miranda Kennedy of ABLE National Resource Center and Kristin Myers of Yahoo Finance provide a video of a discussion on the fundamentals of ABLE. Thank you ABLE NRC and Yahoo Finance for collaborating to build awareness and understanding of ABLE accounts.
• YouTube, “2021 virtual education series: ABLE accounts & guardianship.” Editor’s Take: Gordan Homes, Financial Adviser and Special Care Planner, provides an 80-minute educational video on guardianship and ABLE accounts. Watch to learn more.
• ABLE Age Adjustment Act: The bill would increase the age of onset for eligibility to open an ABLE account from 26 years old to 46 years old. As of April 23, 2021, the bill sponsorship was as follows:
  • Senate (S331): 1 sponsor and 9 cosponsors
  • Congress Sponsorship (HR1219): 1 sponsor and 45 cosponsors

When: November 2-4, 2021

• 529 Essentials: November 2
• 529 Conference: November 3 and 4
• ABLE Summit: November 4

Where: Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Florida
What & Why: The 529 Conference is a highly interactive and educational industry gathering where you’ll learn from and network with the entire 529 and ABLE ecosystem to ensure product training, insight and networking across the 529 and ABLE community.

Updates: Registration coming soon.

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