Issue 213:
– News & Research
– Events: 529 Conference 2020
– ABLE Act Column

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to address the specific needs and concerns of institutions, advisers and financial professionals who sell and service families and employers in the education 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 529s, ABLE accounts and education financial planning.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

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

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

• Memphis Flyer, “College & COVID: Use this time to optimize your 529 plan.” Editor’s Take: Financial advisers have an opportunity like Sean Gould, CPA/PFS, CFP, Senior Wealth Advisor at Waddell & Associates, to build their book of business with education financial planning. Create your content marketing strategy, and have the education financial planning conversation with your clients today.
• 529 Insiders, “July 2020 Webinar: 529 Employer Channel” by Paul Curley. Editor’s Take: Click the link to watch a recording of the July 2020 webinar on the 529 employer channel. Also, the monthly webinar includes 529 and ABLE industry updates, data and research releases and a question and answer question. Watch, learn, share and grow.
• ISS Insights, 529 Industry Analysis 2020 Report:
  • Sources of Information on College Savings
  • Number of 529 Accounts and Households
  • Top Reasons for Not Saving for College

When: September 21-25, 2020
Where: Virtual
What: 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 continuity across the 529 and ABLE community while ensuring safety of our attendees, we are transitioning our event to a digital experience in 2020.
How: Registration is now open at 529Conference.com

Updates:

• Todd Erskine, Vice President, Dimensional Fund Advisors, has been confirmed as moderator of the “Differentiating Your Plan in the Direct- and Employer-Sold Channels” 529 Conference session.
• Wayne Weber, CEO, GiftofCollege.com, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Differentiating Your Plan in the Direct- and Employer-Sold Channels” 529 Conference session.
• Mark Chapleau, Esq., Founding Member, Chapleau Law Group LLC, has been confirmed as presenter of the “Tax Benefit & Planning” 529 Essentials session.
• Derek DeLorenzo,  Senior Director, Upromise 529 Programs, Prodege, LLC, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Product Strategy, Trends and Outlook” 529 Conference session.

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

• US News & World Report, “What is an ABLE Account?” Editor’s Take: Thank you Kimberly Lankford for raising awareness and understanding of ABLE accounts, and for quoting Paul Curley and ISS Market Intelligence in the US News and World report article on ABLE accounts and much appreciated. Also, congrats David Bell of Oregon Treasury Savings Network and Michael Morris of National Disability Institute for your insight in the article as well. Click to learn more.
• CNBC, “Special needs families face increased financial pressure in Covid-19 crisis. This can help.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Sharon Epperson for your leadership in raising awareness and understanding of ABLE accounts, and much appreciated. 
• ISS Market Intelligence, “ABLE Summit 2020.” Agenda Updates: 
  • Nathan Groff, CEO, Intuition ABLE Solutions, has been confirmed as moderator of the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • Stuart Spielman, Esq., Senior Vice President, Advocacy, Autism Speaks, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “ABLE Landscape: Meeting the Needs from All Perspectives” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • Mary Rubenis, Outreach Manager, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), has been confirmed as a panelist on the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • David Bell, Deputy Director, Oregon Treasury Savings Network, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • Michael Morris, Founder & Strategic Advisor, National Disability Institute, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • Scott de Varona, Division Director, MiABLE Disability Savings Program, Michigan Department of Treasury, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “ABLE Landscape: Meeting the Needs from All Perspectives” ABLE Summit 2020 panel.
  • Registration is now open at 529Conference.com.

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