Issue 212:
– News & Research
– ABLE Act Column
– 529 Conference 2020

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:

• 529 Insiders, “Status Board: SECURE Act 529 State Updates.” Editor’s Take: North Carolina was updated from the category of “not clear or decision pending” to “allow student loans & allow apprenticeship withdrawals state tax free.”
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 & ABLE Employer Channel.” Editor’s Take: This webinar replay discussed the employer channel from a usage, employer benefits and state tax incentive perspective. In addition to historical usage, the session provided insight into the channel outlook from a legislative, market data and proprietary survey perspective. Also, July’s webinar session also spotlighted key findings from the 529 Industry Analysis report, Q2 data highlights and 529 & ABLE industry announcements. Click the link to watch, learn and share.
• Financial Planning, “As coronavirus muddies college planning, 529 plans can help.” Editor’s Take: Advisers have an opportunity to add value for their clients through college financial planning, and especially during these times where so much is in the air. Have the college financial planning discussion today.

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

• Beyond the Dash, “Nathan Bryant Loose.” Editor’s Take: Nathan Loose, Washington State ABLE Governing Board member, passed away June 9, 2020. He was a leader in advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. The Board is developing a legacy program within the plan to show appreciation of Nathan’s contributions to the ABLE Savings Plan. It could be a contribution awarded annually to a different account owner each year. Nathan will be greatly missed.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 & ABLE Employer Channel.” Editor’s Take: This webinar replay discussed ABLE industry announcements, commentary on 2Q 2020 market data, and ABLE to Work. Watch, learn and share.
• ABLE National Resource Center, “July/August 2020 Achievable Newsletter.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Michael Morris for the invitation to participate on last week’s call. Review the newsletter to learn about industry trends, answers to the top 3 most common questions on ABLE accounts, and #ABLEtoSave Month.

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 will open shortly at 529Conference.com with an All Access Pass rate of $500 per person.

Updates:

• Scott Yasharian, CFA, Director, Invesco Advisory Solutions, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Conservative Investment Strategies” 529 Conference session.
• Phoebe Del Castillo, Sr. Product Leader – Managed Investments, Edward Jones, been confirmed as a panelist on the “National Broker-Dealer’s View on Product, Marketing and Distribution Strategies” 529 Conference session.
• Paul Musante, Group Manager, College Savings Plan Marketing, T. Rowe Price, has been confirmed as panelist on the “Differentiating your Plan in the Direct- and Employer-Sold Channels” 529 Conference session. 

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850  |  +1 212-217-6884  |  issgovernance.com