Issue 216:
– Events: 529 Conference 2020
– News & Research
– 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

• 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. The pre-conference ‘Essentials Seminar’ provides an understanding of the granular fundamentals of 529 plans in light of a constantly evolving market including the recent federal legislative developments, and the post-conference ‘ABLE Session’ delivers key market intelligence and presentations to support the successful implementation and growth of ABLE accounts.
• When: September 21-25, 2020
• Where: Virtual
• Who: Entire 529 and ABLE ecosystem
• How: Registration is now open at 529Conference.com

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

• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Direct Channel, Demographics & Back to School Webinar.” Editor’s Take: The webinar covered landscape updates and trends in the 529 direct channel, reviewed participant demographics based on proprietary research by ISS Market Intelligence, discussed FAFSA and financial aid updates, and examined back-to-school trends and recent developments. Additionally, the session highlighted 529 and ABLE industry announcements, 2Q 2020 quarterly data updates, and provided a preview of the 529 Conference 2020 by ISS Market Intelligence.
• 529 Insiders, “2Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 and ABLE Market Sizing as of 2Q 2020? Click the article to learn more.
• CNBC, “Should you still save for college during the Covid-19 pandemic?” Editor’s Take: Thank you Sharon Epperson for your coverage and insight on the importance of education financial planning to and through all market cycles. Also, thank you Melissa Ridolfi of Fidelity for your data and insight in the survey and video interview as well. Click to read, watch and learn.
• One Million and Beyond, “The power of small increments.” Editor’s Take: Important point on the process towards long-term success whether the goal be college financial planning, retirement, wealth or health. 
• College Rankings
  • Money, “Best College in America, Ranked by Value.” Editor’s Take: On brand for the back-to-school season, the article includes newly released rankings with a twist geared towards value given the market volatility and economic landscape in 2020. Have a look.
  • The Princeton Review, “The Best 386 Colleges: 2021 edition is here.” Editor’s Take: Newly released rankings with a twist towards a more qualitative review of colleges and universities across over 50 categories.
  • U.S. News and World Report. Editor’s Take: Annual ranking of national universities. Not newly released, but a solid third to round out the first two here.

• ABLE Summit 2020 by 529 & ABLE Solutions of ISS Market Intelligence
  • What: The fifth annual ABLE Summit delivers key market intelligence, product training and networking opportunities to support the successful implementation and growth of ABLE accounts and the industry’s stakeholders.
  • When: September 25, 2020
  • Where: Virtual
  • Who: Entire ABLE ecosystem
  • How: Registration is now open at 529Conference.com
• IL ABLE Webinar by JJ Hanley, “Lunch & Learn Webinar: Managing your IL ABLE Account.” Editor’s Take: JJ Hanley, Director, IL ABLE, Office of the Illinois State Treasurer, providers her insight and perspective on the mechanics of ABLE accounts such as the difference between account owner and authorized individual, an overview of investment options, and what documentation is needed for enrollment. Watch, Learn and grow, and thank you JJ for the webinar and for confirming to speak at the upcoming ABLE Summit 2020. 
• 529 Insiders, “2Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 and ABLE Market Sizing as of 2Q 2020? Click the article to learn more. For a video recording of a presentation of the data by Paul Curley, you can view the August webinar of the 529 & ABLE Webinar Series here.

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