Issue 296:
– 529 News & Research
– ABLE Act Column
– 529 Conference 2022

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The goal of the 529 Dash is to help institutions and financial professionals who help 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 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Associate Director
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:

• Barrons, “Advisors Should Encourage Clients to Open 529 Plans. Here’s Why.” Editor’s Take: Timely article with a solid storyboard on the importance of 529s and education financial planning for advisors and their clients. Read to learn more.
• College Savings Plan Network, “Step up your 529 summer savings strategies.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Tim Gorrell of Ohio Tuition Trust Authority for outlining five savings strategies to help families build momentum in 2022 and beyond. Also, thank you for announcing a new age-based fund and two new underlying investments here. Read both to learn new savings strategies and new product developments.

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

• RespectAbility (Video), “Financial security for new workers with disabilities.” Editor’s Take: RespectAbility hosted a 55-minute video educational video with ABLE Today, including Eric Ochmanek, Sara Weir, and Mark Raymond Jr. Watch to learn more about the new national initiative by ABLE Today, and thank you for all the great work that you do to help families across the U.S.
• STABLE Account, “Treasurer Sprague recognizes August as ABLE to Save Month 2022.” Editor’s Take: August is ABLE to Save Month, which includes a number of initiatives across the industry to increase awareness and utilization of ABLE Accounts. Click to learn more.
• ABLE Age Adjustment Act Status Board: 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 August 3, 2022, the bill sponsorship was as follows:
  • Senate (S331): 1 sponsor and 21 cosponsors
  • Congress Sponsorship (HR1219): 1 sponsor and 89 cosponsors

529 Conference 2022 will be held from October 17-19, 2022, at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida, USA. 

Updates: 

• Registration now available
• Hotel Room Block now available
• Agenda now available
• Speakers now available

Agenda Updates: 

• Mary Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia529 | ABLEnow, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “State’s Perspective on Industry Trends and Building Momentum” 529 Conference panel.
• Travis Brickfield, Manager, Mutual Fund, ETF, and 529 Plan Product Specialists, Raymond James, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Business Building with 529s” 529 Conference panel.
• Michael Leonberger, Stable Value Portfolio Manager, Invesco, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Stable Value for 529s” 529 Conference panel.
• Tom Graf, Executive Director, MEFA, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “State’s Perspective on Industry Trends and Building Momentum” 529 Conference panel.
• Bri Joiner, Director, Regulatory Compliance, Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, has been confirmed as a presenter on the “Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) Overview” 529 Essentials seminar and a panelist on the “Legislative & Regulatory Developments” 529 Conference panel.
• Tim Gorrell, Executive Director, Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “State’s Perspective on Industry Trends and Building Momentum” 529 Conference panel.
• Kay Ceserani, Managing Principal, Meketa Investment Group, has been confirmed as moderator of the “Investment Line-Up Trends and Outlook” 529 Conference panel.
• Michael Swink, Investment Director, Virginia529, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Stable Value for 529s” 529 Conference panel.

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