– News & Research
– Data
– 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 advisers and institutions 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
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

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

• 529 Insiders by Paul Curley, “Retirement Products Increase College Financial Planning Market Share.” Editor's Take: 529 college investment plans remain the vehicle most strongly associated with college financial planning, and for good reasons. Despite that, other structures, including retirement products, play an important role in the college savings markets.
• SHRM, “Offering 529 Savings Plans Helps Families Avoid Student Debt.” Editor's Take: College financial planning employer benefits continue to rise. Have the college financial planning employer benefits discussion with your institutional clients today.
• Vermont Biz, “VSAC launches first gift cards for Vermont’s 529 plan.” Editor's Take: This holiday season, give the gift of college to help your loved ones save and pay for college, as opposed to short-term toys. Happy Holidays, and hope you enjoy with your 529 beneficiaries.

Here is the latest 529 and ABLE market data that can be used by the media and other organizations.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families.

News, Research, Data & Resources:

• Oregon State Treasury, “Celebrating $17 million saved by more than 3,000 people experiencing disabilities.” Editor's Take: Congrats to the Oregon ABLE and ABLE for All Savings Plans on reaching the milestones.
• NAMI NH on YouTube, “ABLE accounts overview.” Editor's Take: Ann Butenhof, Attorney at Law with Butenhof & Bomster, PC, provides a 12 minute video on ABLE accounts. Thank you Ann for creating and sharing, and click the link to learn more.

Save the Date: 529 Conference 2020 will be held from September 24-26, 2020, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Sessions:

• 529 Conference: A highly interactive and educational industry gathering with the entire education financial planning ecosystem.
• 529 Essentials: A session to train professionals on 529 plans and education financial planning in a constantly evolving market.
• ABLE Summit: A session to deliver training, insight and networking opportunities to support the successful implementation and growth of ABLE accounts.

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