– 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:

• Planadviser, “Congress has passed the SECURE Act.” Editor's Take: As of publication of this week's 529 Dash e-newsletter, Congress has passed the SECURE Act and President Trump is set to sign the bill in the afternoon of December 20th, 2019. The bill includes two provisions relating to 529 plans including the expansion of qualified distributions to apprenticeships and student loans. More to follow on this bill and its impact in coming issues. UPDATED on 12/22/2019: On December 20th, 2019, President Trump signed the SECURE Act into law with the two 529 provisions.
• American Institute of CPAs, “College savings calculator.” Editor's Take: Click the link to test out the calculator on projected savings, cost and savings gap for you and your client's children.
• E*Trade, “E*Trade bolsters corporate services capabilities through purchase of pioneering student loan benefit provider Gradifi.” Editor's Take: Congrats to Gradifi and E*Trade, and a great example of the momentum building in the college financial planning employer benefit channel. Click the link to learn more about the announcement.

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:

• ABLEnow, “ABLEnow Sponsors ‘Born This Way’ Finale.” Editor's Take: Thank you ABLEnow for helping to build awareness and understanding of ABLE accounts. Click the article to learn more about the date and time.
• CNBC, “People with disabilities can now set some financial goals thanks to this game-changer.” Editor's Take: Solid round-up on the state of the industry.
• Mi ABLE, “Events.” Editor's Take: The program has seven upcoming community events in Michigan, and click the link to learn more. Also, the plan's website includes a link to resources that you can use including one for an educational presentation on ABLE accounts overall and the state's plan.

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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