– 529 Insiders
– News & Research
– Data
– ABLE Act Column
– State-Sponsored Retirement Savings Column
– Events

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
Editor-in-Chief of 529 Dash
Director of College Savings Research
paul.curley@strategic-i.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

Editor’s Perspective on College Savings Trends: “Money Savage” Podcast with George Grombacher

• What are the top trends and topics in education financial planning and the 529 industry?

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

• Bright Horizons, “Student loan repayment programs and 401(k)s: What you need to know.” Editor's Take: College financial planning employer benefits are on the rise among employers, employees and legislators.
• Biglaw Investor, “8 ways to maximize tax savings before year end.” Editor's Take: The solid list includes 529s at number six. As we wind down the year, learn how to incorporate college financial planning into year-end planning with clients.

Here is the latest 529 and ABLE market data by Strategic Insight 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:

• 529 Insiders, “List of open ABLE programs.” Editor's Take: The list of open ABLE programs has been updated to incorporate the launch of CalABLE.
• WealthManagement.com, “Speaking from experience: Financial planning for special needs families.” Editor's Take: Brooke Hawley, financial adviser with RBC Wealth Management, provides her perspective on special needs planning and how to incorporate ABLE into the planning process. Read the article to learn more.
• ThinkAdvisor, “Virginia's ABLENow reaches $20M in contributions.” Editor's Take: ABLE programs have launched, and continue to grow. Advisers have an opportunity to help their clients through special needs planning with ABLE accounts.

Events: Strategic Insight ABLE Summit 2019 will be held on September 25, 2019, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida, to deliver product training, insight and networking opportunities to support the successful implementation and growth of ABLE accounts. Please save the date, and thank you for the support.

State-sponsored retirement savings plans are tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts offered through private sector companies and administered by states. News, Research, Data & Resources:

• Life Zemplified, “FIRE – Financial independence, retire early or retire ever?” Editor's Take: The number seven reason for not saving for retirement relates to not having access to a retirement account. The launch and expansion of state-run retirement accounts will help to solve this issue, and help more families to save and save efficiently for their retirement goals.
• InvestmentNews, “Oregon will help other states launch own auto-IRA programs.” Editor's Take: State-run retirement programs are poised for growth both in terms of assets, accounts and number of states offering as Oregon has announced that they are open to partnering with other states looking to offer their residents a program.
• New York Times, “For American workers, 4 key retirement issues to watch in 2019.” Editor's Take: Article focused on current state and outlook of state-run retirement programs.

Save the Date: Strategic Insight 529 Conference 2019 will be held from September 23-25, 2019, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida. Sessions:

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

Strategic Insight is pleased to announce the release of the 529 Distribution Analysis 2018 report. This annual study analyzes an array of Strategic Insight sourced proprietary survey data and insights. Purpose of the Study:

• Details initiatives 529 product providers and distributors can execute to add value in the intermediary channel
• Reviews key drivers of the 529 market participants and provides takeaways to help product providers and distributors to increase demand for college financial planning and usage of college savings plans
• Evaluates 529 industry market sizing and trends to understand what will drive and maximize industry growth over the long term from a legislative, product, marketing, and distribution perspective

Click the link to learn more about the report.

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