– 529 Insiders Article of the Week
– News
– Research
– Data
– ABLE Act Column
– Events
– Quote of the Week

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to address the specific needs and concerns of advisers, accountants and estate planners who sell and service families and institutions in the college financial planning process by providing industry relevant news, product training and best practices.

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
LinkedIn: Strategic Insight 529 Dash LinkedIn Group

This week’s 529 Insiders Article of the Week rounds up October’s and November’s 529 Insiders articles.

Round-Up:
1) Target Market Analysis: Competition in College Savings Investment Products
2) Reader’s Perspective: Question and Answer with Jeff Dixson, Founder and President of Northwest Financial & Tax Solutions
3) 3Q 2017 Strategic Insight 529 and ABLE Data Highlights
4) Reader’s Perspective: Question and Answer with Jennifer Guimond-Quigley, Owner and Attorney at Law
5) Target Market Analysis: Total College Savings Market Sizing

Here is what you need to know from stories released this week.

– Financial Advisor Magazine, “Top 529 Gifting Programs.” Editor’s Take: The holiday season provides you with an opportunity to discuss gifting 529s this holiday season. Read the article to learn how you can start the conversation with your clients this holiday season.
– Federal Reserve Bank of New York, “Total household debt increases, delinquency rates of several debt types continue rising.” Editor’s Take: Total US Household Debt reached a new all-time high of $12.68 trillion, and advisers have an opportunity to help their clients manage the growing level of debt.
– Savvy Financial, “How much should parents save for college?” Editor’s Take: The article provides charts on how much a college financial planner should save for college based on several factors. Timely topics, and thank you Jeff for writing and sharing the article.

Here is what you need to know from data and research released this week.

– 19% of parents intentionally save for their children’s higher education with 401(k)s, and they contributed an average of $2,826 last year with a total balance of $14,500 at the end of last year into their 401(k)s for college financial planning.
– 1.0% increase in student loans in 3Q 2017. Editor’s Take: This rate of increase was more than mortgages, but less than auto and credit card debt. Despite the differences in rate of increase, student loan debt continues to rank second in terms of size behind mortgages with $1.36 trillion as of 3Q 2017. Have the college financial planning conversation with your clients today.

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

This week’s top news, resources, legislative updates and product announcements relating to ABLE accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families.

News, Research, Data & Resources:
– National Disability Institute (NDI), “The ABLE Act: A Progress Report – Congressional Briefing”. Editor’s Take: On December 4, National Disability Institute (NDI) is hosting a briefing on the progress of ABLE Act implementation to date in DC with Members of Congress and ABLE stakeholders. The agenda can be found here, and register here. See you there.
– 529 Insiders, “List of Open ABLE Programs.” Editor’s Take: The list of open ABLE programs has been updated to reflect the launch of Maryland ABLE.
– 529 Insiders, “529 & ABLE 3Q 2017 529 Data Highlights.” Editor’s Take: ABLE is successfully helping a growing number of families to save for qualified expenses.

Events:
– Strategic Insight ABLE Summit 2018 will be held on September 26, 2018, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– Strategic Insight ABLE Summit 2019 will be held on September 25, 2019, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Save the Date:
– 529 Conference 2018: September 24-26, 2018 – JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
– 529 Conference 2019: September 23-25, 2019 – Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

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

Please email Paul at paul.curley@strategic-i.com to inquire about having him provide a continuing education or industry landscape update presentation.

Parent’s definitely need to reconsider pulling money from their 401k’s or any pre-tax savings vehicles for a couple of reasons.

Ben Schrock, Investment Adviser Representative and President of B.A. Schrock Financial Group

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