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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 Savings Research
paul.curley@strategic-i.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

529 Dash Podcast 1: ABLE Market Data Update

• On February 10, 2019, this short podcast on the ABLE industry was created live during a presentation and includes a market data update on the volume of assets and number of accounts as of 4Q 2018 with benchmark comparisons.

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

• Journal of Financial Planning, “Buying college in the 21st century: Clients should search for colleges they can afford.” Editor's Take: Saving and saving efficiently for education will allow clients to be able to afford more options. Have the college financial planning discussion today to ensure your clients learn about how their actions will afford them with more flexibility in life in the future.
• Eversheds Sutherland, “Legal Alert: FINRA’s 529 plan share class initiative.” Editor's Take: Article provides background, context, and an overview of FINRA Notice 19-04.
• SavingforCollege, “What are the key differences among age-based asset allocations?” Editor's Take: Based on data by Strategic Insight, roughly half of 529 savings plan industry assets are in age-based investment options. Therefore, thank you Mark Kantrowitz for analyzing and reporting on this important topic.
• New Mexico Education Trust Board, “Request for Proposals for 529 Program Management Services.” Editor's Take: On February 14, 2019, New Mexico Education Trust Board released an RFP for program management services for its 529 plans. Read the article to learn more about deadlines and requirements.

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, “529 Dash Podcast 1: ABLE Market Data Update.” Editor's Take: On February 10, 2019, this short podcast on the ABLE industry was created live during a presentation and includes a market data update on the volume of assets and number of accounts as of 4Q 2018 with benchmark comparisons.
• Cision, “ABLE savings plan changes lives for people with disabilities.” Editor's Take: Thank you Washington for helping to build awareness and understanding of ABLE accounts.

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

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.

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