Issue 345

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education:
The goal of the 529 Dash is to help institutions and financial professionals who help families and employers in the education financial planning process by creating and sharing industry relevant news, product training, market data and best practices, while also building awareness and understanding of the importance of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Associate Director
529 & ABLE Solutions, ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

529 News & Research

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

NPR, “FAFSA rollout has been rough on students. The biggest problem is yet to come.” Editor’s Take: This three-minute listen released on January 9th provides an update on the FAFSA 2023-2024 released at the end of 2023. Checkout the article by NPR, FAFSA 2023-2024 Worksheet by Federal Student Aid and FAFSA Bulletin by Principal to learn more about this emerging topic that is top of minds for parents, students and their advisors.
Asset TV, “529 Masterclass: Helping plan across gender and generations.” Editor’s Take: Joseph Friedman of Principal Financial Group and Diego Verdugo of Principal Financial Network discuss the impact of new regulations and the impact of inflation on higher education. Watch the 18 minute video to learn more about the latest trends.
University of Alaska, “Finance Manager, Education Trust of Alaska & UA Scholars Program.” Editor’s Take: This 529 team is seeking a fiscal manager for their 529 product program and more. Click the link to learn more, or share with someone that may be interested in applying.
529 Insiders, “Status Board: State Income Tax Treatment on 529 Distributions to Roth IRAs.” Editor’s Take: Effective 2024, certain types of qualified transfers from 529s to Roth IRAs will be allowed from a federal income tax perspective. From a state income tax perspective, this article categorizes the transfer as a qualified expense, non-qualified expense or decision pending for residents and workers in those states from a state income tax recapture perspective based on publicly available information. This article will be updated over time as more information is received and incorporated.
529 Insiders, “3Q 2023 529 market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 market sizing as of 3Q 2023 (September 30, 2023)? Click the link to learn more.

ABLE News & Research

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

NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society), “NDSS Staff Openings.” Editor’s Take: NDSS has announced a career opportunity as a Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator. Click the link to learn more about the open role, to learn more about NDSS and Down Syndrome, and to access resources and support.
ABLE United (YouTube), “ABLE Account Overview and Updates.” Editor’s Take: John Finch of ABLE United provides an educational overview of ABLE Accounts and their latest trends. Watch the video to learn more, and thank you John Finch for presenting at the ABLE Summit 2023. Appreciate all that you do John for the ABLE community, and in helping to get the message out in order to grow the community further.
Disability Scoop, “IRS raises ABLE account limit.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Disability Scoop for coverage on ABLE accounts, and this most recent product development. Click the link to learn more.
529 Insiders, “3Q 2023 ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the ABLE market sizing as of 3Q 2023 (September 30, 2023)? Click the link to learn more.