529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The 529 Dash e‑newsletter helps institutions, financial professionals, employers, and families navigate education financial planning by sharing timely industry news, product insights, market data, and best practices while promoting awareness of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Executive Director
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com

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

• ISS Market Intelligence, 529 Day 2026 Webinar Replay on “529 in Focus: 3 Key Trends Shaping the Future of Education Savings in 2026.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Trisha Good and Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage for the opportunity to collaborate on the 529 Day 2026 webinar. Click the link to watch the full webinar replay, read the summary and learn more.
• planadviser, “Employers can promote 529 use among low-, moderate-income employees.” Editor’s Take: Employers can play a pivotal role in expanding 529 plan adoption among low- and moderate-income workers by addressing awareness, access, and behavioral barriers. Simple workplace strategies such as payroll deduction, education, and optional incentives can significantly increase participation. Ultimately, offering 529s as a benefit creates a win-win by improving employee financial wellness while supporting recruitment and retention. Read the article to learn more.
• Fidelity, “How unused 529 assets can help with retirement planning.” Editor’s Take: In line with the expansion of 529 qualified transfers to Roth IRAs, 529s have expanded from a vehicle for education financial planning to retirement financial planning as well. Thank you for Fidelity for raising awareness and understanding of 529s in the article here and webinar replay here. Read, watch and grow.
• CNBC, “Millions of people with disabilities may be missing out on this little-known savings tool.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Sharon Epperson and CNBC for raising awareness and understanding of ABLE Accounts, and for sourcing and quoting ISS Market Intelligence. Read the article to learn more about ABLE accounts and the latest trends.
• 529 Insiders and planadviser, “1Q 2026 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: Net inflows increased from 1Q 2024 to 1Q 2025 to 1Q 2026, reflecting strengthening demand by families for education savings. This trend suggests that more families are successfully using 529 plans for their intended purpose of covering qualified education expenses even amid market and economic volatility in 2026. As utilization grows, familiarity and confidence in 529 plans continue to expand among families and their networks. This increased awareness reinforces a positive feedback loop, driving further adoption, contributions, and long-term momentum for the category. Click the link to learn more about 529 and ABLE market sizing as of March 31, 2026.

• Dates: September 23–25, 2026
• Location: JW Marriott Nashville
• Register: Here; Early Bird registration rate available through June 26, 2026
• Hotel Room Block: Book Here
• Event Website: Link
• Agenda: Link
• Event Updates: 
  • Dereck E. Davis, Treasurer, Maryland State Treasurer’s Office, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “State’s Perspective on Industry Trends and Building Momentum” 529 Conference session.
  • Chris Solimine, Managing Director Stable Value Solutions, Transamerica, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Investments: Differentiating Asset Classes” 529 Conference session.
  • Jason Kephart, CFA, Senior Principal, Global Multi-Asset Strategy Ratings, Morningstar Research Services LLC, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Investment Line-Up Creation, Evaluation and Oversight” 529 Conference session.
  • Brandon Goeke, Chief Operating Officer, Florida Prepaid College Board, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Opportunities and Outlook in 2027 & Beyond” 529 Conference session.
  • Viraaj Kumar, Head of Retirement Product & Strategy, ISS Market Intelligence, has been confirmed as a panelist on the “Opportunities and Outlook in 2027 & Beyond” 529 Conference session.
  • Thank you Goldman Sachs for your support of the event as Opening Night Reception sponsor
  • Thank you Transamerica for your support of the event as Breakfast Day 3 sponsor
  • Thank you BabbleBoxx for your support of the event as Branding and Room Drop sponsor

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