– News & Research
– Data
– ABLE Act 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
Director of Savings Research
paul.curley@strategic-i.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

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

• 529 Insiders,”3 Product Trends in 529 Plans.” Editor's Take: The article provides an overview of three trends in college financial planning for product managers as of 529 Day 2019.
• Planadviser, “Tracking SECURE Act, RESA, DOL developments and more.” Editor's Take: The original four 529 provisions in the SECURE Act included expanding 529 qualified distributions to apprenticeships, student loans, K-12 homeschooling expenses and K-12 related expenses such as books and supplies. In the US House version of the bill that passed, the two provisions for apprenticeships and student loans were included and the two provisions for K-12 homeschooling expenses and K-12 related expenses were not included. As of publication of this newsletter, the SECURE Act is having difficulty passing the US Senate without the provision for K-12 homeschooling expenses. Which provisions are included or excluded will be determined in the US Senate version of the bill, the reconciliation process of the US House and the US Senate versions, and if the bills even pass. Strategic Insight will continue to monitor and report on the legislative process and progress. In the interim, the four 529 components are all expanding the capabilities of the product, and therefore current and potential 529 users should feel confident in using the product in their college financial planning process.
• Federal Reserve Bank of New York, “Despite rising costs, college is still a good investment.” Editor's Take: The article includes an interesting chart on the annual return on investment (ROI) of higher education. While the currently rate of return is 14%, read the article to see how that rate has changed over time. In the meantime, the investment in education continues to pay sizable dividends.
• Kiplinger, “Your boss may help you save for college.” Editor's Take: College financial planning employer benefits is on the rise, and congrats Julio of ScholarShare on the quote and coverage.
• ThinkAdvisor, “Can Roth IRAs match 529 plans for college savings benefits?” Editor's Take: Read our executive summary on this topic in the 529 Insiders article here.

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, “ABLE Product Launch to Date, 2019.” Editor's Take: Learn about the top three trends in ABLE accounts for product managers in 2019. Thank you for your collaboration, support, and feedback.
• Youtube (Video), “Arc of Mass: Webinar: ABLE Accounts.” Editor's Take: Thank you Mary Rubenis of MEFA for presenting about ABLE accounts, and raising awareness about this product. Click to learn more.
• Youtube (Video), “CalABLE and Special Needs Trusts.” Editor's Take: Thank you Carrie Fisher-Stone for presenting on the pros and cons of ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts, and how the two vehicles can work together. Click to learn more.
• Quote of the Week, “ABLE accounts can transform the lives of people with disabilities and their families and help to shift the paradigm from one of financial insecurity to one of financial wellness. Let's keep spreading the word.” – JJ Hanley, Director, Illinois ABLE

When: September 23-25, 2019
Where: Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida.
What: The 529 Conference is a highly interactive and educational industry gathering where you’ll meet and network with the entire 529 and ABLE ecosystem.
How: Early bird registration rates are available until June 21, 2019. Register here.

Agenda Update:

• Chris Werner, Vice President – 529 Distribution & Investments, Scholar’s Edge, has been confirmed as presenter on the “Business Building with 529s in the Adviser-Sold Channel” 529 Conference session.
• Vivian M. Tsai, CIMA, Senior Director, Head of Relationship Management, TIAA, Chair, College Saving Foundation, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Outlook for 529s in 2019 and Beyond” 529 Conference session.
• Chris Stack, Esq., Managing Consultant, Savingforcollege.com, has been confirmed as presenter of the “529 Primer & Landscape” and “Comparing College Savings Vehicles: How do 529s Stack Up?” 529 Essentials session.
• Stacey MacPhetres, Senior Director, College Finance, Bright Horizons College Coach, has been confirmed as presenter of the “Financial Aid: Lifecycle of Planning, Saving & Paying for College” 529 Essentials session.
• Chuck Ranney, Vice President, Mutual Funds and 529 Plans, Ameriprise Financial, has been confirmed as presenter on the “Business Building with 529s in the Adviser-Sold Channel” 529 Conference session.

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