Issue 206:
– News & Research
– ABLE Act Column
– 529 Conference 2020

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
529 & ABLE Solutions, ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

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

• Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), “Investment performance considerations for 529 plan account owners.” Editor’s Take: Given the market volatility to date in 2020, this timely two-page piece for MSRB’s education center provides an overview of investing in a 529 savings plan, evaluating investment options, withdrawals and tax implications, and realized and unrealized gains or losses. Click the article to learn more.
• ISS Insights, Press Release on “ISS Market Intelligence Releases Annual 529 Industry Analysis Report.” Editor’s Take: Undertaken between March 23, 2020, and April 13, 2020, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey shows slightly fewer families are saving for college and slightly more families are saving with 529s. Click the press release to learn more.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Essentials Seminar & 529 Conference 2020.” Editor’s Take: This year’s 529 Essentials Seminar will be held virtually on September 21-22, 2020 from 12:45pm to 5pm EST, and this year’s 529 Conference will be held virtually on September 23-24 from 12:45pm to 5pm EST. Please save the date.
• Choose FI, “Pay for college with Robert Farrington, Cody Berman, Brad and Jen!” Editor’s Take: On June 24, 2020 from 8pm to 9pm EST, Choose FI will host a discussion with Robert Farrington of The College Investor on saving, paying and repaying the cost of higher education. Join the discussion by clicking the link.
• SavingforCollege.com, “How to choose a student loan.” Editor’s Take: Mark Kantrowitz is launching a new ratings system for student loans and refinancing options, and register for the webinar to learn more.
• NPR, “Education Department is making it harder for colleges to boost student aid during crisis.” Editor’s Take: Now more than ever, families have an opportunity to save and save efficiently over the long-term for higher education and therefore take control of educational opportunities for their family.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families. 
News, Research, Data & Resources:

• ISS Market Intelligence, “ABLE Summit.” Editor’s Take: ISS Market Intelligence’s ABLE Summit will be held virtually on September 25, 2020 from 12:45pm to 5pm EST. Please save the date.
• National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), “ABLE & COVID19 stimulus checks.” Editor’s Take: Thank you NAST for creating and sharing a website with a list of states that have released information on how stimulus checks can help families save with an ABLE account. Click the link to learn more.
• Abilities Expo, “Abilities virtual experience.” Editor’s Take: Abilities expo was held virtually from June 19-21, and thank you CalABLE for participating in the event. Click the link to learn more.

Save the Date: 529 Conference 2020 will be held virtually from September 21-25, 2020

Updates:

• To ensure product training, insight and networking continuity across the 529 and ABLE community while ensuring safety of our attendees, we are transitioning our event to a digital experience in 2020.
• We are currently in the process of creating the agenda, and the following sessions will be held on the following dates from 12:45pm to 5pm EST each day:
  • 529 Essentials: September 21-22, 2020
  • 529 Conference: September 23-24, 2020
  • ABLE Summit: September 25, 2020

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