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
Executive Director
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

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

• Ascensus, “Senate releases draft of tax bill.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Ascensus for summarizing the potential areas of expansion for 529 qualified expenses to post-secondary credential and further K-12 related expenses. Read the article to learn more.
• Future Scholars Blog, “Can 529 funds be used for room and board?” Editor’s Take: Timely post on this frequently asked question. Read the post for a refresher on how to respond or to learn more.
• FIS, “Navigating Stable Value – “Calm Seas in Stormy Markets” Insights & Strategies for Today’s Market.” Editor’s Take: Educational webinar on stable value for 529s and retirement line-ups by New York Life, Met Life, and The Standard. Watch, learn and grow, and thank you Brian Sullivan of New York Life and Warren Howe of Met Life for your time and insight.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Industry Analysis 2025.” Editor’s Take: Based on a proprietary survey of 1000+ consumers fielded in April 2025, this report analyzes key trends driving industry growth for product providers and distributors in 2025 and beyond such as demographic target markets, product developments, legislative enhancements, marketing initiatives, and distribution trends. Click the link to preview the table of contents, and contact ISS MI here to learn more about subscribing to the report.
• ISS Insights and ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Day 2025: Top Trends in 529 Plans in 2025.” Editor’s Take: ISS Market Intelligence and Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, teamed up to create this on-demand webinar with 529 reminders, trends, and best practices. Click the link above for on-demand access to the webinar.
• 529 Insiders, “1Q 2025 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: Click the link to learn more about 529 and ABLE market sizing as of March 31, 2025.

• Dates: September 29 – October 1, 2025
• Location: Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida, USA
• Registration: Register here; Early Bird rate available through June 27, 2025
• Hotel Room: Book in event room block here
• Agenda: Current version here
  • Sunday, September 28: Welcome Reception
  • Monday, September 29: Day 1 – 529 Essentials Seminar
  • Tuesday, September 30: Day 2 – 529 Conference Panels, Presentations & Roundtables
  • Wednesday, October 1: Day 3 – 529 Conference Final Half Day of Panels, Presentations & Roundtables
• Event Updates:
  • David Bell, Vice President, Vestwell State Savings, has been confirmed as a presenter on the “Product Strategy Trends and Outlook” 529 Conference panel.
  • Kevin Johnson, CEO, Secure Ideas LLC, has been confirmed as a presenter on the “Platforms, Fintech and Emerging Trends and Opportunities” 529 Conference panel.
  • Callum Bedos, Founder and CEO, Backpack, has been confirmed as a presenter on the “Platforms, Fintech and Emerging Trends and Opportunities” 529 Conference panel.
  • Jeannette Haen, Vice President, Education Planning Consultant II, Wealth Solutions Group | Investment Solutions, Robert W. Baird & Co., has been confirmed as a presenter on the “Top-5 Education Financial Planning Strategies” 529 Conference panel.

Please forward the e-newsletter to a friend to subscribe using the link here, or click “reply” anytime to connect or share feedback, thoughts, and ideas on the newsletter or industry trends. Cheers to creating a great day.