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529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to address the specific needs and concerns of advisers, accountants and estate planners who sell and service families and institutions in the college financial planning process by providing industry relevant news, product training and best practices.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Editor-in-Chief of 529 Dash
Director of College Savings Research
paul.curley@strategic-i.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

1Q 2018 Strategic Insight 529 and ABLE Data Highlights

• Here is the latest market data by Strategic Insight that can be used by the media and other organizations, and contact Strategic Insight for more information and commentary on its proprietary data, research, events and digital publications.

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

• Financial Advisor Magazine, “Students not prepared to pay for college, study says.” Editor's Take: College financial planning provides you with an opportunity to fill a growing need and demand by parents.
• Benefits Pro, “Student loan benefits more popular with workers than employers.” Editor's Take: College financial planning employer benefits are on the rise to align with demand of employees.
• Plansponsor, “Simple steps to provide successful student loan repayment benefits.” Editor's Take: If you do move forward in providing the employee benefit, this article will help provide you with ideas for the implementation phase.
• Kiplinger, “How a grandparent's 529 account affects college financial aid.” Editor's Take: Timely topic, and read the 529 Insiders article here on financial aid fundamentals to learn more.
• CNBC, “New parents: This is how much you need to save to cover college bills in 2036.” Editor's Take: Articles like this will increase awareness and prioritization of college financial planning for your clients, and therefore demand for you as an advisor.
• Making Sense of Cents, “I thought I was too good for community college.” Editor's Take: Timely discussion that helps advisors discuss the community college option with clients, and the article includes responses to some of the most common hurdles and roadblocks.
• Dartmouth College, “Dartmouth launches $3 billion comprehensive campaign: The call to lead.” Editor's Take: One of the goals of the campaign is the remove student loans from all of Dartmouth student's financial aid packages.
• 0.595% increase in student loan interest rates starting July 1, 2018. Editor's Take: The price for waiting to create a college financial plan and therefore relying on loans is on the rise.

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:

• WealthManagement.com, “Thirteen estate planning tips for beneficiaries with special needs”
• America's Healthcare Advocate Radio Show, “State financial conference DC podcast.” Editor's Take: Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball discusses STABLE KY with Cary Hall. Thank you for helping to raise awareness of ABLE programs.
• 529 Insiders, “529 & ABLE 1Q 2018 529 Data Highlights”

Events: Strategic Insight ABLE Summit 2018 will be held on September 26, 2018, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

When: September 24-26, 2018
Where: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
What: A highly interactive and educational industry gathering with the entire college financial planning ecosystem.

Agenda Updates:

• Pamela K. Ellis, Associate General Counsel, Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Legislative and Regulatory Update” panel.
• Mark Edblom, Associate Product Manager – Mutual Funds and ETFs, RBC Wealth Management, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Independent and Regional Channel’s View on Marketing and Distribution Strategies” panel.

“History has proven time and time again that those who know how to apply specialized knowledge enjoy far greater success, irrespective of industry, than those of superior intellect.”
– Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy, page 90, by James Whittaker

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