529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The goal of the 529 Dash e-newsletter is to help institutions, financial professionals, employers, and families 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

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

• MEFA, “Expanded used for 529 and 529A plans.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Jonathan Hughes, Associate Director of College Planning and Education at MEFA, and Cory Latham, Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, for creating this educational video and podcast on the expansion of qualified expenses for 529s and legislative enhancements for ABLE accounts. Thank you for discussing the impact and importance of these changes as well. Also in the theme of the year-end holiday season, thank you MEFA and Gift of College for creating and sharing this link here where friends and family can purchase MEFA Gift of College & Gift of Independence gift cards this season. I’m excited about the expanding opportunity of friends and family to provide useful, long-term, and long-lasting gifts of education instead of ephemeral toys that create clutter and that will most likely break by January 1, 2026. Learn more about the expansion of 529, 529A and gifting today.
• College Savings Foundation (CSF), “On cusp of holiday season, CSF reports strong increase in 529 gifting programs.” Editor’s Take: While on the topic of 529 gifting this holiday season, thank you CSF for creating and sharing this press release here and CSF member gifting programs map here. Learn more as 529 gifting has become a mainstream topic this holiday season, and have the 529 gifting conversation today. 
• Scholarships360, “The smart way to save for college with Jordan Lee.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Jordan Lee, CEO of Saving for College and Founder of Backer” for sharing your time and insight on this educational 37-minute podcast. The podcast includes a number of topics ranging from behavioral economics such as analysis paralysis, simple savings strategies including discussion on the employer channel, and ways to win in the 529 game. Listen, learn, and grow, and thank you Jordan Lee.
• SS&C Technologies, “SS&C Personalized Financial Wellness Center.” Editor’s Take: Thank you SS&C for launching this interactive educational platform that provides participant engagement through personalized education. Have a look by downloading the brochure, as some organizations offer 529s within their financial wellness platforms while others provide as a dedicated resource. Also, I look forward to learning more about Sage given its lighter implementation lift for stakeholders. As the bridge between education and retirement financial planning including wellness continues to tighten and become more seamless, we look forward to tracking and raising awareness around new tools, platforms and enhancements for the 529 community in 2026 and beyond.
• 529 Insiders, “3Q 2025 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: Click the link to learn more about 529 and ABLE market sizing as of June 30, 2025.

529 Conference 2026 – Save the Date:

• Dates: September 23–25, 2026
• Location: JW Marriott Nashville
• Information: Please contact Paul Curley if you have any questions about the event such as registration, sponsorships, agenda, format, and more.

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