529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The 529 Dash e‑newsletter helps institutions, financial professionals, employers, and families navigate education financial planning by sharing timely industry news, product insights, market data, and best practices while promoting awareness 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:

• Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, “Survey of Consumer Finances.” Editor’s Take: The 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances provides valuable insights into household finances and consumer behavior. Notably, the share of households with student loan debt fell from 21.8% in 2022 to 20.0% in 2025, while the median student loan balance declined 5% to $25.6K. A must-read source of data and proof points for presentations and industry discussions. Read, bookmark and grow.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “Education Planning Takes Center Stage at the 2026 529 Conference.” Editor’s Take: A key theme from the 2026 529 Conference was the evolution from college savings to broader education planning, including workforce training, career readiness, and lifelong learning. Industry leaders emphasized that future growth will depend on simplifying plan usage, expanding access, and better integrating education savings into holistic financial planning. Click the link to hear more about findings from the event.
• Morgan Stanley, “Associate Product Manager/AVP – 529 Plans.” Editor’s Take: Morgan Stanley is expanding its 529 team and is currently seeking an Associate Product Manager/AVP. If interested in learning more, Paul Curley will be happy to connect you with the hiring manager.
• 529 Insiders, “2Q 2026 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: More than 18 million 529 accounts and over 250,000 ABLE accounts were open and funded as of June 30, 2026. Review the latest market-sizing data, industry trends, and key insights, and feel free to share the report with your network.

Save the Date Information:

• Dates: September 15–17, 2027
• Location: JW Marriott Nashville

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