Issue 302:
– 529 News & Research
– ABLE Act Column
– 529 Conference 2022

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, 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
Associate Director
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:

• Federal Student Aid, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Student Debt Relief Plan Explained.” Editor’s Take: This informative update along with the page titled “One-time student loan debt relief” provides direct information on program updates announced in August. A lot of the details and how the updates will be implemented are still to be announced, and so more to come. In the interim and based on what we know to date, demand for education continues and therefore the importance of saving and paying for education would increase if the perceived hurdle of student loans is removed. Therefore, demand for education and education financial planning continues. Also, 529s continue to provide state tax deductions and credits in 32 states, and the expanded use of 529s from college to K-12 and apprenticeships are not impacted by college student loan relief. Therefore, why leave money on the table? Open a 529 plan today to maximize state tax incentives, and reduce or remove the potential impact of an increase in student loan interest rates going forward. Additionally in the long term, those with no more student loans will have more ability to save for emergencies, retirement and 529s. Therefore, the student loan debt relief will stop the domino effect and create positive momentum for household balance sheets. In turn, the value of education financial planning and 529s increases. Have the conversation with your clients today.
• Plansponsor, “Starbucks launches new worker benefits.” Editor’s Take: Education financial planning employer benefits are on the rise. Have the conversation with your benefits provider today.
• CollegeAdvantage YouTube Video, “2022 Tax Campaign – Fun Facts.” Editor’s Take: The video provides two convincing data points on the importance of gifting. The first data point comes from the perspective of parents, while the second comes from the perspective of grandparents. Pivoting from children, the article here by CollegeAdvantage focuses on how 529s are for adults as well. Watch, read, and share.
• 529 Insiders, “2Q 2022 529 Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 market sizing as of June 30, 2022? Read to learn more.

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

• Haven of Hope 4 Me YouTube Video, “ABLE Accounts: One option to protect your loved one’s finances.” Editor’s Take: Christy provides a five-minute overview of ABLE accounts in the video, along with tips on ABLE plan selection and the process to open an account. Watch, learn, and provide a thumbs to help get the message out about ABLE accounts and to support the creation of more content on ABLE.
• ABLE United Webinar, “A roundtable on financial planning for the disability community.” Editor’s Take: On September 29, John Finch of ABLE United will host a webinar with Keith Seago of Comerica Securities on financial planning, saving and investing, and ABLE accounts. Register today.
• ABLE Age Adjustment Act Status Board: The bill would increase the age of onset for eligibility to open an ABLE account from 26 years old to 46 years old. As of September 15, 2022, the bill sponsorship was as follows:
  • Senate (S331): 1 sponsor and 21 cosponsors
  • Congress Sponsorship (HR1219): 1 sponsor and 96 cosponsors

ABLE Afternoon Summit: Will be held on October 19th of the 529 Conference 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida, USA

• Registration is now available
• Brynne Conroy, Founder, Owner & Creator, Mom Autism Money & Femme Frugality, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit panel.
• Joyce Marrero, Founder, Owner & Creator, Mom Autism Money & Stay at Home Mom Adventures, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “ABLE Implementation: Product, Marketing & Distribution Perspective” ABLE Summit panel.

529 Conference 2022 will be held from October 17-19, 2022, at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida, USA. 

Updates: 

• Registration now available
• Hotel Room Block now available
• Agenda now available
• Speakers now available

Agenda Updates: 

• Aidan Shue, Senior Sales Analyst, Nasdaq Fund Network, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Direct-Sold Marketing Strategies” 529 Conference panel.

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