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
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:

• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), “Barbie Dolls with Down Syndrome.” Editor’s Take: Congrats and thank you to NDSS for working with Mattel to expand inclusion and broaden representation through the launch of a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Learn more through the press release here and product specs here. 
• J.P.Morgan Asset Management, “Stable value 2.0: Transforming the future of DC.” Editor’s Take: Thank you J.P.Morgan for creating and sharing this educational article on the history, landscape and evolution of stable value, and the current outlook for the investment class. The article’s write-up and visuals are educational for the 529 and DC industry participants in terms of getting up to speed on the terminology and latest trends. As such, read, learn and bookmark.
• 529 Insiders, “Status Board: State Income Tax Treatment on 529 Distributions to Roth IRAs.” Editor’s Take: The status board has been updated to reflect an Illinois update to “529 Distributions to Roth IRAs as Qualified Expense for State Income Tax Purposes” to align with LegiScan’s source and annotation of Illinois Senate Bill 3133. As of August 12, 2024, 34 states allow while 9 state states plus District of Columbia consider the distribution not qualified from a state income tax recapture perspective and 7 states are not clear or decision pending. Click the status board by ISS and summary by LegiScan for more information.
• PLANADVISER, “Parents Deprioritizing Retirement to Save for College.” Editor’s Take: Per Fidelity’s “2024 College Savings Indicator Study”, parents reported for the second time in seventeen years that their children’s education was their highest financial priority. 73% responded child’s education was their highest savings priority compared to 62% reporting retirement and 57% reporting emergency savings. Furthermore, 84% of parents intend to maintain or increase their college savings contribution rate. Read the article to learn more key findings, statics, and commentary on industry trends.
• ISS Status Boards: K-12, Student Loans & Apprenticeships, and 529 to Roth Distributions
• Market Data: 529 Insiders, “1Q 2024 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: Click the link to learn more about 529 and ABLE market sizing as of March 31, 2024.

• Registration: Register here 
• Dates: September 30, 2024 – October 2, 2024
• Location: Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida; Book Hotel Room here
• Welcome Reception: Sunday, September 29, 2024
• 529 Essentials Seminar: Monday, September 30, 2024
• Agenda Updates: 
  • Michael Leonberger, Senior Portfolio Manager,  Invesco Stable Value, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Stable Value for 529s” 529 Conference panel.
  • Miladys Felix, Senior Sales Executive, Discover Global Network, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Alternative Payments for Distributions” 529 Conference panel.
  • Patricia Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, Gift of College, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Alternative Payments for Distributions” 529 Conference panel.
  • Risa Schulz, Executive Director, Product Development Manager, Morgan Stanley, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “National Broker-Dealer’s View on Product, Marketing and Distribution Strategies” 529 Conference panel.
  • AliceClaire Scott, Director, Mississippi College & Career Savings, Mississippi Office of the State Treasurer, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Alternative Payments for Contributions, Emerging Trends & Opportunities” 529 Conference panel.
  • Richard Westman, Manager of the VT529 Plan, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), has been confirmed as a speaker on the “529 & ABLE Outlook” 529 Conference panel.
  • Mary Anne Busse, Managing Director, Great Disclosure, has been confirmed as a speaker on the “Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies” 529 Conference panel.
• Event Updates:
  • Thank you Fidelity Investments for the Monday Breakfast Sponsorship
  • Thank you Discover Financial Services for the Welcome Gift and Presenting Sponsorship