The Maine NextGen 529 -- Client Direct Series is available through Merrill Edge. The plan utilizes BlackRock (including iShares ETFs) funds in its age-based and static options. In addition, the Principal Plus Portfolio and the NextGen Savings Portfolio are available.
- Program typeSavings
- Inception1999
- State agencyFinance Authority of Maine (FAME)
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
- Program distributorMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Investment Options
Investors in NextGen 529 -- Client Direct Series can select from the following investment options. Click on a portfolio name for more information.
Sometimes referred to as the enrollment-based option, this is an investment approach where your asset allocation is programmed to change over time. Accounts for young beneficiaries are invested aggressively and accounts for beneficiaries with college right around the corner are invested much more conservatively. In some 529 plans, the age-based option operates by automatically transferring your investment from one static portfolio to another at certain points in time. Others utilize lifecycle funds or employ lifecycle-type tactics within the portfolio containing your investment so that it is not necessary to transfer your investment between portfolios.
| Portfolio | E.R. | %Â Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackRock Age-Based 5-7 Years Portfolio | 0.53% | 70% | 41.37% | 68 of 92 |
| iShares Age-Based 5-7 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 70% | 35.72% | 50 of 92 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 2-4 Years Portfolio | 0.51% | 80% | 46.44% | N/A |
| BlackRock Age-Based 16 Years Portfolio | 0.55% | 30% | 21.14% | N/A |
| BlackRock Age-Based 18 Years Portfolio | 0.53% | 10% | 8.92% | N/A |
| iShares Age-Based 2-4 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 80% | 42.05% | N/A |
| iShares Age-Based 16 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 30% | 15.14% | N/A |
| iShares Age-Based 18 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.25% | 10% | 4.99% | N/A |
| BlackRock Age-Based 0-1 Years Portfolio | 0.5% | 90% | 51.47% | 64 of 72 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 8-11 Years Portfolio | 0.53% | 60% | 36.27% | 34 of 92 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 12-13 Years Portfolio | 0.54% | 50% | 31.08% | 59 of 120 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 14-15 Years Portfolio | 0.55% | 40% | 25.87% | 46 of 78 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 17 Years Portfolio | 0.54% | 20% | 15.23% | 55 of 122 |
| BlackRock Age-Based 19+ Years Portfolio | 0.48% | 0% | 3.36% | 53 of 80 |
| iShares Age-Based 0-1 Years Porttfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 90% | 48.62% | 51 of 72 |
| iShares Age-Based 8-11 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 60% | 29.76% | 14 of 92 |
| iShares Age-Based 12-13 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.2% | 50% | 24.03% | 56 of 120 |
| iShares Age-Based 14-15 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.21% | 40.01% | 18.9% | 49 of 78 |
| iShares Age-Based 17 Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.22% | 20.01% | 10.3% | 50 of 122 |
| iShares Age-Based 19+ Years Portfolio (ETF) | 0.27% | 0% | N/A | 52 of 80 |
