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Professional Articles
Best performing 529 plans
Recommending 529 college savings plans to your clients? View the latest rankings of each 529 plan -- from top to bottom -- for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance.
Learn moreFeatured Professional ArticlesPRO
What Happens When Values and Budget Don't Align During the College Search
We know about the importance of choosing a college our clients can afford – but what happens when the most affordable path doesn't align with your client’s goals?
Read moreHow to Analyze and Appeal a Client's Financial Aid Award Letter
Financial advisors who help clients decipher financial aid award letters need to understand how they work and how to appeal effectively.
Read moreHow Advisors Can Help Clients Navigate Private Scholarships
Financial advisors can guide clients through the scholarship application process by setting clear expectations and leveraging technology.
Read moreHow to Get Your Client’s Student Loan Forgiven or Paid Off
Many borrowers are turning to a financial advisor for help with managing their student loan debt. Learn how you can add value to your clients.
Read moreLife Insurance for Planning, or Paying, for Future Educational Expenses
Life insurance is sometimes recommended as way to plan and pay for college. Learn about why a 529 plan may be a smarter alternative.
Read moreStates that Do Not Conform with Federal 529 Plan Tax Laws
Federal tax benefits of 529 plans include tax-deferred investment growth, tax-free distributions for qualified education expenses and tax-free 529 plan rollovers. However, some states do not fully conform with the federal laws regarding qualified tuition programs.
Read moreFINRA Gives Firms Until April 1 to Self-Report 529 Plan Share Class Violations
FINRA’s new 529 Plan Share Class Initiative allows firms to self-report any issues with 529 plan share class recommendations and supervision by April 1 to avoid fines. FINRA hopes the initiative will help to remedy potential violations and return money to affected investors as quickly and effectively as possible.
Read moreHow the kiddie tax may affect your clients
The Kiddie Tax applies to income a child ear. 529 savings plans have been replacing UGMA/UTMA accounts, because savings grow tax-deferred, and can be withdrawn tax-free when to pay for qualified education expenses, avoiding the Kiddie Tax entirely.
Read moreTop 10 reasons clients aren't saving for college - and how to respond
See more articlesWhen asked why they aren't saving for college in a 529 plan, clients will typically give one of these 10 excuses. Here are some ways financial advisors can address their concerns and stress the importance of planning for future education costs.
Read moreContent for ProfessionalsPRO
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- 529 Performance Rankings
Access rankings by asset allocation or on a composite basis to view best-to-worst quarterly performance results for both direct-sold and advisor-sold 529 plans.
- Gift Tax Center
View specific information and examples relating to gift tax reporting requirements as they relate to 529 plan contributions.
- Income Tax Center
View tax forms and information concerning the reporting of 529 plan distributions on the federal income tax return.
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Professional Newsletter
529 Pro Update
This twice monthly newsletter is essential for financial professionals who want to stay up-to-date on the latest strategies and industry news

529 News
- 04/05: Alaska 529 launches generous education savings incentive programs
- 04/02: CollegeInvest announces a reduction in fees for its Direct Portfolio College Savings Plan
- 03/23: State Treasurer Fitzgerald announces fee reduction for College Savings Iowa
- 03/10: Texas Comptroller’s Office announces reduction in some fees, changes to the Advisor-Sold LoneStar 529 Plan
- 03/08: Ascensus/Goldman Sachs Named New AZ529 Advisor Plan Provider
You can also view allfederal, industry, state, or plan news.