Ascensus Celebrates Money Smart Week with Focus on College Savings Strategies

DRESHER, Pa., April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascensus College Savings, the nation's #1 529 college savings program manager in 529 plan assets under administration, will celebrate Money Smart Week 2017 by promoting increased awareness and consumer education on the benefits of 529 college savings plans.

Money Smart Week 2017 will be held April 22 through 27 and is the broadest and most comprehensive financial education program in the country. Started in 2002 by the Chicago Fed with just 40 programs, it has expanded significantly to become the only national financial educational program for people at all stages of life.

Ascensus College Savings plans to join in the spirit of this initiative, highlighting the importance of saving for post-secondary education and the role that 529 accounts can play. The firm has launched HowToSaveForCollege.com to provide American consumers with convenient, anytime access to the information and resources they need to make a plan for college savings.

The site outlines what potential savers can expect of the 529 investment process and features best practices and essential tools for success, including a college savings estimate calculator and clarification on the most common misconceptions. It also features a "Find Your Plan" directory to help connect savers with a 529 college savings plan suited to their savings goals.

"We understand that saving for college can seem challenging, so we work hard to ensure that savers have access to the information and tools they need to make informed decisions," says Jeff Howkins, president of Ascensus College Savings. "This Money Smart Week, we celebrate those who have already taken steps to invest in beneficiaries' future education and encourage all Americans to reevaluate their college savings strategy."

About Ascensus
Ascensus is the largest independent retirement and college savings services provider in the United States, helping over 7 million Americans save for the future. With more than 35 years of experience, the firm partners with financial institutions to offer tailored solutions that meet the needs of financial professionals, employers, and individuals. Ascensus specializes in recordkeeping, administrative, and program management services, supporting over 47,000 retirement plans, over 4 million 529 college savings accounts, and a growing number of ABLE savings accounts. It also administers more than 1.5 million IRAs and health savings accounts and is home to one of the largest ERISA consulting teams in the country. For more information about Ascensus, visit www.ascensus.com.

Before investing in any 529 plan, you should consider whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers a 529 plan that provides its taxpayers with state tax and other benefits that are only available through the home state's 529 plan. You also should consult your financial, tax, or other advisor to learn more about how state-based benefits (or any limitations) would apply to your specific circumstances. You also may wish to contact directly your home state's 529 plan(s), or any other 529 plan, to learn more about those plans' features, benefits and limitations. Keep in mind that state-based benefits should be one of many appropriately weighted factors to be considered when making an investment decision.

Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information such as specific benefits, limitations, rules and guidance are included in a 529 plan's offering statement; read and consider it carefully before investing.

When you invest in a 529 plan you are purchasing municipal securities whose value will vary with market conditions. Investment returns will vary depending upon the performance of the portfolios in the 529 plan you choose. Depending on market conditions, you could lose all or a portion of your money by investing in a 529 plan. Account owners assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. Carefully read any disclosure statements and detailed information relative to your investment goals or needs, or consult with a tax advisor for their specific tax applications or consequences.

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SOURCE Ascensus