NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascensus College Savings, one of the nation’s largest administrators of 529 plans, unveiled Learn529.com, an interactive website that educates investors about 529 plans and how the investment tool can help achieve college savings goals.
Launched during September’s College Savings Month, Learn529.com, which is available in both English and Spanish, offers users a unique learning experience, navigating users through the initial steps to open a 529 plan and highlighting the benefits and common misconceptions associated with the savings vehicle. The site is provided in partnership with EverFi, a leading provider of web-based financial education for consumers and students nationwide. EverFi’s learning technology uses animations, video, and simulations to bring financial topics to life for today’s digital consumer.
“Learn529.com is a great resource for families to better understand the many benefits of investing in a 529 plan,” said Jeff Howkins, president of Ascensus College Savings. “As the cost of a college education continues to rise, Ascensus College Savings recognizes the importance of educating investors about how 529 plans can help them reach their college savings goals.”
Through the use of 529 plans, families and individuals can save for the increasing cost of higher education at any accredited school nationwide, including four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. Benefits of 529 plans include a range of investment options, control of the account in accordance with 529 requirements, tax advantages for qualified withdrawals,1 flexibility to change beneficiaries, and more. For more information on 529 plans, please visit www.AscensusCollegeSavings.com.
About Ascensus
Ascensus is the largest independent retirement and college savings services provider in the United States, helping over 6 million Americans save for the future. With more than 30 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 40,000 retirement plans and over 3.3 million 529 college savings accounts. It also administers more than 1.5 million IRAs and health savings accounts. For more information, visit www.ascensus.com.
About EverFi
EverFi, Inc. is the education technology innovator that empowers learners with the skills that prepare them to be successful in life. With backing from some of technology’s most innovative leaders including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, and Twitter founder Evan Williams, EverFi has become leading provider of web-based financial education for consumers and students nationwide. The EverFi Education Network is powered by over 1,200 partner organizations across all 50 states and Canada and has certified over 12 million students. Learn more at www.everfi.com.
1 Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10 percent federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent upon meeting other requirements.
For more information about 529 plans managed or administered by Ascensus College Savings call 1.877.529.2980 or visit ascensuscollegesavings.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 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 Plan you choose. Depending on market conditions, you could lose all or a portion of your money by investing in a Plan. Account owners assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences.
