529 Account Owners Reach Milestone $100 Billion in Assets Saved on the Ascensus Platform

DRESHER, Pa. - Jan. 30, 2018 - PRLog -- Ascensus, a technology-enabled service provider that helps more than 7 million Americans save for the future, is pleased to announce that 529 account owners have saved over $100 billion on the firm's recordkeeping platform. In total, these savings could finance a four-year college education for over 1.24 million students.¹

Ascensus' leading-edge technology platform and interactive planning tools make it simple for over 4 million 529 account owners to track progress to their savings goals. The firm's Ugift^® platform has also become an important component of Americans' education savings strategy, enabling family and friends to contribute money directly to a beneficiary's 529 account. In late 2017, Ascensus made it even easier for non-account owners to become meaningful contributors to loved ones' accounts, allowing them to establish gifter profiles and schedule recurring gifting contributions.

With 15 years of 529 industry experience, Ascensus has become a key advocate for 529 plan education and awareness. The firm's HowToSaveForCollege.com empowers consumers to save for education expenses, providing easy-to-understand explanations of college costs and reinforcing the benefits of a 529 account. The site outlines what potential savers can expect of the investment process and highlights best practices and essential tools for success.

"As one of the first movers in the 529 account market, we're extremely excited to see how much savings progress account owners have made over the years," states Jeff Howkins, president of Ascensus' education savings division. "This milestone marks an unforgettable moment not only for our firm, but also for American families who have taken steps to save for the education their beneficiaries need to achieve their dreams."

About Ascensus

Ascensus helps more than 7 million Americans save for the future—retirement, college, and healthcare—through technology-enabled solutions. With more than 35 years of experience, the firm offers tailored solutions that meet the needs of asset managers, banks, credit unions, state governments, financial professionals, employers, and individuals. Ascensus supports over 50,000 retirement plans, more than 4 million 529 college savings accounts, and a growing number of ABLE savings accounts. It also administers more than 1.7 million IRAs and health savings accounts. As of September 30, 2017, Ascensus had over $158 billion in total assets under administration. For more information about Ascensus, visit ascensus.com.

View career opportunities at careers.ascensus.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ascensus. For the latest company news, follow @AscensusInc on Twitter.

¹Average Published Undergraduate Charges by Sector, 2016-2017; 1-year tuition at an in-state, public four-year university: $20,090. Source: The College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges.

Before investing in any 529 plan, please consider whether your or the beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state's 529 plan.

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/disclosure 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. 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. Consult with a tax advisor for specific tax applications or consequences.

Ugift^® is a registered service mark of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC.