J.P. Morgan Launches Powerful New Resource - College Planning Essentials

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today announced that it has launched College Planning Essentials, an informational tool intended to help financial advisors have more effective conversations around saving and investing for college with their clients.

College Planning Essentials features clear, compelling charts and data on the most relevant college planning topics to help advisors engage clients, debunk common myths associated with education costs and encourage informed saving and investing behaviors. 

Industry studies show that nearly 73% of college savers are not using a 529 plan and nearly 50% of middle- to high-income families do not have a plan to save for college at all. Without a plan, families run the risk of not saving enough and borrowing too much. College Planning Essentials aims to provide advisors with better education around college planning topics to help their clients put a saving and investing plan in place.

"Saving for college is one of the most emotional financial decisions that many families face. In developing this educational guide, our goal was to arm advisors with the content they need to have more engaging client conversations and ultimately improve savings outcomes for the millions of families preparing to send their children to college," said Michael Conrath, Head of the College Savings Program at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "College Planning Essentials reflects our commitment to sharing our thought leadership with advisors and their clients. We believe that a comprehensive resource to navigate the challenges of college funding will help families save smartly and more efficiently."

College Planning Essentials sets the stage for college saving and investing conversations by outlining key planning topics including tuition costs, financial aid and student loan debt as well as explaining the benefits of choosing tax-efficient investment vehicles. The guide takes a holistic approach to the college savings landscape and is structured to help advisors encourage informed investing, deliver solutions and deepen relationships with clients.

"The launch of College Planning Essentials is timely given that college planning is a hot topic during the fourth quarter as families work with their advisors to take advantage of year-end tax planning and gifting opportunities," added Conrath.

J.P. Morgan is the investment manager and distributor for New York's 529 Advisor-Guided College Savings Program. Learn more

About J.P. Morgan Asset Management

J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under supervision of approximately $1.9 trillion and assets under management of $1.5 trillion (as of 6/30/13), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high-net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world.  J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity.  JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), the parent company of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, is a leading global asset management firm with assets of approximately $2.1 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries.  Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Disclosures

Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in that state's qualified tuition program.

The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Advisor-Guided Plan. Neither the State of New York nor its agencies insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any amount or investment portfolio.

Upromise Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC serve as Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, and are responsible for day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions. J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. markets and distributes the Advisor-Guided Plan. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. is a member of FINRA/SIPC.

New York's 529 College Savings Program includes two separate 529 plans. The Advisor-Guided Plan is sold exclusively through financial advisors who have entered into Advisor-Guided Plan selling agreements with JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. You may also participate in the Direct Plan, which is sold directly by the Program and offers lower fees. However, the investment options available under the Advisor-Guided Plan are not available under the Direct Plan. The fees and expenses of the Advisor-Guided Plan include compensation to the financial advisor. Be sure to understand the options available before making an investment decision.

For more information about New York's 529 Advisor-Guided College Savings Program, you may contact your financial advisor or obtain an Advisor-Guided Plan Disclosure Booklet and Tuition Savings Agreement at www.ny529advisor.com or by calling 1-800-774-2108. This document includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information. You should read and consider it carefully before investing.

The Program Administrators, the Program Manager and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., and their respective affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This information is provided for general educational purposes only. This is not to be considered legal or tax advice. Investors should consult with their legal or tax advisors for personalized assistance, including information regarding any specific state law requirements.

SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management