[September 14, 2015]

Ascensus College Savings Ugift® Program Exceeds $200 Million Milestone

Ascensus College Savings, one of the nation's largest administrators of 529 plans, announced its Ugift® program surpassed $200 million in gift contributions to 529 college savings plans. Since reaching the $100 million mark in May 2014, Ugift® contributions have since doubled, with over $50 million contributed so far in 2015.

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"In less than a year we've seen contributions to the Ugift® program grow significantly due in large part to a widespread eagerness among families to save for college. We are extremely excited about this milestone and anticipate continued growth in the year ahead, with the approach of the holiday gifting season," said Jeff Howkins, president of Ascensus (News - Alert) College Savings.

Launched in 2007, Ugift® is a free and user-friendly online service that allows family and friends to gift money to 529 college savings plans. A 529 college savings plan is a flexible and tax-advantaged account for qualified educational expenses.

"Given the increasing cost of college and college-related expenses, we understand it is more important to ease the process of saving. Ugift® allows parents, families and friends to make meaningful contributions throughout a child's life. Every bit help to make the financial responsibility of college more manageable," Howkins added.

To increase awareness of the Ugift® program, Ascensus College Savings has focused its efforts on providing education, resources and tools for college savers in the 17 states it services. Most recently, Ascensus College Savings launched Learn529.com, an interactive website that educates investors about 529 plans and how the investment tool can help achieve college savings goals.

All Ugift® contributions are directed to the beneficiary's 529 college savings plan. Contributions can be made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH), a secure electronic network of financial transactions, or by check at any time with no associated fees for the beneficiary or contributor. For more information on Ugift®, please visit www.ugift529.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 about Ascensus, visit www.ascensus.com.

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.

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