CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced dates for the Illinois College Savings Summit to provide tax and investment professionals with important updates on Illinois’ Bright Start and Bright Directions college savings programs, now considered among the best in the country.
“We know that children are more likely to go to college if they know that someone opened a college savings account for them,” Frerichs said. “We encourage financial advisors and investment professionals to attend and learn more about these opportunities for the families they serve.” Professionals will walk away with new strategies to help their clients save for college. They also will also earn continuing education credits. There is no cost to attend a meeting.
Frerichs is a featured speaker at the sessions. He will provide updates on the programs and speak about the need to educate families on the importance of saving for college.
The program management team from Union Bank & Trust, the program manager for both Bright Start and Bright Directions, will speak about the recent enhancements to both college savings plans, tax considerations and financial aid.
In 2017, Morningstar, which evaluates and rates college savings plans, upgraded Bright Start to a Gold medal and for the third-consecutive year awarded Bright Directions a Silver medal. That means Bright Start and Bright Directions are among the best in the country.
The summit will also provide an overview on the Illinois ABLE program for individuals with a disability that manifested itself before the age of 26. A presentation will include details on ways families can save and invest funds for qualified expenses.
Sessions will run at the following dates and times:
Thursday, May 31 – Chicago Thursday, May 31 – Deerfield Monday, June 11 – Champaign JW Marriott Chicago Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hilton Garden Inn Champaign 151 W Adams St. 1750 Lake Cook Rd. 1501 S Neil St.
Chicago, IL 60603 Deerfield, IL 60015 Champaign, IL 61820 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The summit is intended for tax and investment professionals. Registration for all sessions is now open at Bright529.com. Early registration is encouraged because seating is limited.
For more information on the plans, visit ILCollegeSavings.com or call 877.432.7444.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $28 billion. The portfolio includes $12 billion in state funds, $10 billion in college savings plans and $5.5 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.