Hartford Adds to SMART529 Web Site

The firm’s recent research of parents and grandparents who work with a financial adviser indicated that nearly a third do not feel “savvy” at all about investing, and more than half didn’t know how their 529 plans are allocated (see “Investors Rely on Advisers to Start College-Saving Conversation”). The Hartford said the results underscored the need for a better conversation between advisers and investors.

To help with the conversation, the SMART529 page on www.hartfordinvestor.com includes tools such as a Family College Savings Worksheet, which prompts investors to review their portfolio and to talk with their financial adviser about strategies for saving for college, according to The Hartford.

The site also offers a college-savings tip called “Things to Think About When Investing,” which investors can use during discussions with their financial adviser, and a SMART529 Calculator to help families estimate their future college savings costs.

“A financial adviser can help families set their college savings goals and build a plan that is tailored to their goals, timeframe, and tolerance for risk,” said Jeff Coghan, director of 529 plans at The Hartford, in a news release. “It’s also important that they evaluate their plan over time to ensure they’re staying on track.”