#United States #Overland Park #Creative Planning #Catalis #529 Savings Plan

Enhancing Mississippi's 529 Savings Plan with Creative Planning

Creative Planning, a well-known investment advisory firm in the United States, has announced a significant upgrade to the Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) Plan through a partnership with Catalis. This collaboration aims to modernize the investment management approach utilized in 529 education savings plans, thereby benefiting families planning for higher education expenses.

Modernization Goals and Approach

The MACS Plan's upgrade will leverage Creative Planning's extensive experience of over 40 years in investment management. By integrating Catalis's innovative savings program platform, the newly enhanced MACS Plan seeks to provide families with a more user-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective way to save for education. The collaboration aims to simplify the overall experience while ensuring that families have access to an array of modern tools to support their saving goals.

Key Features of the Updated MACS Plan

The revamped MACS Plan introduces several noteworthy features designed to cater to the evolving needs of account holders:

1. Dynamic Enrollment Year Portfolios: These portfolios will adjust automatically over time, guiding savers toward their future education costs effectively.
2. Streamlined Investment Selection: For those who prefer simplicity, the plan will feature risk-based portfolios that make investment choices more straightforward.
3. Cost Reduction: Families will benefit from a significant 20% reduction in fees compared to the previous pricing structure, making it more affordable to save for their children’s education.
4. Enhanced Planning Tools: Users will have access to advanced tools that assist in making informed investment choices upon enrollment in the program.

Creative Planning’s President and CEO, Peter Mallouk, expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, "We are excited to bring a more innovative approach to the 529 market through our collaboration with Catalis." He recognizes the need for flexible solutions that help families plan effectively for educational expenses.

Integration of Modern Technology

In addition to redesigning investment management, the partnership will enhance user experience through technology integration. As part of the modernization efforts, families will enjoy features such as:

• - Digital Wallet Gifting: Through platforms like PayPal and Venmo, including cryptocurrency options, friends and family can easily contribute to a child's education fund.
• - Prepaid Cards: The introduction of Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards will assist students by making it easier to cover educational expenses such as textbooks.

Catalis CEO Scott Roza highlighted the importance of this collaboration, mentioning that they strategically sought an investment partner that adhered to an open investment architecture, enabling broader access to top-tier investment firms. This openness is critical in delivering innovative financial products to meet the diverse needs of Mississippi families.

About Creative Planning and Catalis

Creative Planning LLC is not just a leader in investment advisory services; it also provides a comprehensive suite of financial planning solutions, including estate planning, retirement planning, and tax advice. With about $750 billion in assets managed as of June 30, 2026, the firm emphasizes a holistic approach in managing wealth and advising clients.

Catalis serves as a trusted partner for multiple 529 education savings programs across the United States. It specializes in program administration, participant record-keeping, and integrating modern payment solutions with secure technology, aiming to simplify financial tasks for families.

As the educational landscape continues to change, partnerships like the one between Creative Planning and Catalis play a crucial role in providing families with the tools and strategies they need to successfully save for the future of their children's education.

In conclusion, the combined efforts of Creative Planning and Catalis are set to make a significant impact on the Mississippi 529 Savings Plan, offering families a modern, efficient, and cost-effective way to prepare for educational expenses. The outlook for Mississippi families looking to save for education has never looked brighter.