Products September 2, 2015

Morgan Stanley Offers Education to Stock Plan Participants

In tandem with a recordkeeping system change, Morgan Stanley released its Knowledge Center for equity compensation plan participants.
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Morgan Stanley’s Global Stock Plan Services (GSPS) group recently completed the successful migration of more than 300 corporate clients to its newly redesigned equity recordkeeping portal, StockPlan Connect.

In tandem with StockPlan Connect, Global Stock Plan Services released its first iteration of a participant Knowledge Center, with a mobile-optimized version following shortly thereafter. The Knowledge Center features a variety of educational content, ranging from user guides and videos in multiple languages to infographics and thought leadership articles.

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A poll from Morgan Stanley’s Global Stock Plan Services revealed 89% of those surveyed feel it is important that an employer provide education and guidance about how a stock plan works.

“Our goal with the Knowledge Center is two-fold: provide information to stock plan participants regarding StockPlan Connect as well as help participants understand the ever-growing importance of equity compensation to their wealth planning goals. This resource provides access to the full power of the Morgan Stanley franchise,” says Evan Siegal, head of Corporate Equity Solutions Communication and Training.

Development of a StockPlan Connect mobile app is currently underway, targeted for launch later this year.

The Knowledge Center is at http://www.morganstanley.com/spc/knowledge/.

Products September 2, 2015

Ascensus College Savings Launches Learn529.com

The interactive website educates investors about 529 plans.
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Ascensus College Savings, a 529 plan administrator, has launched Learn529.com, an interactive website that educates investors about 529 plans and how to achieve college savings goals.

Ascensus timed the launch for September’s College Savings Month. The website, which is available in both English and Spanish, highlights the benefits and common misconceptions associated with 529 plans. Benefits of 529 plans include a range of investment options, tax advantages for qualified withdrawals, the flexibility to change beneficiaries, and more. Ascensus developed the website in association with EverFi, a provider of financial education for consumers and students.

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“Learn529.com is a great resource for families to better understand the many benefits of investing in a 529 plan,” says Jeff Howkins, president of Ascensus College Savings. “As the cost of a college education continues to rise, Ascensus College Saings recognizes the importance of educating investors about how 529 plans can help them reach their college savings goals.”

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