A new survey from Edward Jones and Morning Consult finds that despite the tax benefits and flexibility of 529 education savings plans, more than half of Americans (52%) don’t know what they are. Only 14% of respondents currently use or plan to use a 529 plan, suggesting that lack of awareness is a major barrier to adoption. 

These plans allow tax-deferred investment growth and can be used not only for college but also for K-12 expenses, apprenticeships, and even student loan repayment, though most respondents were unaware of these options. Financial advisors at Edward Jones stressed the need for more education, noting that advisors can play a critical role in helping families align 529 strategies with broader financial goals. 

The findings come as higher education continues to demonstrate strong long-term value, with college graduates earning about 80% more than those with only a high school diploma, according to the TIAA Institute and Bureau of Labor data. 

Finsum: With more than half of U.S. jobs projected to require a degree by 2031, raising awareness of 529 plans could be vital in helping families prepare for future education costs.

Defined outcome exchange-traded funds (ETFs), particularly buffer strategies, have grown in popularity as investors seek ways to manage volatility and reduce downside risk in uncertain markets. These ETFs cap upside potential in exchange for a defined buffer against losses, typically over a 12-month period, allowing investors to stay invested while limiting risk exposure. 

While the trade-off of reduced upside may not appeal to long-term growth investors, recent innovations such as bitcoin-protected ETFs have expanded the reach of these products, offering cautious entry points into riskier assets. 

The market for defined outcome ETFs has expanded rapidly, now exceeding 400 funds with more than $70 billion in assets and $8 billion in net inflows year-to-date. Innovator and First Trust dominate the space, accounting for more than 90% of assets under management, though new entrants like AllianzIM and Calamos are gaining ground with differentiated strategies. 

Finsum: Defined outcome ETFs have evolved from a niche product into a mainstream risk management tool, reflecting rising investor demand and ongoing product innovation.

Infrastructure is emerging as a core allocation for advisors, and BlackRock is seizing the moment with the launch of its first active infrastructure ETF, the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (BILT). The fund builds on BlackRock’s $10 billion passive infrastructure ETF lineup and the firm’s $183 billion infrastructure footprint, bolstered by its 2023 acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners. 

Managed by Balfe Morrison, BILT takes an active approach that aims to capture alpha in sectors such as utilities, transportation, energy, and data infrastructure, all of which are seeing heightened demand from AI adoption, digital growth, and shifting supply chains. 

At inception, utilities make up the largest allocation, followed by transportation and oil and gas, with about two-thirds of exposure focused on North America and select opportunities in Europe and Asia. With yields around 3%, infrastructure provides the income and downside protection investors expect, but Morrison stresses that BILT also offers meaningful potential for capital appreciation. 

Finsum: For advisors, the ETF offers diversification, inflation hedging, and exposure to long-term global trends, making infrastructure more relevant than ever in retirement and income-focused portfolios.