Brand recognition, tools key drivers of 529 choice.(Short Interests)

Investment News, November, 2004

Byline: Charles Paikert NEW YORK - Brand recognition, a multimanager approach and strong selling tools are key drivers in the selection of Section 529 college savings plans, according to a survey of more than 1,100 financial advisers by Manulife Financial Corp. for its John Hancock Freedom 529 plan.

According to the survey, 77% of financial advisers cited brand recognition as "very important'' or "important'' when choosing one 529 plan over another. "Brand matters and can be an important purchase consideration,'' said Carey Foran Hoch, vice president of product and marketing for Toronto-based Manulife's U.S. College Savings division, "which is why we changed our product name to John Hancock Freedom 529 following Manulife Financial's recent...

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