The Hartford Finds Need For Periodic Client-Advisor Dialogue On College Savings

Are you a savvy investor? Do you know how your college savings portfolio is invested? The Hartford asked these questions of 520 parents and grandparents who work with a financial advisor in an October 2009 online survey. The survey uncovered that:

• Only a small percentage (13 percent) considered themselves "very savvy” while most (55 percent) said they were "somewhat savvy” investors;
• Nearly a third (32 percent) called themselves "not at all savvy;”
• When it comes to their college savings investments, more than half didn’t know how their 529 portfolio is allocated and some couldn’t say what type of plan they invest in, whether it consists of age-based, static or individual fund options.

"These findings underscore the need for financial advisors to review the basics of investing for college with their clients,” says Jeff Coghan, director of 529 plans at The Hartford. "A college savings conversation may help families plan more effectively and be more involved in the process of reaching their college goals.”

Based on the survey findings, SMART529 revamped the college savings page on www.hartfordinvestor.com. The new site includes tools that are meant to stimulate dialogue about saving for college between investors and advisors, including:

• A Family College Savings Worksheet that prompts investors to review their portfolio and to talk with their financial advisor about strategies for saving for college;
• A "Things to Think About When Investing” college savings tip sheet, which investors can use during discussions with their financial advisor;
• A SMART529 Calculator to help families estimate their future college savings costs.

"A financial advisor can help families set their college savings goals and build a plan that is tailored to their goals, timeframe and tolerance for risk,” says Coghan. "It’s also important that they evaluate their plan over time to ensure they’re staying on track.”

A white paper with additional information on the college savings survey results is available at www.hartfordinvestor.com.

Also, visit Hartford Investor to view the SMART Steps to College Savings guide.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

HIG-L

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

SMART529 is offered by the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees and is administered by Hartford Life Insurance Company.

You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of SMART529 and its Underlying Funds before investing. This and other information can be found in the Offering Statement for SMART529 and the prospectuses or other disclosure documents for the Underlying Funds, which can be obtained on SMART529.com or by calling 866-574-3542. Please read them carefully before you invest or send money. SMART529 is distributed by Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. Member SIPC.

If you reside in or have taxable income in a state other than West Virginia, you should consider whether your state has a qualified tuition program that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits exclusive to your state’s program that are not available under the SMART529 program.

Investments in SMART529 are not guaranteed or insured by the State of West Virginia, the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program, the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, Hartford Life Insurance Company, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., the investment sub-advisors for the Underlying Funds or any depository institution and are subject to investment risks, including the loss of the principal amount invested, and may not be appropriate for all investors.

This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matter(s) addressed in this material. The information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice.

"The Hartford” is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

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"SMART529” is a registered trademark of the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees.