would the current problems with merryl lynch affect my 401k?


401k problems
frxa asked:


i have a retiment account with merryl and i just keep hearing about all their problems. does anyone know if i will take a hit over that? also should i cash out and get hit with the taxes?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Personal Finance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

3 Responses to “would the current problems with merryl lynch affect my 401k?”

  1. The Professor Says:
    August 26th, 2010 at 2:11 am

    Whatever you do, don’t cash out! That is the worst possible thing you can do. Your assets at ML are probably safe, but if you are really worried….

    If you are still working for the employer which has the 401K at ML, there really isn’t anything you can do. You employer determines who manages the 401K plan. However, I suspect you are asking the question because you have an account at ML from a former employer.

    In that case, set up a rollover IRA account at Vanguard or Fidelity Investments. You can then rollover the proceeds of your 401K account to the rollover IRA. This is not a taxable transaction so there will be no taxes or penalties. However, make sure ML transfers the money directly to your new account. The Professor

  2. Rush is a band Says:
    August 29th, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    No, the issues were with the securitization of sub-prime mortgages, not the brokerage side of the business. Merrill Lynch will be just fine. A little bruised from the $8B write down this Q and the ~$5B coming in 4Q07.

    No need to move the 401k, it’s your money, not theirs…

    good luck! Rush is a band

  3. digdowndeepnseattle Says:
    August 30th, 2010 at 10:07 am

    It will have absolutely no impact on your 401k. It will cost a few people at ML their jobs and reduce bonuses for people but that’s about it. The money in your 401k account was not invested in these assets so the valuation of your account will remain unchanged. digdowndeepnseattle

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