Good evening! I have the opportunity to receive financial benefits through my employer. This is the first employer to offer me this option. I'm overwhelmed and looking for some guidance and a point in the right direction.
1.) I currently use Scottrade's investment service. Though my employer uses Merrill Lynch investment service. Would Merrill Lynch be willing to transfer my investments to Scottrade? Would I be better off pulling investments from Scottrade in the future and transfer it to Merrill Lynch? Could anyone tell me more about Merrill Lynch's investment platform and how it compares? It's not important if investments are separate, though I would prefer my investments be together if I can benefit. I like Scottrade because they have branches, and I can speak to someone in person. I also enjoy the education seminars. They have a reasonable trade fee and the platform is simple to use. Could anyone chime in?
2.) I'm only 21 and I don't feel retirement planning is best for me right now. I'm more interested in risky investments such as stocks. Though my employer matches 401k's investments, so I'm interested. Could anyone tell me more about 401k's and this subject in general?
3.) I'm also subject to a discounted stock purchase through my employer. I see this as a good and bad. Good being, I can purchase the stock at a percentage cheaper then PPS. Bad being, since I have investing knowledge, I see the bad and good in my employer more so then the average employee. I feel I have mixed emotions about how the company is run meaning, I see the dirt and grime. It could effect my decision. Any help here?
4.) What questions and information should I ask from my employer?
If you have any resources or you can point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Gulley
