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Retirement savings frustration

October 10th, 2021 at 10:26 pm

Years and years ago I started an IRA when I worked a number of part time jobs. None of my jobs would allow me to put in money before taxes, but I saved up and started an IRA on my own. This was before the beautiful thing called a Roth IRA came about. Anyway, I wasn't making much, but decided the fact I was young and compound interest would be my friend.

When I finally got hired full time as a teacher, I went to a financial advisor and we opened a wonderful 403b. We let my IRA money basically alone which was fine. So, after over 30 years, I have made some money on my investment. It isn't huge, less than $10,000, but it is mine.

However, the original company sold out to another company. A few years later that company was bought out. and now in 2021, another company has taken over. This last company, doesn't seem to be a really good one. So, my financial advisor and I decided we would move it to another IRA that I have. Shouldn't be an issue, right?

Wrong! I filled out a bunch of papers and they were sent in and within 24 hours, we were told they were not the right papers, although these were the ones the person on the phone said we needed. So, another batch of paperwork was filled out and then we heard nothing. Finally we called and spoke with someone and they said that they were just getting around to processing the papers. I had to sit in the office with my financial guy as he asked questions (I'm glad he knew what to ask) and then verify everything, and he took copious notes. They thought maybe the money would clear in the next 24 hours, but she wasn't sure. The paperwork itself done by the company was one big mess -- they sent me a statement, but instead of using my Social Security number, they were using the tax number for my financial guy, and had the wrong address. 

I'm happy to report that three months have passed since we first put in to transfer the money and it is no longer with this company. Fortunately  my financial guy knew the questions to ask, and what to do, and called repeatedly. It is scary when you think a big company screwed up the paperwork to begin with and then took almost three months to give me what was rightfully mine. It is now in an IRA where things are done correctly. But wow! 

5 Responses to “Retirement savings frustration”

  1. Wink Says:
    1633907822

    Very frustrating! Three months to process what should be a pretty simple transaction is very poor customer service. I'm glad it was finally resolved and your money is safe and sound.

  2. CB in the City Says:
    1633987296

    So sorry this happened to you, but I'm glad it is finally resolved! How frustrating!

  3. VS_ozgirl Says:
    1633994659

    Just imagine the average person trying to sort this out, luckily you have your knowledgeable financial guy. Glad you finally have it in the right place!

  4. Dido Says:
    1634600832

    sorry to hear about the frustration, glad it's been sorted out!

  5. scfr Says:
    1634684964

    Sorry you had to experience all that frustration. Glad to hear the money is now where it belongs.

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