If we’ve learned anything from recent
economic events, it’s this: You can’t
depend on anyone besides yourself to
put your best interests first. But just because
you are on your own, that doesn’t mean you
are all alone.
Now, as a member of the Save Yourself
Retirement Program, you have me in your
corner to coach and help you. Believe me,
I am on your side. I want you to gain the
confidence to make your own decisions,
be in control of your money, and build a
diversified retirement portfolio so you can
be financially secure in your later years.
It’s easier than you think, because this
program helps you overcome the three stumbling
blocks that keep people from taking control:
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Which retirement account is best for you? |
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Where do you open that account? |
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What do you invest in? |
With no big fees or other strings attached, this program is so affordable you
now have the tools to Save Yourself.
Read through the FAQs below to learn even more about this program and if it is suitable for you.
Q. I’m already retired/a few years away from retirement...is this program suitable for me?
A. Maybe. If money you would invest in this program is money you might need to use within the next 10 years, then the program is not for you. But if you do want to invest for the long-term—and remember, today many people are living 20-30 years past their retirement date—then this program could be appropriate for some of your investment money.
Q. I’m 55+ years old—is this program suitable for me?
A. Maybe.—It depends on your goals. Someone age 55 today has an average life expectancy of about age 80; that means half of people age 55 today will live past 80. So you still have a long time where you may want at least some of your assets invested in stocks (which will often be held by the ETFs discussed in this program). So the decision comes down to your personal situation and needs for your money.
Q. Can I purchase this program for my child/grandchild?
A. Maybe—this program is designed for individuals who have at least 10 years—and ideally more—before they’ll need to access the money they’ve invested in a Traditional, Roth or Rollover IRA, so adult children and grandchildren may be good candidates if at least one of the following is true:
- They have earned income in 2009 and are willing to put some of that toward a contribution to a Roth or Traditional IRA.
- They have assets in a former employer’s qualified retirement plan that you can move to a Rollover IRA.
- They have a Traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA at another financial institution that they’d like to transfer to TD AMERITRADE.
Please note that the program generally isn’t suitable for minors UNLESS they’ve had reportable income from a job and have filed an income tax return. If they have, they may be eligible to contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA and start preparing for retirement early.
Q. I’m unemployed—can I use this program?
A. Yes—if at least one of the following is true:
- You have earned income in 2009 and are willing to put some of that toward a contribution to a Roth or Traditional IRA.
- You have assets in a former employer’s qualified retirement plan that you can move to a Rollover IRA.
- You have a Traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA at another financial institution that you’d like to transfer to TD AMERITRADE.
Q. I’m self-employed—can I use this program?
A. Yes—if at least one of the following is true:
- You have assets in a former employer’s qualified retirement plan that you can move to a Rollover IRA.
- You have a Traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA at another financial institution that you’d like to transfer to TD AMERITRADE.
Please note it may be more advantageous for you to focus your retirement investments in a special account designed for the self-employed, such as a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-IRA or an Individual 401(k). The program does not offer these types of accounts. Please consult a financial advisor or your tax advisor to determine the best strategy for your situation.
Q. I already have Traditional, Roth, and/or Rollover IRAs—is this a suitable program for me?
A. Yes—if you have a Traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA at another financial institution that you’d like to transfer to TD AMERITRADE, you can benefit from the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades available through this program.
Q. Can I open a spousal IRA through this program?
A. Yes—as long as you and your spouse file a joint tax return, and meet the eligibility criteria, you may open a Traditional or Roth spousal IRA through this program. (Note: A spousal IRA is the term used to refer to an IRA established for a non-working spouse).
Please keep in mind that each membership entitles you to open one IRA that is eligible for 24-commission free Internet equity trades from TD AMERITRADE. If you’d like multiple accounts to benefit from the free trades, you’ll need to purchase additional programs.
Q. I’m deaf/hard of hearing—will I be able to use this program?
A. Yes—although the program features videos, each of these is accompanied by a written summary of key points covered—so you can read what’s being spoken. Also, the program offers an abundance of articles and other content that you can read at your convenience.
Q. What kinds of accounts are eligible for this program?
A. You must open a Traditional, Roth or Rollover Individual Retirement Account (IRA) no later than 4/15/10 and fund it with at least $100 no later than 6/15/10 to receive the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades from TD AMERITRADE offered through this program.
Q. If I have an existing TD AMERITRADE account can I still participate?
A. After you purchase the program, existing TD AMERITRADE clients are eligible to participate in the Suze Orman Save Yourself Retirement Program if you set up a NEW individual retirement account and fund it with at least $100 from a source other than an existing TD AMERITRADE account. The new account will be credited with the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades as part of the offer.
If you encounter any issues setting up your new individual retirement account, please call 877-869-2051 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday, to speak with a representative who is specifically trained on the Suze Orman’s Retirement Program.
Q. Can I enroll my existing TD AMERITRADE IRA in this program?
A. The only existing TD AMERITRADE IRA that you can enroll into this program is a Save Yourself individual retirement account. If you had a Save Yourself IRA prior to purchasing this program, please call 877-869-2051 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday to speak with a representative who is specifically trained on the Suze Orman’s Retirement Program.
For any other type of existing TD AMERITRADE IRA, you will need to purchase the Save Yourself Retirement Program, open a NEW TD AMERITRADE IRA and deposit a minimum of $100 from a source other than an existing TD AMERITRADE account to receive the 24 free Internet equity trades within the new account.
Q. Can I fund my new TD AMERITRADE IRA with money from an existing Save Yourself account?
A. No. You cannot transfer money already invested in a TD AMERITRADE brokerage or Save Yourself account to a new IRA to receive the free trades.
Q. How do I go about initiating a rollover from my employer’s qualified retirement plan (e.g., 401(k), profit-sharing)?
A. When you’re ready to move ahead with a Rollover IRA—for all or a portion of your plan assets—call a TD AMERITRADE Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM at 800-454-5605 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F, ET) who will assist you. The Retirement Planning Counselors are specially trained to help you with IRA rollovers and discuss the specific rules for your plan.
Q. If I transfer an existing Traditional, Roth and/or Rollover IRA from another financial institution to TD AMERITRADE, will I pay any fees?
A. TD AMERITRADE will not charge you a fee for this transfer, but the institution you are moving your money from may levy a fee. To discuss your options, talk to a TD AMERITRADE Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM at 800-454-5605 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F, ET).
Q. I’m currently contributing to a 401(k)/403(b)/TSP—can I move that account to TD AMERITRADE to take advantage of this offer?
A. Probably not. Generally, if you’re still working for the employer sponsoring the 401(k)/403(b)/TSP, you won’t be permitted to move those assets out of the employer-sponsored plan. You should check with your employee benefits department to see if there are any exceptions available to you.
Q. Can I open up multiple IRAs with the purchase of one Suze Orman’s Save Yourself Retirement Program?
A. Each membership entitles you to open one IRA that is eligible for 24-commission free Internet equity trades from TD AMERITRADE.
If you’d like multiple accounts to benefit from the free trades, you’ll need to purchase additional programs.
Q. Can I purchase one program to cover both my husband (or wife) and me?
A. Each membership entitles you to open one IRA that is eligible for 24-commission free Internet equity trades from TD AMERITRADE.
If you’d like multiple accounts to benefit from the free trades, you’ll need to purchase additional programs.
Q. What’s my membership fee?
A. Your membership fee is the price you paid QVC for the program—$35.42. This membership fee entitles you to a year’s worth of benefits.
Q. When does the membership end?
A. Your membership expires one year after you activate your program. The deadline for activating your program is 4/15/2010.
Q. When does the renewal begin?
A. If you’ve chosen the renewal option, your renewal will begin a year after you activate your program. The deadline for activating the current program is 4/15/2010.
Q. Can I use the exchange traded fund (ETF) models provided in the Dorsey Wright & Associates newsletter with my 401(k) account?
A. Yes—if one of the following is true:
- You have a 401(k) with a former employer—you can then move these assets into a Rollover IRA with TD AMERITRADE, invest in the Dorsey Wright ETF models and benefit from the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades.
- Your 401(k) plan with your current employer offers a “self-directed” option—you can then invest in the Dorsey Wright ETF models. Note: you will not benefit from the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades offered by TD AMERITRADE through this program.
Q. Can I use the exchange traded fund (ETF) models provided in the Dorsey Wright & Associates newsletter without opening an account at TD AMERITRADE?
A. Yes—once you purchase the program, you can follow the Dorsey Wright ETF models via any retirement or non-retirement brokerage account—but you won’t benefit from the 24 commission-free Internet equity trades unless you open a Traditional, Roth or Rollover IRA at TD AMERITRADE and trade through that account.
Q. Will TD AMERITRADE look at what investments I have and tell me whether I should use the Dorsey Wright & Associates exchange traded fund (ETF) models?
A. No—TD AMERITRADE cannot tell you what investments to buy or sell. You can use the research and education resources available on the TD AMERITRADE website to learn more, but you are in charge of all of your investment decisions.
Q. Do I have to follow the Dorsey Wright & Associates exchange traded fund (ETF) models to participate in this program?
A. No—the ETF models provided by Dorsey Wright & Associates are an option for you to consider—but you’re free to invest in a wide variety of other investments through your TD AMERITRADE Traditional, Roth or Rollover IRA.
Q. Are the Dorsey Wright & Associates exchange traded fund (ETF) models customized for me or the same for everyone?
A. The Dorsey Wright & Associates model portfolios are not customized to your personal situation. The three model portfolios are available to all members.