How to fix Rollover 'mistake'?

[ashown]

Dear all,
I am looking for some advice here. Little more details...

About an year and half ago I changed a job. I had total 52k in my 401k with the employer. After lot of thinking, I chose to rollover that money into Edward Jones (EJ), while paying about 4.5% one time charge. I was hoping to keep this money there for another 25 yrs or so, without adding any more. At the time EJ felt a right choice. So, after fees, my account started with ~$50,500;but in 5 months (since opening) account is only at $50,900, gains of $400 or 0.8% returns. During the same time, my employer 401k account, 529 account and Roth IRA account (with Vanguard) offered ~12% returns. In conclusion, I think I am not getting my money worth with EJ.

Now, the question is: I would like to move my money from EJ to Vanguard, but it feels like 4.5% one time fees I paid is a big loss for a service of only 5 months. Is there any way I can take my money out of EJ without loosing the 4.5% in fees? Or am I being paranoid to think that EJ is not offering a satisfactory performance?

Thanks!!!

[disneysteve]

I think you're confusing a couple of unrelated issues.

1. You moved your money to a high-priced full service broker. That's where the 4.5% fee came from.

2. You aren't happy with how that investment has performed. How is the money invested? I'm guessing it's probably in an actively managed mutual fund.

Whether you leave the money there or not, the fee is gone, so that shouldn't influence your decision. Your decision should be based on the fact that full service brokers suck . Forget about the fee. Consider it the cost of a life lesson. Move the money to Vanguard and be done with it.

[Jluke]

Be sure that vanguard initiates the transfer. Do not have EJ do it.

There might be more fees from EJ when they find out you are doing this. Vanguard might cover those fees so be sure to ask them upfront.

[feh]

Your immediate problem has been addressed above, but it sound to me like you need to learn some basics of investing and pronto.

Please read this page: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogl...g_start-up_kit