Jocko Madigan wrote:I was wondering if anyone could offer me advice on the process of transferring accounts from E*TRADE to Vanguard.
I transferred my Roth IRA from E*Trade to Vanguard last year. Here are the steps that I followed:
1. Open Roth IRA with Vanguard by providing them the required information.
2. Ask Vanguard (online step) to perform the transfer of funds from E*Trade to Vanguard account.
3. You can choose the funds that you would like to use at Vanguard.
4. After getting your confirmation, Vanguard will initiate a transfer and retrieve all the money to the dollar amount that you may have specified for the transfer.
Jocko Madigan wrote:Should I transfer these accounts one at a time or all at once?
It is better to get everything transferred at once.
Jocko Madigan wrote:Should I open the three accounts at Vanguard first, and then transfer from E*TRADE?
Yes
Jocko Madigan wrote:Are the transfers something I can do strictly online, or will I need to sign and mail documents, and maybe have them notarized?
You can do everything online. Once the process is initiated, you will receive documents in mail from Vanguard in about 8-10 business days. You need to sign the papers and send to Vanguard. After receiving the papers, they will complete the transfer. No need to notarize any documents.
Jocko Madigan wrote:Do I need to sell the mutual funds in E*TRADE before transferring the money?
No you don't need to go and explicitly sell the mutual funds before the transfer.
Jocko Madigan wrote:I know E*TRADE will charge a transfer fee, but is this fee per account or per transfer (e.g. will I be charged this fee three times?)?
I was not charged any fees, but you can check with E*Trade
Jocko Madigan wrote:Is there anything else I should be aware of? Thanks.
Not that I know of.. I did everything online and the process was very smooth. You can call Vanguard services in case if you have any questions.
Hope this helps!
