Merrill Edge

Investing can be a daunting task for many people. It involves navigating complex markets, analyzing financial data, and making informed decisions that could affect your future. That’s why it’s important to have access to the right tools and resources that can simplify the process and make it more accessible for everyone. This is where Merrill Edge comes in.

Merrill Edge is an online investing platform offered by Bank of America that provides a range of investment services to clients. It was launched in 2010 as a way to offer self-directed investors a simple and affordable way to invest online. Since then, Merrill Edge has grown to become one of the most popular online brokers in the United States, with over 2.4 million accounts and $200 billion in assets under management.

What Can You Expect from Merrill Edge?

Merrill Edge offers a wide range of investment products and services, including:

1. Self-directed investing: This is the basic account type offered by Merrill Edge. It allows you to manage your own investments with access to research tools, educational resources, and 24/7 support.

2. Merrill Edge Guided Investing: Guided Investing is a robo-advisory service that provides you with automated investment recommendations based on your goals and risk tolerance. It’s a good option for those who are new to investing or don’t want to manage their portfolios themselves.

3. Merrill Guided Investing with an Advisor: This service combines the benefits of Guided Investing with the guidance of a financial advisor. You’ll work with a dedicated advisor who will help you create a customized investment plan and offer ongoing advice and support.

4. Merrill Edge Small Business 401(k): This service is designed for small business owners who want to provide their employees with a retirement plan. It offers a range of investment options, low fees, and expert guidance to help you manage your plan.

The Costs of Investing with Merrill Edge

When it comes to investing, fees can eat into your returns over time. That’s why it’s important to understand the costs associated with investing with Merrill Edge. Here are some of the fees you can expect to pay:

1. Trading fees: Merrill Edge charges $0 for online equity and ETF trades.

2. Mutual fund fees: Most mutual funds have a $19.95 transaction fee, but some funds are available with no transaction fee.

3. Guided Investing fees: The annual fee for Guided Investing is 0.45% of assets under management.

4. Merrill Guided Investing with an Advisor fees: The annual fee for this service is 0.85% of assets under management.

5. Merrill Edge Small Business 401(k) fees: The fees for this service vary depending on the plan you choose.

Merrill Edge is committed to keeping fees low and transparent, which is why they offer a range of no-fee mutual funds and ETFs, and competitive pricing for other products and services.

Educational Resources and Support

One of the biggest advantages of using Merrill Edge is its educational resources and support. The platform offers a variety of resources to help investors make informed decisions, including:

1. Research and Insights: Merrill Edge provides access to extensive market research, reports, and insights from some of the top analysts in the industry.

2. Investor Education: The platform offers a range of educational resources, including articles, videos, and tutorials, to help investors learn about investing and make informed decisions.

3. Customer Support: Merrill Edge provides 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat, so you can get help whenever you need it.

4. Virtual Assistant: Merrill Edge’s virtual assistant, Erica, is available 24/7 to answer questions, track spending, and provide personalized recommendations.

Conclusion

Merrill Edge is a comprehensive and accessible online investing platform that offers a range of products and services to help investors of all levels. With low fees, extensive educational resources, and expert support, it’s no wonder that Merrill Edge has become a popular choice for individual investors and small businesses looking to grow their wealth.