To whom should I rollover my 401(k)?

September 2008, I was fired from my job. I had/have about $30,000 in my 401(k) with my (former) employer. (I haven't checked it lately ... I wouldn't be surprised if it's down to $20,000.)

I want to transfer it/roll it over to another firm. I want nothing to do with my former employer. But I've lost so much money with my current, day-to-day broker (UBS) that I can't stand the thought of rolling it over to THEM. I'm so angry at my broker at UBS for not protecting my investments.

How do I choose another company to which I can rollover my 401(k)? I feel like I can't trust anyone. But I can't stand the thought of keeping my money with my former employer. My current employer doesn't offer a 401(k). So, any suggestions on how to choose a TRUSTWORTHY investment company?

Dan

What did you think that UBS should have done for you?

If you choose your own investments, there are a number of good companies you can move your money to with no worries. I'm not quite sure what you're looking for. Tell us a little more about what you want.

I think that my broker should have moved my money into something safe (like CDs)when the DJIA hit 13,000 then 12,000 then 11,000 then 10,000 then 9,000 then 8,000 instead of (apparently) doing nothing the whole way down ... because I lost half my money.

You say that there are "a number of good companies" ... like who? Charles Schwab? Bank Of America? How trustworthy are THEY? I just figured that someone "out there" would have some decent advice about how to find and choose a TRUSTWORTHY company ... someone that will actually look out for my interests rather than just take 1% or 1-1/2% and not give two sh*ts about whether my investments actually gain value.

Friend, EVERYBODY lost money in this recession. Even one of the surest bets in the game (Dodge and Cox Stock Fund) was managed by people who didn't see the disaster coming, and who kept buying Freddie and Fannie, all the way down.

Also, even in good times, the DJIA can move 1000 points here and there -- are you ALWAYS going to jump ship the moment it dips?

Roll it over to anyone you like. I'm with Vanguard, because I like the low fees. Fidelity, Vanguard, T Rowe Price, Schwab, Dodge and Cox -- they are all pretty good. Also, bear in mind that you are "buying in" at a historic low, so you should be able to ride the skyrocket up, when the fuse is lit!

BTW, Dodge and Cox Stock is open for the first time in more than a decade. I'm thinking of rolling over my Vanguard to Dodge and Cox, to get in on the Stock fund, which is historically one of the best, solid producers, with steady gains.

I personally use Fidelity and T Rowe Price. The others Puck mentioned are good also. I make all my own investment decisions and take responsibility for them. Yes- I lost a good percentage over the last year.
If you want someone with a little more personal touch, you can try Edward Jones or an independent financial advisor. It's a little harder to know if you're finding a good one there, aside from getting personal references from people you know or talking to the person one-on-one to get an idea if you can work well with each other.
Not to sound like a jerk, but if you were expecting someone to have predicted for you the extent of the market fall as it was falling, than your expectations are unrealistic. If people knew where the market was going, it would already be there (not sure if that makes sense, but it does to me).

I am a big fan of american funds. Most of their long term growth/growtg & income funds average just under 12% a year for their funds. Try contacting american funds and they will set you up with a broker. The other companies thet were mentioned are also good, but in order to get into a good fund you need 25K, 50K or even more. American funds are great b/c no min balance required.

If you put 100 a month in from age 25-65 and it averages 12% you will have over 1 mi by the time you retire.

Just my advice.

Thanks, everyone, for your comments. 'ppreciate it.