Simple Account Consolidation

SIMPLIFY.

Too many things in life are complicated. Managing your investments does not have to be one of them.

Many investors have accounts with multiple financial firms, generating what can sometimes be an overwhelming amount of paper in the form of statements, tax documents and performance reports. Consolidating your accounts with a single, trusted advisor at a strong, stable financial services firm is a simple process that can provide several benefits.

Why consolidate your accounts?

By having all of your accounts with one firm, you will receive fewer statements, it will be easier to understand your overall performance and gathering your tax information will be less complicated. In addition, with the ability to fully understand your overall portfolio, your financial advisor can make more informed recommendations for your plan. Consolidation can also be an effective estate planning tool. By placing your assets in a trust, or Transfer on Death (TOD) account, your heirs will not have to work with multiple financial institutions during an already difficult time.

You can take “simple” one step further with ourSelectLink^® service. This feature can help you get organized and keep track of your household finances. This complimentary service will link all of your accounts that share the same mailing address, consolidate all of your household statements, prepare a summary cover page and mail these documents to you in one package. The summary enables you to view the net worth of each account and the combined net worth for all of your household accounts.

Transferring your account

Transferring your account is simple. In most cases, your assets are transferred directly from your old financial institution to Ziegler via an automated system called the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service or, ACATS. There is typically no need to sell or liquidate the assets. No taxable event occurs as long as you are moving assets between accounts that have the same registration or title. The process requires only one form per account and typically occurs within 7-10 business days.

Important considerations

Transfers from certain financial institutions such as banks, mutual fund companies or credit unions are not processed on the ACATS system and may take longer.

Some securities may not transfer. Examples of investments that may not be able to transfer from one firm to another are:

• Securities sold exclusively by the former firm
• Mutual funds not available at the new firm
• Limited partnerships that are private placements
• Annuities
• Bankrupt securities

Contact your Ziegler financial advisor or our client service center at
888 884 8339 for more information on consolidating your accounts with Ziegler.

Ziegler does not provide tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.