Ask questions via Twitter. Tweet any question to @AskFiLife and we will respond with an answer. More.

FiLife - In partnership with The Wall Street Journal

Your Financial LifelineTM

In partnership with The Wall Street Journal
 
 

Disclaimer

FiLife is a great place to get your finances in shape, and the expert advice in the community can help you address specific or general problems. But very often you’ll also need one-on-one advice from a professional, especially since rules and laws maybe specific to your state or country. Remember that investments and other financial transactions come with risk, and you should consult an independent, qualified professional before making financial commitments.

Stop Showing this Message

Question

awesomeness
FiLifer

awesomeness asked about a year ago in 401k Plans

What would happen to my 401k with AIG?

If AIG goes bankrupt like Lehman Brothers did, what would happen with my 401k account with them?

Was this question interesting?

Yes

(0)

No

(0)

Permalink | Abuse

FiLife Recommends

Answer this Question
  • Share:
  •  

1 Answer

Sort by:
Michael Kitces
FiLife Contributor
Reply

Awesomeness,
Your 401(k) assets are held separately from AIG's own assets. So aside from some potential administrative hassles if the company actually goes out of business, your 401(k) assets should not be at financial risk of loss. The investments in your account itself can go down (i.e., the funds you're invested in), but an AIG bankruptcy doesn't actually mean you can lose your 401(k) assets to AIG's creditors, because your assets are treated as being segregated and separate from AIG's own money that's available to AIG's creditors.

Technically, your assets are only at risk if they're actually invested IN AIG itself, or in assets that AIG guarantees.

I hope that helps a little!

Is this helpful?

Yes

(0)

No

(0)

Permalink | Abuse

Answer this Question

Generic User Image

Ask a Question

140 characters

Tips

  • Be specific and clear.
  • Be courteous and thoughtful.
  • Share some details about your situation (age, relationship, etc)

Login or Join

or login with

Ask a Question

140 characters

Expert Partners

Popular Keywords in 401k Plans

Stacker Poll of the Day

What age should you start your child's allowance?

Avg 8.5
 
Avg 8.5
 
248 responses