Using your payout
Learn how your awards can help support your financial goals. You may see the term "delivered value" on Benefits OnLine when referring to the cash and shares you receive from your awards.
How can I forecast my potential income?
The Potential Income Forecast tool in the Your Awards section of Benefits OnLine helps you estimate the future value of your awards. You can view projected income by year, adjust the stock price to model different scenarios, and see how taxes may affect potential outcomes.
What can I do with my shares?
Hold
Hold shares in your brokerage account (and vote, if applicable) to share in your company's potential success.
Transfer
Transfer shares to another brokerage account for ease of management.
Sell
Sell shares on Benefits OnLine (subject to any restrictions by your company) to help with your financial goals. Proceeds are deposited into your brokerage account and can be transferred to a linked bank account using direct deposit or wire transfer.
What can I do with cash in my brokerage account?
You may see cash in your account after vesting, exercising options, selling shares to cover taxes, or receiving dividends. Since any cash in your account doesn't earn interest, you may want to consider your options, which include:
Keep it
Keep cash in your brokerage account for future transactions.
Transfer it
Transfer cash to a linked bank account using direct deposit or wire transfer after instructions are set up.
Use it for future transactions
Use cash for future transaction costs, such as exercising options or paying taxes (if your plan allows).
Consider your goals, timing and comfort with market fluctuations when making a decision.
How can I use my awards to help with my financial goals?
Before your awards are paid, you may want to consider how to use their value. Here are a few ways they may help support your financial goals:
Save for education
Help cover education costs, such as tuition or related expenses.
Attend a financial wellness webinar
Register for live or on-demand webinars on topics like budgeting, education planning and homeownership.
Any transactions in connection with your plan in your Merrill brokerage account are subject to the terms and conditions of that account. This material does not constitute an offer or invitation to buy any securities. Any offer to buy securities from your company would be made only by a prospectus in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and all applicable laws.