Jun 23, 2005 -- CEO trials reflect the danger of company stock
The former muckety mucks from MCI, Enron and other companies are finally being held responsible for cooking the books at their companies. So what happens to the employees? Because they bought heavily in company stock, they hit financial bottom once the companies misdeeds were discovered. A new study found that $1 in $4 of the money people have in 401k is in company stock. That is scary. The appropriate amount should be ZERO! There are certain companies that only allow their employees to invest in company stock if they enroll in a 401k. And Clark thinks that is appalling. Its completely dishonest to require employees to invest in company stock only. If that is the case, invest as little as possible. And the second the holding period is over, you want to dump that stock and diversify your money. But if you dont have to put your money into company stock, NEVER EVER do this. Its not necessarily a crooked company cramming this down your throat. But the company is putting your future at risk by choosing this kind of plan. You want to be an investor not a gambler.