Chelsea L

I apologize for being so poorly informed on this subject. I recently found out that my family set up a non-retirement mutual fund with some money that was left to me. The money was supposed to go to help for school and a down payment for a house, etc. Now, I'm not sure how to go about getting any of the money if I'm even allowed to draw from an account like this. My dad originally told me that it was a retirement fund, and I would be heavily penalized for taking any money out; however, I've logged on to Merrill Lynch, where the money is invested, and it says that it is in a "Investment Account - Non-Retirement." I confronted my dad, and he basically told me he has no idea what type of account it is, and refuses to help me with it. From what I understand of this type of account, I can take money out, but it will be taxed, and I would then have to fill out a 1099. Is that correct? Will there be a lot of fees to withdraw money? Would it just be the tax charge or are there any other hidden charges. I guess there could be fees to the broker. Is it worth it to take any money out, or should I leave it and try to figure out how to pay for my masters, wedding, school, and housing without this money? It has steadily gone down because of the economy, and that's fine. I'm basically right where I started with it all. I just need help understanding how this all works. I've Google searched, but even the stuff for beginners goes over my head. Thank you all so much for your replies.

I'm sorry if I come off uninformed, but I just don't understand where all of the jobs went. I know companies have cut back, and people talk about doing jobs in other countries because labor is cheaper, but is that really the reason that it seems there are so few jobs? I'm fortunate enough to have a job, but so many people can't find work regardless of the degrees they hold. I know qualified teachers that can't find work, but there are people teaching who aren't even certified. My boyfriend has his MBA and can't find work. I want to move away for my Master's degree, but I'm afraid to leave my job here since I may not be able to get one elsewhere.

I was referred to an endocrinologist almost 2 months ago. I've called the endo's office, and they have the referral on file. They have told me that they need to talk to the endocrinologist before they set up the appointment, and then they will call me back. Now, it's very possible that I don't know how referrals work, but why would the receptionist need to talk to the doctor before setting up an appointment, and/or why would it take this long. I've called and spoken to the same woman twice, and she keeps telling me she'll call back after she talks to the doctor. I've also left a message with my contact information but haven't received a phone call. Personally, I think this is crazy, but maybe I'm crazy. Is this normal procedure. 2 months? I work in a busy office, and I know how hectic things can get; I'm a very patient person, but this is interfering with treatment for my recent diagnosis of lupus. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Any suggestions or experience you've had with this situation will be greatly appreciated.

I don't mean, is it possible to freeze it. What I want to know is can it be turned into an ice cream kind of dessert? Just been wanting to try it. Didn't know if anyone had any experience here. Thanks.

My boyfriend's mom is starting to collect a certain toy, and I'd like to buy her one for christmas, but I have no idea what they are called in order to search for them. They are little wooden figures about 5 or 6 inches tall, and there is a button on the bottom of the base that you can press and the figure collapses or bends over. I know I've gotten them in goody bags etc. my whole life, but I'm trying to search for unique ones online, and it's proving difficult without the name of the toy. Thanks in advance.