Open an Account
Want to work with a financial advisor? You may open a Client Select Series account through a Merrill Lynch financial advisor or a Maine Distribution Agent. Learn more about The Client Select series.
There are three ways to open a Client Direct Series account:
Open an Account Online Today
The easiest and quickest way to open a Direct Series account is now available. Our online enrollment process should take you about 15 minutes to complete and you can begin funding your account immediately!
You will be leaving this website and going to the online application for NextGen 529 at Merrill Edge.
Enroll Online »Download an Enrollment Kit
The Enrollment Kit contains the complete Program Description, Account Application and other important information. If either the account owner OR the student (beneficiary) is a Maine resident, download the Maine Resident enrollment kit.
Once you complete the application print, sign and mail it to the following address:
Merrill Edge
New Accounts
MSC NJ2-140-02-15
P.O. Box 1501
Pennington, NJ 08534
Request an Enrollment Kit
Request a paper application by filling out the form linked below or calling Merrill Edge at 1-877-463-9843.
Once you complete the application, sign and mail it to the following address:
NextGen 529
Merrill Edge
New Accounts
MSC NJ2-140-02-15
P.O. Box 1501
Pennington, NJ 08534
Are you a Maine Resident? Get started today — take advantage of grants for Maine Residents*
Open your account
- With the minimum contribution and get a $200 Initial Matching Grant OR
- Use the $500 Alfond Grant1
Add to your account
Make contributions and get a 50% NextStep Matching Grant up to a $300 match per year.
Make it easy
Set up automatic contributions from your payroll or bank account and get a $100 Automated Funding Grant.
NextGen 529 offers a variety of investment options in two separate series – the Client Select Series (advisor-sold) and the Client Direct Series (for the self-directed investor). Each series offers different investment options, each with its own sales charges, fees and expense structure. Expenses associated with the Client Direct Series will generally be lower than those associated with the Client Select Series. Currently, some of the same investment options are available in each series.
*Grants are linked to eligible NextGen 529 accounts. Upon withdrawal, grants are paid only to institutions of higher education. See Terms and Conditions of Maine Grant Programs for other conditions and restrictions that apply.
- If the beneficiary is eligible for the Alfond Grant, no initial contribution is required. For more information, see Terms and Conditions of Maine Grant Programs.