good advice. ty

That's not the first time that Ameritrade has kept me out of trouble. Once I bought a batch of options for about 2k. Went to sell the contract right before expiration and missed the transaction. Next thing I know markets closed and I have the right to buy. (for profit) Problem was I was controlling about  $250,000 in shares and wouldn't be able to do the deal.

I called them and they performed a simultaneous transaction involving selling the equivalent short and exercising the contract. That's a transaction I don't have clearance to do. Only charged me 20 for the exercise.

I would recommend them to anyone. The service is worth it.