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Choosing a Broker

Opening a brokerage account is a decision that should be well-researched. You won't know whether to chose a discount or traditional broker until evaluating your investing experience, net worth and personality. These resources should help in your pursuit of fiscal happiness.
Can I Sue My Parent's Broker? A Question from a Reader
This is my response to a reader regarding the potential of suing his stock broker for 35 percent losses in the portfolio of his parents. Take them for what they are worth.
The Biggest Rip-Off Fees of All
So-called safe keeping fees and custodial fees from your broker or bank are nothing short of a rip off. You should not have to pay safe keeping fees or custodial fees. To find out why, this article will explain.
The Securities Investor Protection Corporation - SIPC
The SIPC is an acronym for Securities Investor Protection Corporation. It was created by the Securities Investor Protection Act, and was designed to protect investors from the bankruptcy of a broker or dealer.
Why Wells Fargo Should Acquire E-Trade Financial
Wells Fargo and Company should acquire E-Trade Financial to bolster its online brokerage business and utilize its branch networks to develop more accounts per household, a stated goal in its most recent annual report.
Is a Full Service Broker Right for You?
How do you know if the extra costs of a full service broker are right for you? For novice investors with sufficient assets, these relationships can be beneficial because they protect them from the urge to buy or sell at the wrong time.
Before You Open a Brokerage Account
Before you open a brokerage account, you need to learn the difference between a traditional and discount broker, the benefits and costs associated with each, and which one fits your style or personality.
A.G. Edwards
Full service broker with a vast range of services. If you are looking for more than inexpensive trades and want the peace of mind that a one-on-one relationship with your personal broker can bring, A.G. Edwards is one of the best and most reputable companies in the business.
Ameritrade
Offers $8 online trades. Simple to use. Excellent for a beginning investor.
Bank of America
Bank of America offers both banking and investing services. Excellent company with a stellar reputation. Do everything from find a mortgage to buy mutual funds.
Datek
Guarantees to execute your trade in 60 seconds or less for only $9.99. Instant portfolio update. Well known brokerage firm.
Edward Jones
Another excellent company to invest with. Hundreds of branch locations throughout the United States, offering service wherever you go.
Fool's Guide to Online Brokers
Compare online brokers by minimum account balance, commissions, execution speed, and many other criteria.
Merrill Lynch
If you are going to be investing a large amount of money or will want to have a professional manage it sometime in the foreseeable future, Merrill Lynch might be your ideal brokerage. Their trades are a bit more expensive than discount brokers, but well worth the price if you want professional help in deciding how to invest your money.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
One of the most powerful financial houses in the world, MSDW acts as a broker for governments, institutions, corporations, and individual investors. Offers a consolidation service that will gather information from all of your accounts [bank, credit cards, money market, investments, etc.,] and put them in one central location. Highly recommended.
National Discount Brokers
Ranked the number one online brokerage by Barron's. Excellent site design, easy to use, and opening an account can be done in only a few minutes. You can be trading in as little as 48 hours from now.
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