Schwab v. Fidelity v. whoever you like...

[Deleted]

I'm probably late to the show and you've covered this already, so feel free to just point me to an applicable thread, but who do you prefer for investment accounts/custodial accounts... etc. .... thanks for your opinions...

[The Virginian]

I really like Schwab because of the research tools and the complete control it gives me, but I believe all the major ones such as E-Trade, TD Ameritrade, ScottTrade .... all have good platforms. I never considered Fidelity because I didn't want to get steered towards their products, besides I'm mostly an individual stock kind of guy with just a few funds.

[ModE98]

Like Scottrade for excellent on-line service and at local branch offices (located in many areas). Have used since 2002 and never had a problem. Good tools and education provided on-line; and, they hold periodic small user education seminars at the local offices as well as regular phone or walk-in services.
www.scottrade.com/LP/7dollar-trades/?&sctr=mc:

[Deleted]

We use Ameritrade and OptionsHouse.
Both are decent, IOO.

[archrival]

Wells Fargo offers 100 free traders per year, if you have at least $25k in their PMA accounts.

[Bluerobin]

Scottrade. Great research, great commissions, easy to use platform, and they also have offices nearby.

[safeharbor37]

I use both Scottrade and Schwab and my SO uses a professional adviser who is affiliated with Fidelity.
Scottrade is simpler, has more convenient office locations, has low trading fees, and requires a minimum balance.
Schwab is more full service, but the trade platform is slower. You can get professional advice if you want [free or for a fee]. It offers banking services, etc.
I judge Fidelity [I've never used it] as the most comprehensive and its funds are among the best. Apparently professionals have access to funds and services not widely available.
For someone feeling around, I'd recommend Scottrade [or such]. For someone who likes to have some professional advice, Schwab. For those looking for professional management, Fidelity.
I'm sure there are good alternatives, but had bad experience with some of the traditional brokers, Morgan Stanley, Lynch, etc. Too many slicks who'll churn accounts and guide you into something that benefits only them, but finding an ethical financial adviser is essential if you plan to rely on them. It's treacherous out there. That's the reason I suspect, that people like me tend to use brokers who don't push their services.
Some advisers will guide you toward annuities from which they'll get premiums without doing any work [after they've sold you], but that's not to say that all annuities are bad or bad for you ~ it depends on the annuity and the needs of the person buying one.

For the purposes of this board, for those who don't already have a broker, and those who need to ask the question; I recommend Scottrade.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys. The advisor i chose works with Schwab. I know the one my father has works with Fidelity. Dad indicated to me that he wasn't sure about Schwab... but then he is probably even more clueless than i am here and since i'm feeling pretty unsure myself... well, just wanted to make sure I had thought i read they were decent, although perhaps with a higher fee structure. I will keep looking and learning going forward and keep everything in mind. Thanks again...

[Ombud]

Schwab just added an extra fee to selling stocks. My average yesterday was 25c per sale. Not a lot but will add up

[2kids10horses]

I use ETrade for my trading. Schwab for "Investments".

oped,

Don't worry about the fee that Schwab charges, it's the one the Advisor charges that will get you!

Don't pay more than 1%.

A really good advisor I chose to manage my mother's money (while she was living) charged 1/2% on the first $500,000, and .25% on any above that.

Now, that doesn't sound like much, but on a $1Million account, that's $7,500.

[ModE98]

www.dailyfinance.com/category/investing/find-a-broker/