Online brokerage firms

[uttexas]

I have utilized several online brokerage firms and have been compelled to make this post. I have utilized A.......trade, Merrill L, and Van...d for years. I have finally had it with A*****trade userunfriendliness and sliminess. Made one 30 min phone call to Van....d to transfer all my A****trade accounts to Van....d. I haven't been this happy in a long time.

[Ben]

I really liked Law and Order, but can't stand that Ameritrade spokesguy anymore and it has ruined him on that show for me too.

You didn't happen to pick up and Ford while it was only at $1.01/share did you? I heard about that from a friend of mine and am totally kicking myself for not taking action and picking up a bunch. Granted I don't have any open accounts in any of thsoe online firms. I'd imagine I would have probably had to wait a few days for my account to activate anyway. By then it probably would have been too late.

I'd have probably gone with E*Trade. You have any experience with them? Maybe I should just get an account set up so I can be ready for any such future event...

[uttexas]

I really like Vguard. Lowest fees, most friendly/helpful (most knowledgeable people on phone when you call), most technological advanced (live chat help available---great feature, easiest to transfer money to, easiest to set up Trust accounts and others. Best online brokerage in my experience (never used Etrade)

I use Vguard Brokerage services to purchase Vguard funds and other stocks and fund companies (it is a common misperception that you can only purchase Vguard funds through Vguard)

Ford--overall, the best American car company (ok, Saturn if it weren't a branch of GM) My prediction--Ford will be the only American auto company to survive without eventually having to file bankruptcy. The bail out is a joke (like putting a bandaid on a bleeding aorta) GM is not telling the whole truth. GM is doing fine in all its other countries (where it can get cheap employees and manufacturing----and didn't totally screw up with low cost loans that people defaulted on)

[Guinness23]

I am an Investment manager, and our firm uses Schwab for our clients. I can't say they are the cheapest, but they are reasonable and we get great service. If you do not do alot of trading, its worth looking at. I have always been a big fan of Vanguard, although I like investing in actively managed funds as well.

[s0lid]

I use Scottrade, and have no qualms at all. It's $7 a trade and the website works great.

And I bought $1000 worth of F when it was at $2... my first ever individual Stock Purchase.

[SHADOWFOX]

I use Vanguard. Been with them for years. Low fees and excellent service.

[raygrinberg]

USAA. Their brokerage rates are competitive and you can't beat the service.