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Choosing a Broker
6 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Broker
With so many online brokers competing for your business, how do you know which one is right for you? It's not a matter of merely comparing commissions. Discount stock brokers charge lots of other fees, too. The trick is comparing online brokers on the criteria that matter to you. Start by asking these six questions.
Check Out Your Broker Before You Invest!
In today's world, where a brokerage firm's name, reputation and longevity can't guarantee the firm's ethics or solvency, as a savvy investor you should be especially cautious before opening up a new brokerage account. By checking out the broker's background you can gain some peace of mind. Here's how.
Comparing Brokers
The Truth About Brokerage Commissions
It's natural to compare online brokers based on their commissions. After all, the whole discount brokerage industry was founded on the principal of lower commissions. But as the number of online brokers has grown, so too has the complexity of pricing. Indeed, that deeply-discounted flat-rate commission you see advertised on a broker's website isn't necessarily the one you'll pay. Here's what you need to know.
Hidden Fees Your Broker Won't Tell You About
Your discount broker may offer great commissions. The service could be excellent, and the research tools top of the line. But you may not be getting the great deal you think you are when you look at what you're really paying that discount broker. Here are some hidden fees to watch out for.
Changing Brokers
Is It Time to Switch Online Brokers?
Breaking up with your online broker can be tough to do, especially if your discount broker charges a fee when you leave. Here's how to decide if it's worth it to stay with your current online stockbroker or if it's time to leave. Plus five simple tips for moving your account if you decided that your current broker doesn't stack up to your expectations.
5 Things Your Online Broker Won't Tell You
Like any stockbrokers, online brokers are still in business to make money. And if you aren't careful, you could end up paying far more for the services your online broker offers than you think. Here are five secrets your online broker doesn't want you to know.
Categories of Brokers
Are You Covered Against Broker Failure?
These days, no financial institution is safe from sudden and catastrophic failure. That's why it's more important than ever to make sure your accounts are protected by the FDIC. If your broker or dealer fails, even just once in your lifetime, it could be enough to completely wipe out your funds. Read on to learn how to take action, reduce your exposure and improve the safety of your money.
Can Your Online Broker Do THIS?
Stock screens that analyze complicated technical charting patterns in seconds. Software that helps identify equities based on well-known gurus' strategies and methodology. Back-testing tools that determine how your current investing approach would've fared in the past. Online brokers offer clients these research tools and many more. Here's how to figure out which broker has the best research tools for you.
