No broker can hit the bull’s-eye for every type of client. Use our results to find the best one for you.
When it comes to satisfying their clients, brokerages are aiming at a moving target. And considering that different investors may have wildly different needs, maybe its fairer to say that brokerages must hit several moving targets. Our 2019 online broker ranking recognizes that no brokerage can hit the bull’s-eye for every type of client, and that the firm with the broadest appeal may not meet your specific needs. But ultimately, we favored firms that could do the most for most investors. // This year’s winner: E*Trade, with Interactive Brokers and Fidelity close behind. The results show, however, that many firms have excellent services to offer. In the seven categories we used to rate the brokerages, six different firms won the top ranking. // As investor needs and preferences change, brokerages must adapt. Brokerages’ mobile apps have grown more sophisticated as more clients have demonstrated that they like to do business on the go. And as investors have demanded lower costs, brokerages have trimmed commissions and fees across the board. // But brokerages also need a keen ear for clients’ particular needs. Some clients want to be left alone to do their own thing, while others want their handheld. Some want to pay as little as possible to invest, and others are willing to pony up enough in assets to gain access to their own personal planner.
Ally Invest president Lule Demmissie, for instance, says her firm’s clients value simplicity, and a major focus of the firm’s continuing platform overhaul is to make it easier for clients to understand Ally’s products. The buzzword often heard in a recent meeting with Ally representatives: de-jargoning. By contrast, the average TradeStation client is an experienced trader in search of sophisticated tools that will help him or her gain an edge in active trading. The box on page 26 will help you narrow your choices.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Your Vacation Home Could Provide Tax-free Income
If you plan to rent out your vacation home, it's important to understand how your proceeds will be taxed.
A SOLID YEAR FOR THE KIPLINGER 25
All but one of our favorite actively managed, no-load mutual funds gained ground as markets recovered.
IT'S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION: YOUR CEREAL BOX IS SHRINKING
To avoid raising prices, some manufacturers are reducing the size of common grocery items. Here’s how to fight back.
SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT BEING LAID OFF? IT DEPENDS ON YOUR INDUSTRY
Downsizing has hit certain sectors. But cutbacks may be slowing, and some companies are expanding.
How identity thieves are exploiting your trust
Con artists themselves are disguising as well-known brands to steal your money and personal information.
CUT THE COST OF YOUR WIRELESS BILL
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon dominate the market, but smaller outfits offer similar network coverage at lower prices.
MAKING HOME ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE
Households in need can get energy-efficiency upgrades, help with utility bills and more from this nonprofit.
A HEAD START FOR SAVERS
The Saver's Credit is designed to help low- and middleincome taxpayers contribute to a retirement account.
Say I Love You With a Money Date
To nurture a lasting bond with your partner, meet regularly to talk about money.
Plan for Your Own Elder Care
AFTER I wrote a series of columns in 2022 about elder care planning for family members, I received a number of responses like this one: “What about married couples who have no children or whose family members don’t live nearby?” wrote one reader. “Or a single individual with no close relatives? How should these people plan for their own elder care?”