How to chose investment companies? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   4/1/2012 8:04 PM

   How do you all chose an investment company? I see the many companies advertising on the Sunday morning shows and wonder how does one choose? All the ads look so smart and seem to lead to good results for the clients.
   
   I'm just wondering, don't have a lot of extra money, 3 different 401, 457 type accounts, along with social security and a state retirement plan....just want to get the best bang for the buck, also wonder about not having all my eggs in one basket? When I look at it I basically have retirement money located in 5 different accounts along with accounts my mom left me. Like I said not a lot of money, just want to do the best with it I can.
   
   Thanks, Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
2. Wallace Jeffrey V

   
   4/1/2012 11:04 PM

   Mel,
   
   I've used ETrade for years, both with trading and cash. The "cash" part is when I sell and just park it until I see another great buy. Great service. I have an "advisor", but never get a call unless I call him first. Then I get a return call within hours. That's what I like. Never any pressure, but advice I can research and then get back to him. And.....he encourages that.
   
   Meanwhile, if you need a bank that isn't pure scum, try EverBank. Their interest rates are amazing, and I've also used them for years. I keep a balance in BoA simply because I have several accounts that are tied to them with direct payments, but they are the definition of scum. I love it when they call me asking if I need "help" with my finances....and I can tell them, "Wow.....with your 0.0001 % return? Yes! Can I get back to you?"
   
   Both ETrade and EverBank will help you with rollovers, IRAs, whatever.....and I've grown to trust both. Check them out, call them, and make up your own mind. I do receive emails occasionally from both with a "Jeff, just looked at your portfolio, and I think you should move 'this' to 'that'. Call me if you want to talk."
   
   My kind of investment brokers!

   
   
   
   
3. Kim Brock

   

   3 posts
   
   4/1/2012 11:04 PM

   Check out the Watchdog on Wall Street website. I listen to Chris Markowski on the radio and he makes alot of sense. Finding a Certified Financial Planner in your area would also help. later, KIM

   
   
   
   
4. McCallum David K

   
   4/3/2012 7:04 AM

   I have used Charles Scwhab for years and about 5 years ago began using The Mutual Fund Store, Adam Bold to advise on my company's 401K plan. Have had really good luck with both. Both deal primarly with no load funds and with Scwhab you pay for what you get not some broker moving money around to make commissions for himself.

   
   
   
   
5. Dennis Cook

   

   1 posts
   
   4/4/2012 5:04 AM

   Agree with David! Adam Bold from the mutual fund store is superb. He has a radio show on the weekends and I believe its on WTMJ AM 620 out of Wisconsin and you can stream it on the internet. The guy knows his stuff.
   
   Or you could just give it to the govt and let them manage it for you because they know how to manage your money better than you do

   
   
   
   
6. Steve Nelson

   

   0 posts
   
   4/4/2012 7:04 AM

   Mel,
   my advice is to get into a credit union for regular banking and for the investments take a look at Vanguard mutual funds.

   
   
   
   
7. McCallum David K

   
   4/5/2012 8:04 AM

   Mel good advice from Gus but.........the credit union is good, usually cheaper rates if borrowing money for sure and tend to be very customer friendly.....they are tax exempt unlike banks so they should have a smile on their faces. I use both a credit union and a couple of banks.........knowing your banker is imperative, relationships count in the money world. Vangaurd over the years has had some great funds and still do.........but the Mutal Fund Store will only steer you to no load funds. They only make money if you do...they put you in performing funds and not losers. Many brokers take the easy way and direct you to funds that benefit them and not you the customer. Do your homework..........it ain't rocket science but it takes some research. Have been handling 90% of my own investments since the late 70's. My dad told me many years ago and this was before computers were common place, if you put as much effort into studying the market as you do studying trends in betting football you should do alright......eventually I took his advice. Both are fun........but one's a hobby and the other will pay for retirement someday..........I hope!