Lots of great info and advice folks. Thanks for that. I just got back from my meeting Schwab. I have to say, I was very impressed with the tools that are available and the costs (or lack thereof). For every question and concern I had they gave me what I would consider very adequate answers and solutions. Also, the rep and I got along well, which is also a plus. She even called the local bond desk guy and he chatted with me a bit about how I could use him and what they offer. So, that was nice, too. Tomorrow I meet with Fidelity. Unless they blow me away, I'll probably go with Schwab. There are a couple of things I still need to consider.
1. I have a very large 401k that is in a Fidelity plan that they would consider as part of my total assets. So, it may put me over some thresholds there for additional benefits. Although, I'm not sure what they would be. Of course, at Schwab this wouldn't be the case, as the 401k isn't moving.
2. I have a portion of my portfolio, the international allocation, in a managed account that Lazard runs. My Dad was able to cut the fee to around 60 bps, but at Schwab it would be 1.35%. I'm certainly not going to pay that. But, I also don't have the time or energy to manage this International piece (I DIY all the rest). So, I'm going to need to figure out what else to do with it. I could always buy a fund, but what I've noticed when I look at the holdings of many is that they are actually mostly US companies. It's very misleading. Anyway, we'll see how Fidelity can handle this piece.
On Vanguard, I think I may have ruled them out. Many here have mentioned the archaic website and tools, which I have experienced, as well. And, when compared to what Schwab showed me today, it doesn't even really compare.
One thing to consider when rolling over a 401k fund is one do you have a high yielding Stable Value fund in your 401k, which you wouldn't have in your "TIRA rollover?
Why not consider an International index fund? Fidelity has a new one for zero fees and an existing older one for 4.5 bps.
I can see why I really don't like any of them and would recommend a different broker that you did not ask about.
Well, you should certainly check out Schwab who I don't have an opinion of.And, who would you recommend?
Well, you should certainly check out Schwab who I don't have an opinion of.
I use TDAmeritrade and WellsTrade.
WT is the best at real-time updating of everything for my needs and has a very clean no-nonsense, no flufff web site with superb trade executions. You might have to call them to get a form or something, but phone support is superb for me.
TDAmeritrade probably has more products that you may need. I use the real-time Level II quotes and order book display in my TDAmeritrade account whenever I make a transaction at any of my brokers. TDAmeritrade has local offices that may come in handy, but like all of these local offices the service will depend on the person in the office.
And I am sure the local Schwab, TDAmeritrade, Fidelity, and other offices are just playing musicals chairs with their people. So if a salesrep quits TDAmeritrade, they may show up at Schwab.
Both give me free trades for the things I want to buy/sell, but they may not give you free trades.
I've had a long term relationship with Vanguard and Fidelity.
Both are great, some folks will bag on Vanguard for being stodgy and inflexible. Perhaps, but they won't hurt you with BS salespeople!
I was a great fan of Fidelity until I moved to a different area. I no longer have a private client representative, as they can't keep them in this area, or don't care to. The last one was a hard pushing annuity salesman who couldn't spell fiduciary. When I complained to the branch manager he told me to call their 800 number in the future. Perhaps they can manage the people who answer the phones.
I'm very much considered moving 1.25 million from Fidelity to Schwab. Perhaps someone will convince me to.