I can buy/sell non-admiral shares without fees at Schwab without issue unless the fund is closed and I don't own any shares. Really not an issue for me.If you want vanguard funds, rather than ETFs, keeping an account there is IMO a very easy choice, as you will have difficulties/costs in adding to funds elsewhere--assuming you can. No need to have everything at one place. A bit more work in keeping track of things, but not much. And if you run into password/website issues at one place, you have access to your money through the other.
+1We only have one account left at Vanguard, a Trad IRA. Everything else is at Fidelity and Schwab. Seriously considering moving that last account, probably to split it between F and S. Vanguard's edge just isn't what it used to be, and three different brokerages are probably one too many.
We only have one account left at Vanguard, a Trad IRA. Everything else is at Fidelity and Schwab. Seriously considering moving that last account, probably to split it between F and S. Vanguard's edge just isn't what it used to be, and three different brokerages are probably one too many.
I've only used electronic bank transfers. Generally I'll make the transaction on a Monday and the money is at the bank on Wednesday. Why bother with paper checks?
For those with Schwab how is the security? I had them for stock and options from a former employer and the security was pathetic. Not that long ago passwords were limited to 8 characters with no symbols and were case insensitive! This got "fixed" but I was unsure of how well. I've also heard that the their 2 factor authentication is badly implemented.
For reasons other than their security I've been considering them but the security issue has kept me at bay.
I've never had any problems with either Vanguard or Fidelity but in moving back to the U.K. Vanguard are easier to deal with for overseas residents from my research on expat sites. Their ETFs also report into the UK tax authority so their equity dividends get the appropriate UK tax treatment. (Currently first £5k is free of tax then taxed @ 7.5%, as opposed to non qualified dividends being treated as regular income, for us taxed at 20%) The cap gains on the sale of shares of VG ETFs is also treated like the sales of individual securities so the first £11.5k is free of tax then, for our situation taxed at 10%.
Their passwords are very robust. They use a token for two step authentication, changing second passcode every 60 seconds-just like my old hospital. Very robust. They also have a local office. When I dealt with my dad's estate, I made an appointment and talked with them about the process--no losing the deaths certificate, since I brought it in person.
I agree that you should be able to get a check option.1. I was not sure what bank or credit union account I was going to put the funds in.
2. I really don't think VG should have the option to not send me a paper check if I wish to receive one for MY money.
Much of your VG (or any brokerage) experience is colored by your regular representative. A good rep will correct problems quickly and make things smooth for you. Let it slip you have "millions" more at another brokerage and you'll be assigned a good rep.
Alan, are you saying Vanguard the brokerage house is easier for overseas residents or Vanguard ETF's are easier? Two very different things. For example, I hold VTI in my Schwab brokerage account. Would that work or would I have to hold it at Vanguard?
Opened 2 Schwab accounts this morning.
Hopefully the transition will go smoothly..........
In addition to a nice site, nice bonus to make the move as well.
Should have done this yrs. ago...........
Rather than mumbling all the time under my breath about it.