Comparing Brokers

Planning to buy a few hundred--or even a few--shares of stock? You would be wise to do a little comparing of brokerage fees and services. The cost of trading can vary widely between different investment houses--sometimes even when both companies are providing comparable products and services to investors. But, in some cases, the cheaper alternatives simply don’t provide the services--such as research reports and advice--that you might need.

Here’s a work sheet to help you compare three brokerages:

Stock to be purchased:

Number of shares:

Per-share market price: $

Total price of shares: $

Brokerage: Trading fees: $

Provides investment reports? ( ) yes ( ) no

Gives needed and valuable advice? ( ) yes ( ) no

Answers questions about financial markets and/or asset allocation? ( ) yes ( ) no

Is helpful and responsive? ( ) yes ( ) no

Understands and accommodates your specific investment needs and goals? ( ) yes ( ) no

Brokerage: Trading fees: $

Provides investment reports? ( ) yes ( ) no

Gives needed and valuable advice? ( ) yes ( ) no

Answers questions about financial markets and/or asset allocation? ( ) yes ( ) no

Is helpful and responsive? ( ) yes ( ) no

Understands and accommodates your specific investment needs and goals? ( ) yes ( ) no?

Brokerage: Trading fees: $

Provides investment reports? ( ) yes ( ) no

Gives needed and valuable advice? ( ) yes ( ) no

Answers questions about financial markets and/or asset allocation? ( ) yes ( ) no

Is helpful and responsive? ( ) yes ( ) no

Understands and accommodates your specific investment needs and goals? ( ) yes ( ) no