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Broker Articles

Articles about choosing the right brokerage for your situation.
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Recent Articles

May 12, 2019 | By Jordan Wathen

Brokerage Account vs. Savings: Which Is Right for You?

Trying to choose between a brokerage account and a savings account? Read on to learn the pros and cons of both options.
May 6, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

What to Look for in an IRA Broker

If you're looking to use an IRA to save for retirement effectively, here's what your IRA broker should provide.
Stacks of coins leading up to a jar of coins with a mortarboard on top
March 25, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

Read This Before Opening a 529 College Savings Plan

Done right, a 529 plan can save you a bundle in taxes -- but you'll want to make sure you know the ins and outs of these college savings plans before you get started.
Student celebrates graduation in cap and gown while holding rolled-up diploma
March 22, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

What's the Best College Savings Account?

Get to know your options for saving for college and then choose the one that gives you the most benefits. You can learn about the pros and cons of your various options here.
Many colorful rows and columns of numbers.
March 4, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

How to Compare Brokerage Account Costs

Don't just focus on commissions. Pay attention to all the fees and charges your broker makes you pay, and then find the one that costs you the least.
March 4, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

Can You Add a Beneficiary to a Brokerage Account?

Naming someone who will inherit your brokerage account after you pass away can be a smart estate-planning move. Here's how to do it.
People review data in a room filled with computer screens
Feb. 20, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

5 Things to Look For in an Options Broker

Trading options can be complicated. That's why you need a brokerage company that'll give you the guidance and support you need to be successful.
Feb. 19, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

Online vs. Pro Money Management: Which Is Right for You?

Online brokers can save you a lot of money, but are they right for you? Learn the differences between online and traditional trading and how to choose what’s right for you.
Stock prices moving on a screen
Feb. 18, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

This 1 Tip Will Help You Become a Better Investor Right Now

Starting to invest? Consider making this move to help ensure you’ll meet your goals.
Couple looks at a laptop
Feb. 14, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Much Money Do You Need to Start Buying Stocks?

You don’t need a lot of money to start buying stocks, but if you want to buy stocks the right way, there are a few things to know.
A woman with a shocked expression on her face.
Feb. 11, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

3 Surprising Things to Know About Retirement Plans

If you think your retirement funds are tied up until you’re older, or that you need to get your retirement contributions in by the end of the year, you need to read this
An envelope with Roth IRA written on it and $100 bills falling out.
Feb. 7, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Reasons to Open a Roth IRA Right Now

There are several key advantages to investing for retirement in a Roth IRA in addition to the excellent tax benefits.
Feb. 5, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

What to Look for in a Managed Broker Account

Getting professional advice to help you invest your portfolio can be smart for some investors. Follow these steps to get the best managed broker account for you.
Feb. 5, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Is the Early Retirement Trend Worth the Hassle?

Early retirement sounds like a dream come true. Learn about the lengths people are going to in hopes of retiring in their 40s or even their 30s to decide if it’s something you want to pursue.
Feb. 4, 2019 | By Dan Caplinger

Joint Brokerage Accounts: The Pros and Cons

Putting multiple people on a single brokerage account can be convenient, but there are also some potential pitfalls you need to be aware of. Find out if a joint account is right for you.
Jan. 24, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

How to Sign Up for a TD Ameritrade Brokerage Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

The first step toward achieving long-term investing goals is to open a brokerage account. Learn how to sign up for a TD Ameritrade account in 5 easy steps.
Jan. 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

4 Things to Avoid as a New Investor

All investors make mistakes, but some can be particularly devastating. Here are four mistakes newer investors should avoid making at all costs.
Close up on various stock prices rising and falling
Jan. 7, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

6 Things to Know as a New Investor

When you’re just getting into investing, all the information out there can seem overwhelming. Get started on the right foot with these six things you’ll need to know as a new investor.
woman holding empty piggy bank upside down
Jan. 4, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

You Won't Believe How Many Millennials Have No Retirement Savings

Saving for retirement is an area where millennials are falling far short of where they need to be. Find out just how bad it is and how you can keep your retirement on track.
Woman reading at a computer in a sunny office.
Dec. 19, 2018 | By Dan Caplinger

Is It a Bad Idea to Have Multiple Brokerage Accounts?

Find out whether it makes sense to divide your assets.
A piggy bank with the words ROTH IRA written on the side.
Dec. 19, 2018 | By Dan Caplinger

Is a Roth IRA Considered a Brokerage Account?

Yes, and, as a matter of fact, you’ll often find brokerage accounts that cater to people opening a traditional or Roth IRA.
Dec. 17, 2018 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Reasons to Open an IRA Account Right Now

Here are the five most compelling benefits of investing in an IRA as soon as you possibly can.
Dec. 7, 2018 | By Jordan Wathen

Brokerage Account Insurance: Is Your Account Safe?

Here’s how to check if your brokerage account is insured, and how much insurance you have for your assets.
Dec. 4, 2018 | By Jordan Wathen

Why Your Capital One Investing Brokerage Account Is Moving to E*Trade

If you use Capital One Investing to trade stocks, your account will be moved to E*Trade later in 2018. Here's why more mergers and acquisitions are in the cards for the online discount brokerage industry.
Man typing on a computer with stock icons floating in the air.
Dec. 4, 2018 | By Eric Volkman

How to Sign Up for an Ally Invest Account

Ally Invest tempts securities investors with some of the lowest trading fees in the business. If that makes you want to open an account with the brokerage, read on.