Free PP ETF Implementation

[MachineGhost]

I don't like some of the PERM components, specifically the silver.  Silver lowers the return and increases drawdown to a PP portfolio.  And I don't like the fund of funds fee on top of the underlying ETF fees.

So, is Schwab the only broker at the moment that allows you to setup a all four components of the strategic PP for free?  I just want to make sure there isn't another contender before I open an account.

What about for free tax managed ETF's?

[KevinW]

AFAIK, yes, the only commission-free PP implementations are

SCHB, individual treasuries, SCHO, and SGOL at Schwab
PERM at ETrade

There are many brokers that let you trade everything except gold for free.

[MachineGhost]

So Schwab does not offer TLT or EDV for free?

[KevinW]

Here is the Schwab "OneSource" free ETF list:
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/inv ... ceETFs.asp

No TLT or EDV.

Also I should mention that Pointedstick said something about Schwab not supporting online individual bond sell orders. I haven't researched this.

[dragoncar]

Realistically, however, it's not free.  There's either a spread loss or expense fee kickback or something.

[rhymenocerous]

You get free trades at WellsFargo (I think it's called WellTrade) if you have a certain level of assets with them.  I think you get like 100 free trades per year, which is more than you would ever need to implement the PP.

[cnh]

You get free trades at WellsFargo (I think it's called WellTrade) if you have a certain level of assets with them.  I think you get like 100 free trades per year, which is more than you would ever need to implement the PP.

I wouldn't go that route. It will cost you way more by placing the necessary assets with them than the commissions will cost you.

While not free, OptionsHouse has $3.95 stock/ETF trades. Have used them for years and they are fine.

I'm curious why WellsTrade "will cost...way more." I had a WellsTrade account, and I had not cost or trade-execution issues with it. I plunked something like $500 into a linked checking account and 100 trades per year were free. The linked accounts carried no recurring service fees. I closed the accounts, but only to simplify my "financial life."