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Fidelity + (Vanguard OR TDAmeritrade) ?

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:53 pm
by foglifter
I hope the pseudo code in the subject is comprehensible.  ;)

I have most of my retirement accounts and a taxable account at Fidelity. The question of choosing a brokerage provider has been discussed here and it sounds like Vanguard and TDA were both graded as solid options. Both offer commission-free ETFs. TDA also is an investment account provider for HSABank-hosted HSAs (I might consider to move my HSA there if/when Adirondack drops their APY). Additionally, TDA offers 30+ Vanguard ETFs commission-free as well as many other fund families' ETFs. Vanguard doesn't need an introduction, but there were some reports about slow funds transfers/clearing. Also, they charge management fee for total balances <50K.

Since some of the forum members have real-life experience with one or both of these institutions I wanted to ask a question: which company would you go with if you had a need to diversify from having all your eggs in one basket (in my case - Fidelity)?

Re: Fidelity + (Vanguard OR TDAmeritrade) ?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 7:58 am
by EdwardjK
I have accounts with both Fidelity and Vanguard.  Both are solid choices.  I prefer Fidelity only because I like how their website displays my accounts.  Everything is very intuitive.

Vanguard's website is good as well, but I find their site is not as clearly displayed.  On more than one occassion I had to call their 800-number to learn how to initiate a transaction.

I think having accounts at two brokerages provides some degree of flexibility, especially with commissions.  One or the other usually has the lowest commission on a specific transaction.

That's my take.  Good luck.

Re: Fidelity + (Vanguard OR TDAmeritrade) ?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 10:11 am
by clacy
I have accounts with TDA and Vanguard.  I prefer TDA's trading platform by a wide margin.  I feel both are as rock solid as it comes in regards to safety, with maybe a slight edge to Vanguard.

You can't go wrong with either, IMO.

Re: Fidelity + (Vanguard OR TDAmeritrade) ?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 11:54 am
by KevinW
All things being equal, I prefer financial institutions with a mutual company or co-op model. In general there are fewer conflicts of interest and opportunities for shenanigans.  Also, all things being equal I prefer mutual funds over ETFs since ETFs involve more counterparties.

So, my favorite broker is Vanguard due to its availability of PP-compatible mutual funds and client-owned structure.

I used to have a Fidelity 401k and was happy with them. They also have cheap PP-compatible funds and their execution and customer service was excellent. Fidelity is a privately owned for-profit corporation though so I feel I need to keep an eye on them.

TDA and other reputable discount brokers are probably fine, but as stated, I prefer to work directly with fund sponsors.

IMO a PP ought to be spread across at least two distinct brokers for institutional diversification. Currently I think the best combination is Vanguard and Fidelity. I'm always on the lookout for a nonprofit alternative to Fidelity though.

Re: Fidelity + (Vanguard OR TDAmeritrade) ?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 1:31 pm
by foglifter
Looks like Vanguard wins. Thank you all for your input!