BErline's Account Talk

[berline]

Like many on this site, I've started out following silently, and now I'm ready to become a contributing member on the forum. For my first post within my account talk, I have a question.

Is anyone using Merrill Edge to trade ETF's outside the TSP? Looks like is you have +$25,000 is your account, you'll get 30 free trades a month. I know for some of you, you're making far more that 30 trades a month (15 buy+sells). To save for instance $6.96/trade, this can save over $200/month... That could be almost 1% of your account, thus it seems like a good deal/service.

Any thoughts? Reasons that Merrill Edge is not such a good idea?

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Congrats on taking the next step!

I haven't used Merrill Edge, but it sounds interesting as that would save me about $150 a month in fees. How much are their fees after the 30 trades?

 

[rcknfrewld]

Does everyone see what I'm seeing...or is my mind in the gutter

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Does everyone see what I'm seeing...or is my mind in the gutter

Yes, and yes...

 

[berline]

Thanks RMI...I've talked with you as well as followed your posts for some time now. Look forward to becoming a "useful" member...As for the Merrill Edge, looks like 6.95 for equities, ETF's and options.

 

[berline]

Too funny... you pervert. Actually, when I came acrossed the image, it was a ah-ha moment. "That must become my avatar."

 

[berline]

BTW, heavens forbid if you need to execute a representative-assisted trade, that'll put you back 44.95. No thanks and I'll stick with DIY trades.

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

As for the Merrill Edge, looks like 6.95 for equities, ETF's and options.

I may have to consider them. I am paying 5.95 for all trades now...

 

[berline]

Makes sense to me. I already had a normal Merrill Lynch account that was the oppsite of self-directed; They did everything on my behalf, no questions asked. I closed that and transferred all the funds into this Merrill Edge, self-directed account. Just completed all that on Friday, and may have to execute my first trade on Monday, if the market remains bullish.

I may have to consider them. I am paying 5.95 for all trades now...

 

[rcknfrewld]

Saw that "avatar" on worst logos ever site..there are some beauties...great avatar selections...someone should post the logos here...i don't know how to...sorry for hijacking...you made my day

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Saw that "avatar" on worst logos ever site..there are some beauties...great avatar selections...someone should post the logos here...i don't know how to...sorry for hijacking...you made my day

http://www.boredpanda.com/worst-logo-fails-ever/

All I can say is WOW...

Ok, I was going to put some of them up here, but I think Tom wants to keep this a family website...

If you are truly interested, Google it or go to the link above.

 

[berline]

Too funny. Some of those are awesome.

http://www.boredpanda.com/worst-logo-fails-ever/

All I can say is WOW...

Ok, I was going to put some of them up here, but I think Tom wants to keep this a family website...

If you are truly interested, Google it or go to the link above.

 

[berline]

Back to the Merrill Edge thing. Seems to me like a really good deal. I had been trading with USAA, which I realy like, but you have to trade frequently to keep the price down. I feel like 30 free trades is really good, but has this kinda become the status quo? Are many sites doing the same or better?

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Back to the Merrill Edge thing. Seems to me like a really good deal. I had been trading with USAA, which I realy like, but you have to trade frequently to keep the price down. I feel like 30 free trades is really good, but has this kinda become the status quo? Are many sites doing the same or better?

I am using USAA now, but I don't like that I can only have one order at a time for a particular stock/ETF and I would like to base trades on another stock/indicator. I am thinking about moving to ThinkOrSwim or TDAmeritrade (same company, different platform).

If I do the ME thing and you get a referral, I will let you know what I decide.

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

BTW, are you really in Paris?

 

[berline]

I am actually in Paris. I have lived and worked here for the last year or so and will likely transfer back to the States this summer. It's an amazing job and a very unique opportunity. Some of my friends lose focus that I am actually working in Paris...not just on vacation. So while it is great and I have NOTHING to complain about, I do work my full 50-60 hours a week. I will I had more time to travel while here, but the free time is far and few between.

BTW, are you really in Paris?

 

[berline]

AND, it's 830 at night here...Waiting for the Ravens game to come on shortly. Not sure I'll make it thru the whole game?

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

I am actually in Paris. I have lived and worked here for the last year or so and will likely transfer back to the States this summer. It's an amazing job and a very unique opportunity. Some of my friends lose focus that I am actually working in Paris...not just on vacation. So while it is great and I have NOTHING to complain about, I do work my full 50-60 hours a week. I will I had more time to travel while here, but the free time is far and few between.

Nice, although I don't think I will be able to get my family to move outside the US... but I can hope... maybe England Molesworth

AND, it's 830 at night here...Waiting for the Ravens game to come on shortly. Not sure I'll make it thru the whole game?

Good luck and have a great night.

 

[nnuut]

Welcome to the Message Board BErline.
Best of luck with your investments.
Norman

 

[Sensei]

Glad to have the company of another overseas member.

Thanks for sharing about Merrill Edge. I don't have that much in the tank yet, which is why Sharebuilder worked for me as a starter. I guess after a few years of DCAing and building my account, maybe I can get a better deal like that. 30 free trades sounds nice!