Investing 102

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Stuart Adams

Greg, have you ever had any dealings with Thomas Partners?

I have not.

Here's why I don't use a big brokerage for dividend investing.... their percentage takes too big of a bite (percentage wise) out of the equation. When you're trying to be somewhat conservative and make a careful 5% average --- 1% is 20% of that. So the dividend earning money is held at Schwab and Fidelity. I break up my portfolio in the event something happens --- you know --- like "to big to fail"?

Just an Investing 102 statement here about a brokerage failing. YOU own your stocks -- they do not. So even if the brokerage went bust -- the stock is in your name.... BUT -- CASH is only FDIC insured (if your brokerage is actually FDIC insured!) for $250,000 per account. I have way more than that in cash any given day... so split my accounts up.

Lots of folks like their money "professionally managed"... nothing wrong with that if that works for them. Just NEVER use a private individual and never ever ever let them have access to your account. EVER.