I'm thinking of dumping my CFA and going with schwab or vanguard for some low cost index funds for my IRA. 30 year window. I already have an account with schwab for an advanced savings account so it'd be easier for me to switch to them. They also have a branch in Baton Rouge where I could go and talk with someone and get this set up right. I can't do that with vanguard.

Are there any advantages to either one? Are there any schwab funds that are like VTSMX?

TIA

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Posted by Sigma

Fairhope, AL

Member since Dec 2005

3643 posts

Posted on 3/31/15 at 11:46 am to white perch

Schwab has several great index funds that are just as cheap as Vanguard. I have my 401k with Schwab and Roth with Vanguard. I'm happy with both, so in your case I would just stick with Schwab. I don't know the tickers of the funds (S&P 500, Small Cap, International) I have with them but I'm sure someone will chime in with some good suggestions.

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Posted by Hawkeye95

Member since Dec 2013

20293 posts

Posted on 3/31/15 at 12:29 pm to white perch

i would go with schwab just to keep the number of financial entities you deal with to a minimum. It can be a hassle to remember a bunch of logins, updating addresses, etc. Plus even if you choose the no mail option, you still get a piece of mail relatively freuqnetly.

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Posted by Ole War Skule

North Shore

Member since Sep 2003

3409 posts

Posted on 3/31/15 at 1:34 pm to white perch

I'd definitely go with Schwab if you're locked into those 2 due to more unbiased research and features.

If you're not, look at Fidelity. The website, research, app, and customer service are spectacular and the additional cost of $8/trade (zero on my ETFs), is negligible.

Kiplinger survey

They also have excellent tools such as retirement planners, tax tools, and a full view page that allows you to enter other brokerages, banks, insurance accounts, loans etc onto one page.

This post was edited on 3/31/15 at 1:36 pm

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