Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. T. Rowe Price

[AtlantaBuck]

Fidelity and T Rowe

First post, thanks for the insight. I have 2/3 or my assets with Fidelity and 1/3 with T Rowe Price. As noted, both a good companies. Is there a good reason to consolidate with one company or the other? I know based on one's balance, the level of service changes.

For example, I am invested in a S&P Index fund with both companies. Why would I want to consolidate? Thanks in advance.

[Tabs]

If you plan on sticking with index funds, you might as well consolidate with Vanguard to simplify your portfolio.

I say that, of course, without knowing any details about your portfolio. So, please take it for what it's worth as certain details might change my answer.

Speaking for myself though, I always consolidate where I can, because I like my investment company and the funds they offer. That way, it also makes everything that much easier to keep track and manage.

But that's just me. Some prefer to "diversify" among investment companies as well, for various reasons, and if that works for you, that's fine too.

[jIM_Ohio]

Selection of funds- Fidelity is #1, not even close
Cost of funds, Vanguard is cheapest across the board, not even close

T Rowe costs less than Fidelity, and has higher selection than Vanguard, so they are in the middle


Customer service is where they can show value, I have experience with all 3 and would choose T Rowe over the other 2 based on customer service and my experience.

I use ETFs with e-trade for my own non 401k money, and TD Ameritrade should also enter into discussion too.

[GrimJack]

Thanks for the replies.

What do you guys think about Ameritrade? It looks like they are cheaper than Vanguard/Fidelity.

http://www.brokerage-review.com/comp...rd-review.aspx

I have some stocks with Ameritrade (for nostalgic reasons - they were 'dogs of the dow' that just continued to do well) - I like TDA because they will DRiP in your IRAs automagically. I do not buy stocks much any more but when a stock becomes more than 65% of my stock portfolio, I sell and look for something else to buy that pays a dividend.

I would never buy a mutual fund through TDA.

[My English Castle]

Fees

Check the fees really carefully. Sometimes it's hard to tease them out.
Vanguard prides itself on lower fees, and fees can really eat up your return.

Have you seen the Frontline documentary "The Retirement Gamble"? Read the info on fees on the PBS page.