Should I make my investments through Merrill Lynch or Vanguard?

If you buy mutual funds through a broker ( like Merrill) you will pay both companies fees; if you buy the same funds through the fund company, Vanguard in this case, you will pay only Vanguard's fees. The fees are called a "load" which is code for commission. Additionally, the brokers will start calling you to see if you want in invest more $$$. Good Luck!

Brokers who work at places like Merrill Lynch like to say that they offer a degree of professional advice and guidance that you can't get at Vanguard. However, my observation has been that my friends and relatives who invest with firms such as Merrill Lynch do no better with their investments than I do -- which I place with firms such as Vanguard and Fidelity. I think with a little homework to educate oneself on investment matters, the average person can do fine picking their own mutual funds at no-load organizations (of which Vanguard is one of the foremost).

Merrill were forced to be bought out by Bank of America because of their difficult financial situation. Since they are a broker it may give you an indication of how capable they were as brokers and offering of advise.

Vanguard is a stable company that offers many different investment choices at very low rates. I would advise going through them.

Using a broker like Merrill Lynch will make you broker.

always choose vanguard. no fees, no pressure, and lots to choose from. they have the best index funds out there

vanguard

It depends if you are mainly buying stocks or mutual funds.