Investment question for the investment-minded

[Bling Bling]

Sorry this is such a hideously boring question. It doesn't get much more off-topic than this, but I'd appreciate some advice. I currently have my very modest nest egg with Merrill Lynch, which has now unfortunately been bought by Bank of America. I don't like Bank of America, so I'd like to transfer what little I have to another broker. Any suggestions? Who do you think is best/most reliable as far as not nickel-and-diming you with lame fees and charges? I don't do much buying/trading, per se, but competent financial advisors who aren't pushy about their own products are always nice as are free checking and a credit/debit card. Any advice at all? As borig as it is, this is important stuff, you know. Thanks.

[Tensor]

News sources such as >Barron's<, or >the Wall Street Journal<, or >Investor's Business Daily<, or >Smart Money< often post ratings & reviews for online brokers, and banks.

I would visit these sites, and search around for the latest 'Best of' polls. For example, I recently opened a trading account at www.TradeKing.com based upon reviews in Barron's Magazine.

Hope this helps you to get started.

Edit: >Annual Ranking
Of the Best Online Brokers<

[Timothy]

I bought AIG at $2.06 yesterday. If this pays off I can buy some new dice.