Compare These Top Vendors for Investment Firms

There are many breeds of investment firms, and the type that's right for you depends on your goals. Most people in search of investment firms are looking because, well, they have money to invest. Whether you have new personal money, business funds to invest, retirement account money, or money and/or investments at another firm that you're not happy with, the key deciding factors include these:

1) How much money are you planning invest? If you're starting with a few thousand dollars, for example, one of the major mutual fund investment firms may be a good place. With $50k, $100k, or over $1 million, an online or full-service brokerage firm (a.k.a. investment firm), or a bank offering investment accounts, may be best.

2) Do you want personalized advice and help, either by phone or at a nearby location you can visit? Or does low-cost online access to your investments suit you best? Full-service investment firms offer personalized service and financial planning advice, while people who are comfortable managing their own investments usually opt for discount investment firms.

3) What investment choices do you want? Most investment firms offer a complete range of investment choices, from U.S. and international stocks, bonds and mutual funds, to high-risk instruments like futures and options. Others may specialize in one or more of those areas.

4) Is an investment "management" firm (a.k.a. "money manager") really that you're looking for? These firms invest your money for you. You place a lump sum with them, and they decide where to put it, when to buy and when to sell -- taking a fee and perhaps a cut of earnings for their services and expertise.

Here's where to find your best investment firm fit:

Get low costs and professional management via mutual fund firms

People with investable sums both large and small like mutual funds for their simplicity, wide range of choices, low fees and professional money management expertise.

Compare online investment firms

These days, with online trading prices at rock bottom, the real battle for your business among investment firms is over additional services they offer.

Don't forget your current bank

Your bank may also offer investment firm services, saving you time and trouble of moving assets elsewhere.

Save money with discount investment firms

People who manage their own accounts and make their own investment decisions can save on fees with discount brokers.

Get complete care with full-service investment firms

Full service firms, as their name implies, offer a complete range of investment services and choices, with everything from online account access to financial planning and proprietary investment research.