Amerprise? Try Frankenprise!
Between service that has gone downhill from my financial adviser[1], and a web-site that is slow and sub-par, I think it's time I parted ways with Ameriprise. They were good to me in terms of getting me set up with my Roth and Traditional IRAs, but I want to take a more active role in managing my assets, and I do not think they are the right choice for me anymore.
So, I'm looking to take my retirement funds elsewhere, and am open to suggestions. Here's what I am looking for:
1) Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs
2) Disability Insurance
3) Brokerage accounts. There are one or two stocks I'd like to invest in, as well as The Vice Fund
4) A "self-service" mentality. I hate depending on others, and I like to have control over my funds instead of having to ask someone to change things for me.
5) Financial planning advice. I like to learn things, but I know when I'm in over my head and need to consult an expert, and I am willing to pay for this. Currently, Ameriprise is charging me a flat fee for "comprehensive financial planning", whatever that means. In combination with #4, I'm fine with "no-frills" outfits, as well as paying by the hour for advise on an "ala carte" basis.
At this point, I'm mostly interested in ideas and options. A single firm doesn't necessarily have to provide all of the above services. If anyone has experience with say, a company that offers good disability insurance at good rates, then I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks!
[1] It's a real shame, too. My first financial adviser, back when they were American Express Financial Advisers, was a fellow by the name of Dave Randall. He was very good about answering some of the silly questions I asked, prompt in his replies to my emails, and never made me feel rushed or ignored. But then he left American Express Financial Advisors for what I imagine was a better opportunity. After being cast aside for nearly a year, they finally put me in touch with my current adviser, who is... um... yeah...
So, I'm looking to take my retirement funds elsewhere, and am open to suggestions. Here's what I am looking for:
1) Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs
2) Disability Insurance
3) Brokerage accounts. There are one or two stocks I'd like to invest in, as well as The Vice Fund
4) A "self-service" mentality. I hate depending on others, and I like to have control over my funds instead of having to ask someone to change things for me.
5) Financial planning advice. I like to learn things, but I know when I'm in over my head and need to consult an expert, and I am willing to pay for this. Currently, Ameriprise is charging me a flat fee for "comprehensive financial planning", whatever that means. In combination with #4, I'm fine with "no-frills" outfits, as well as paying by the hour for advise on an "ala carte" basis.
At this point, I'm mostly interested in ideas and options. A single firm doesn't necessarily have to provide all of the above services. If anyone has experience with say, a company that offers good disability insurance at good rates, then I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks!
[1] It's a real shame, too. My first financial adviser, back when they were American Express Financial Advisers, was a fellow by the name of Dave Randall. He was very good about answering some of the silly questions I asked, prompt in his replies to my emails, and never made me feel rushed or ignored. But then he left American Express Financial Advisors for what I imagine was a better opportunity. After being cast aside for nearly a year, they finally put me in touch with my current adviser, who is... um... yeah...