Scottrade

This is one of Scottrade’s newer and smaller offices but big enough. I have been with larger brokerages like Charles Schwab and Fidelity both in larger cities in other states and I MUCH prefer the smaller locations. I like just dropping in to hang out a little. You can do everything online of course but it’s kind of nice to see a friendly face that knows your name.
Paul and John are usually there with an intern helper or two and they can’t give you any trade advice, just help with your investment goals and answer questions about Scottrade. Perfect. There is always a couple bowls of some kind of candy, Atomic FIREBALLS! Red Licorice! and lots of newspapers and of course a Busyness channel on the big screen monitor. I have never been there when there was more than one other client there except for the classes they run. Free, and usually less than 20 people. I’m a fan.
Find somebody in your «family» who has them and you can both get a referral for for some free trades.
Most trades are $ 7. Look both ways before you cross the street.
Have fun.