Who needs a traditional brokerage firm anymore?

[SheilaT]

4. I have a financial guy

who used to be with one of the Big Name first, and about three years ago joined a small partnership. He knows about financial things that I haven't a clue about. I am making more money from my investments now, and the tax filing is vastly simpler. Most people who think they can do all their trading by themselves don't do all that well in the market for lots of reasons. One is that they trade more often than they should. The other thing to understand is that your small trades are going to be filled after those of the big guys.

However, if you're happy with what you are currently doing, stick with it.