I review brokers for BW: Here’s why Fidelity is one of our favorites

As we embark on the new year, many of us see January as a fresh start to get our lives together. For those considering investing as part of their goals, that’s fantastic.

However, the journey to investing can often be overwhelming with numerous options and decisions to make. From choosing the right account to understanding complex terms like options trading, it can be a lot to navigate.

Don’t let the abundance of choices deter you. Time is of the essence in investing; the sooner you start, the more your money can grow. Let me simplify things for you so you can focus on other pursuits like fitness classes or creative hobbies.

Every year, our team at BW meticulously evaluates numerous investing platforms. We analyze everything from fees and minimum investments to educational resources and customer support. Our recommendations are unbiased, and we update our list regularly to ensure we’re suggesting the best options for our readers. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge into investing, consider Fidelity as a solid choice for long-term investors.Our top picks are always in the best interest of our audience.

If you’re in search of an investment account, whether it’s a standard brokerage account or a retirement IRA, Fidelity could be the answer to your needs. Here’s why.

For the millions with a Fidelity 401(k), adding a brokerage or IRA account is a seamless next step. This allows for better organization, a holistic view of your investments, and the avoidance of overexposure to any single asset. Working with a Fidelity advisor can further streamline this process, though there may be associated fees.

Fidelity offers a wide array of investment types, including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, options, bonds, and more. Additionally, for long-term investors, Fidelity’s zero expense ratio index funds present a compelling opportunity to save on fees and maximize returns.

Fidelity’s mobile app stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. From retirement planning tools to educational resources, the app caters to a wide range of investor needs. Whether you’re a passive investor or interested in advanced trading, Fidelity’s app delivers on functionality and ease of use.

Retirement functionality: Create retirement goals, utilize advanced calculators, and access educational materials to plan for your future.

Strong educational resources: Stay informed with articles, videos, and guides on various investment topics, tailored for both novice and experienced investors.

Fidelity offers a multitude of account types to cater to different financial goals. From college savings plans to self-employed retirement accounts, Fidelity’s platform provides flexibility and choice for investors.

529 college savings plan: Invest in your child’s education with tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses.

Variety of self-employed retirement plans: Explore SEP, SIMPLE IRAs, and solo 401(k)s for self-employed individuals.

Health savings account: Save for medical expenses with the triple tax advantage of an HSA.

Youth investing accounts: Introduce kids to investing with UGMA, UTMA accounts, Roth IRAs, and Fidelity Youth Accounts.

For those seeking different features like automated investment management or IRA matches, there are compelling options available.

If you prefer automated portfolio management, Charles Schwab’s Intelligent Portfolios offers a free alternative to traditional robo-advisors. This can result in significant cost savings over time.

If you’re in search of user-friendly trading platforms or IRA matching programs, Robinhood could be a suitable choice. With attractive features and incentives like IRA matches, Robinhood appeals to a different set of investors.