US Stock Brokers
A stock brokerage account allows individuals to buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. These accounts are regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing flexibility but no tax advantages. Capital gains and dividends are subject to taxation, making them best suited for investors seeking unrestricted access to their funds.
Compare US Stock BrokersETF Platforms
ETFs consist of a basket of stocks that are representative of that market, with the aim of replicating that market’s movement. ETFs are a relative newcomer to the investment stage, having only existed since the early 1990s, but now make up as much as 30% of all US trades by value. Their meteoric rise can be attributed to their popularity among individual investors, who value the ETF for its fund-like and stock-like features.
Compare ETF PlatformsMutual Fund Accounts
Mutual funds are investment products that provide diversified exposure to different asset classes. With these products, investors’ money is pooled together to form a larger amount of capital for investment. This capital is then managed by a professional fund manager or fund management firm, who will decide on what investments to buy for the fund.
Compare Mutual Fund BrokersBond Brokers
A bond broker is the most common way to buy bonds. Bonds are issued by many different types of organisations looking to raise money through debt. When you invest in a bond you are doing so in the hope that that organisation can pay it back along with the interest payments. Here’s a quick rundown of the types of bond available. Compare Bond Brokers401(k) and 403(b) Plans
Employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts enable employees to contribute pre-tax income, reducing their taxable earnings while investments grow tax-free. Regulated by the IRS and DOL, these plans are particularly attractive when employers offer matching contributions, effectively providing free money toward retirement. Withdrawals are taxed as income, but funds can be rolled over into an IRA to maintain tax advantages.
Compare 401(k) and 403(b) PlansHealth Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA is a tax-efficient account used for medical expenses, available to individuals with high-deductible health plans. Contributions are tax-deductible, investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses remain untaxed. Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), unused HSA funds roll over indefinitely, making them a valuable long-term healthcare savings tool.
Compare Health Savings Account (HSA)529 College Savings Plan
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account designed for education savings. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses such as tuition, books, and housing are also untaxed. These plans are regulated by the IRS and administered at the state level, making them a popular choice for parents saving for their children’s higher education.
Compare 529 College Savings PlanTrust Accounts
Trust accounts help high-net-worth individuals manage and transfer wealth efficiently. Regulated by the IRS and SEC, these accounts can be structured to minimize estate taxes and ensure financial security for beneficiaries. Depending on the trust type, they can offer asset protection and controlled distribution of funds.
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