Hello Fools,

I am so lost in a swamp of information. I don't know if I want to invest in DRIPs, ETFs, Computer Driven Index Mutual Funds, or plain old stocks. I don't know if I should open a TFSA, RSP, or a simple regular account. I really don't know who to trust for a Canadian discount broker.

(For a little more info on my situation, read this thread please: http://boards.fool.com/game-plan-28811850.aspx )

I am interested in investing for the long-term. I don't wish to use this money for a source of income by any means, but I would like to have options with regards to how I handle it.

That leads me to my question: What in the world are certificate fees? Is this the fee for holding your stock certificates? I was warming up to Questrade as a potential broker, but I didn't know if this fee would apply to me.

http://www.questrade.com/pricing/admin_fees.aspx

Also, Questrade does not have a DRP that allows you to buy partial stocks? It says that anything that I get from dividends will be credited back to my account if it is not enough to purchase an entire share. That's gonna kill me in commission fees right? Have a looksy if need be. Is that a deal breaker?

http://www.questrade.com/trading/stocks_dividend_plan.aspx

Im obviously a bit confused. If someone who is very experienced could take the time to engage me in an open dialogue over the next while I would be very grateful.

I need help with...
1) Who to sign up with for a broker
2) What kind of account I should sign up with (TFSA, RSP etc.)
3) How do I effectively begin investing with $1600-$2000?

Please, please, please and THANK YOU,
Chris