maybanks, The number one rule of brokers is that they always get paid. Many of these brokerage supermarkts have no-load mutual funds available with no transaction fee. When you purchase one of the no-load mutual funds in that program, the fund company you're buying pays the broker. When you purchase a fund that is not a part of the supermarket's no transaction fee program, YOU pay the fee. The fee is usually waived if you are buying a load fund (not a good idea) or if you are using a financial planner who can have all fees waived for you.

Some brokerage supermarkets offer no fee free program. Instead, they charge a flat fee (usually $15 & up) to buy funds thru them. You have selected Ameritrade. Unfortunately, they are one of these brokers. (Their sibling, Accutrade, has a no transaction fee program for no-load mutual funds. Maybe they'll allow you to move your accounts over there.) Consequently, every time you buy or sell a fund, Ameritrade will clip you for a few bucks. Ameritrade, Scottrade, and plenty of other do this.

Certain quality fund companies like Vanguard and T Rowe Price do not participate in any other no transaction fee program thru other brokers. You must purchase directly from Vanguard and Price to avoid the fee.

Schwab, E*TRADE, Quick & Reilly, Muriel Seibert, among others have extensive no-load mutual funds available with no transaction fee.

Here is a link to a brokerage survey that might help you out. This particular site appears to be primarily geared toward active traders but it will still have some useful information. ie, real fee free IRAs with no minimum balance (TD Waterhouse, E*TRADE, ACCUTRADE). It also contains links to other brokerage surveys like gomez.com, kiplingers, and smartmoney.
Good fortune. Rick, the glampig

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