Seeking Financial Independence Through Shareholder Platforms:AN ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDER ONLINE PLATFORMS BY ADESHINA LAWAL

Financial Investing and the Alleged Glass Ceiling:

Investments provide the unique opportunity to grow one’s money while not physically doing work. It is possible to create a safety net through such activity while also creating the possibility of financial independence. Generally, it can be expensive to open investor’s accounts with access to stock brokers and important financial tools. Recently different companies have come up with viable solutions to correct this access to opportunity. Discussed in this presentation are options for the frugal investment tycoon or the beginning stock investor towards online stock investment platforms.

On Information and Alternatives:

Once one realizes the need for financial products that offer access to the financial arena the search is on for the provider of the best services. Each individual is different and there needs reflect their situation. Individuals look to different social channels to acquire knowledge that will aid them in such an important decision as to who will be proctoring the new investors account. These sources of public opinion include blogs, social networking platforms, consumer rating organizations, and mass media outlets. Another source of information includes actual individuals the buyer comes in contact with during this phase and again later on. The next six slides detail products that provide online stock market platforms.

TD Ameritrade:• Pro:-Top of the line trading tools and technology-Detailed market commentary-Dependable mobile trading app available on a variety of devices-Training information provided-Access to physical locations and 24-hr phone support-Simplistic interface and convenient automated support• Cons:-No access to international markets-High trading costs and fees

ETRADE:• Pros:-Access to ETRADE 360 -Admission to all investment products-Quality mobile application-Membership to an online trader’s community -Privilege to educational materials• Cons:-Monthly trading fees and charges billed to account-High trading costs and fees -No virtual trading community -No trading materials readily available

optionsXpress:• Pros:-Provides industry leading investment tools-Excellent mobile trading platform-No account balance for activation -Provision of $25,000 in fait money for virtual trading-Access to professional educational material -Free subscription to Investor’s Business Daily • Cons:-High options contract fees and minimum deposits -24-hr phone privileges limited to futures traders-limited educational materials

tradeMONSTER:• Pros:-High tech trading tools-Excellent usability -Access to tradeCycle, an investment tool-Educational material about the industry and the site• Cons:-Division between futures trading and the rest of their investment products -Inferior charting tools and research capabilities-Poor customer support

Scottrade:• Pros:-Exemplar customer service standards-Navigable mobile applications -Solid research tools -diverse financial packages available • Cons:-Obsolete mobile app and related technology-No access Easy-to-borrow short term stock

ShareBuilder:• Pros:-IPO analysis-Financial analysis -low trading costs-Mobile applications available• Cons:-delays on stockholder withdrawals-Does not provide stock and ETF selections

Selecting ShareBuilder:After looking at all the possible online stock platforms

available the selection is made to go with ShareBuilder because of what they offer and what the consumer may need for their financial purposes. ShareBuilder’s provisions have the potential to advance the beginning or advanced investor.

Post-Purchase Evaluation:• Although ShareBuilder has

advanced objectives that lead to over all goals of financial independence and retirement it is worth considering other platforms that provide services ShareBuilder does not. I see no fault in using multiple platforms, in an organized fashion, to attain financially related goals.