Let’s face it: These days, economic uncertainty is higher than ever and our once-safe retirement years may not be so safe, after all. Social Security is going broke, Medicare is projected to go broke by 2017. Add it all up and making money into our golden years might actually be something that is a mandatory requirement and not something to think about as a way of supplementing our retirement on an occasional basis.

Think about that while you’re sitting there nursing that leg arthritis you’ve developed of late (no doubt as the result of a wild youth spent skydiving and riding motorcycles in a reckless manner, right?). Studies show that the current baby boom generation and the one that followed it (GenX) aren’t saving nearly enough to fund their current extravagant lifestyles. Clearly something’s going to have to be done.

And what’s got to give is the obstinacy many of us show when it comes to refusing to consider how we’re going to gain a meaningful retirement income. What’s clear is we need to begin thinking and planning for it NOW and not the year before we’re ready to pull the rip cord and bail out of the working man’s airplane. Relying on government social programs for our needs isn’t the smartest thing to do, so investing and saving now becomes doubly important.

But are we even saving or investing at all? Sure, we all watch the business networks and many of us understand stocks or bonds on one level. But, we’ve also been scared to death by stories of the financial collapse in the markets and the ongoing recession we’ve apparently been in since 2007. That shouldn’t stop us, though, from forcing ourselves into better savings and spending habits, for a fact.

Let’s take a look at a business owner these days. He might own a fine costume jewelry wholesale distributor concern of some sort and he has a few employees. However, he’s still got to look out for his own financial health, in general. Has he looked to thrift savings plans, IRAs (traditional or Roth), 401(k) accounts (still a great investment tool) and the like? If he hasn’t, what’s he going to use to fund his retirement? Social Security?

Not having anywhere near the amount of money in savings, or a nicely-funded IRA (Roth or traditional) and a 401(k) will generally doom one to a life of lessened financial abilities. This is especially so if one wants to really get out there and enjoy the golden years. So, refusing to save or invest NOW can really lead to serious financial problems down the road and when it can be least afforded.

The bottom line to all this is that we’ve got to begin now (even if ‘now’ is only a couple years before retirement) in order to avoid problems later, especially when we’re looking to enjoy a nice retirement. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start saving and investing and it’s wise to consider your financial health right alongside your physical health in terms of absolute importance.

Comparing stock brokers starts with figuring out what your priorities are and the different criteria.The features that you should consider are option/stock trades, trading/research tools, customer service, community features among others.

Keep in mind that each stock broker specializes in certain niches. For example, TradeKing is best for online traders while Scottrade offers the option of local offices.

Your choices vary depending on your needs without worrying what other people want. Of course, you can keep accounts with different brokers to satisfy your different trading needs!

TradeKing

With TradeKing, you need not maintain a minimum balance. The $4.95 lowest transaction fee is very reasonable although it must be emphasized that an additional fee of 0.0101 per share is levied on stocks less than $1.

On the bright side, TradeKing does give you the option of broker-assisted trades for $4.95/trade.The savings due to no extra inactivity fees will be to your liking.

Scottrade

As mentioned earlier, Scottrade is for traders who want more high touch or personalized service.The lowest transaction cost of $7 is offset by the minimum deposit requirement.

This brokerage deals with Pink Sheets too but the trades need to be executed with the help of a broker and the fees would be greater if the stock price is under $1. Touchstone IVR trades are priced at $17 per trade. Fortunately, there are no other extra fees imposed.

Charles Schwab brokerage

Considered the granddaddy of discount brokerage houses, Charles Schwab is surprisingly on the expensive side. You have to maintain a minimum balance of $2,500 or $2,000 for IRAs, which is in contrast with the zero policy of TradeKing and Zecco.

Extra fees of $12 will also be charged.$50 quarterly on accounts that dont maintain the minimum. Indeed, when you start to compare stock brokers, keep in mind that Charles Schwab brokerage takes plenty of money to use.

TD Ameritrade firm

A top-rated online stockbroker for many industry organizations, TD Ameritrade firm requires a minimum deposit of $2,000 although IRA accounts require half of that amount. There is no catch to the minimum deposit although telephone IVR trades are charged a flat fee of $34.99 per trade.

Its $44.99 fee on broker-assisted trades is one of the highest in the industry. You should also take note that additional charges on mail statements and trade confirmations in the US will be charged $2-$5 each.

Zecco

If you are an infrequent long-term trader, then Zecco is the right choice.Not only does Tradeking not have a minimum balance requirement it sometimes waives fees on certain types of transactions.

Dont forget,.There is a minimum trade volume of 25 monthly, out of which the first 10 are free.After the previously mention free trades, the flat charge is $4.50 per trade is imposed.The same holds true if you keep a $25K balance.

As you compare stock brokers, you will notice subtle and significant differences between the fees, services and fine print offered by the companies.Make it a point to check the differences to get the best bang for your buck.You do want folks on your side when increasing your wealth either as a trader or investor.

Whether you are looking for discount stock brokers or want to invest for a slightly longer period, it all starts with the best penny stock broker.