by Stephen Lindsley

Choosing among the crowded field of financial services firms can be a daunting task for investors at any level. With its focus on personalized service, investor education and financial guidance, Fidelity Investments offers a full range of quality investment services, both globally and at its office at Ladue Crossing.

“We pride ourselves on meeting our customers’ needs by offering them access to top quality service,” says Sean McClanahan of Fidelity’s St. Louis Investor Center. McClanahan is vice president and manager of the investor center at Ladue Crossing near the intersection of Highway 170 and Ladue Road. “When you speak with one of our representatives,” says McClanahan, “portfolio suggestions will be made based on an assessment of your current condition, goals and risk tolerance.”

He adds that since Fidelity representatives show no preference of one financial product over another, they can help investors build an asset mix that may be right for their situation. What’s more, unlike many firms, Fidelity offers nearly all of its guidance without any fees attached.

“We see three basic types of investors,” continues McClanahan. “The first type wants to invest with us, but manage their account on their own. The second type wants guidance, but still wants to do it themselves, and the third wants the convenience of having a financial professional manage their account. In each case, a Fidelity contact will be right here in St. Louis to help meet their needs.”

Investors of all levels can find a wide range of financial service at Fidelity’s Ladue Investor Center, including retail brokerage services such as research and trading, flat $8 commissions for online equity and option tradesi, and additional financial services, such as 529 education savings accounts, annuities and the Fidelity Charitable Gift FundSM.

As the nation’s retirement leader, Fidelity also offers planning assistance, including comprehensive services to help plan for, monitor and manage retirement finances through the recently-introduced Fidelity Retirement Income AdvantageSM.

Another important component at Fidelity is the free investment seminars, covering everything from the basics of investing to more advanced strategies. “We’re trying to educate folks, whether they invest with us or not,” says Todd Brewer, Fidelity regional consultant. “We invite those with questions to come to a seminar and bring a friend if they wish.” Seminars are offered for corporate groups at their place of business, but the seminars at the Ladue office are more geared toward individuals.

Fidelity offers several different service models for its investors. As your relationship grows with Fidelity, additional assistance becomes available. “But no matter the size of the portfolio,” says McClanahan, “customers can rely on the firm’s nearly 60 years of experience to help them prepare their financial strategy.”

Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with custodied assets of $1.9 trillion, including managed assets of $1.0 trillion as of June 30, 2004. Fidelity offers investment management, retirement planning, brokerage, human resources and benefits outsourcing services to 21 million individuals and institutions as well as through 5,500 financial intermediaries. The firm is the largest mutual fund company in the United States, the No. 1 provider of workplace retirement savings plans, one of the largest mutual fund supermarkets and a leading online brokerage firm.

Although Fidelity handles both corporate and individual accounts, the focus at the Ladue branch is on individuals. “Whether we’re dealing with people on a company-wide basis or personally, we offer the same convenience, with world-class technology, an award-winning Web site, and 24/7 phone service,” says McClanahan.

For more information, stop by Fidelity’s Ladue Investor Center, visit Fidelity.com or call 800-777- 1910.

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Todd Brewer and Sean McClanahan at Fidelity's St. Louis Investor Center

 

 

 

 

 

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