Yeah, I've never had a problem with Vanguard for the things I need to do: Buying TIPS, looking up historical data, transferring money, basic trading, etc. Their interface is clunky, but I'm used to it. I use Schwab too and their UI can be just as frustrating.To me, the most important thing is solid diverse low cost fund options that are managed well, and for that, Vanguard is still at the top of the heap.
There are lots of complaints about the UI or service when calling, but I don't really care as long as I can do a "set it and forget it" automatic investing in funds that are extremely well managed and priced well. Yes, one can use ETFs now anywhere, but I still largely prefer fund offerings due to not having to place orders during the workday. I also opened Vanguard just before the "no fee" trading proliferated industry-wide, so there may be SOME inertia, but I still like having my money there overall.
I've called them once in maybe 15 years and they addressed my question promptly. The UI is sometime kludgy (and seems like two disparate systems at times -- and I work to implement IT systems...) but for me, I've always been able to do what I want. Maybe if something is super complex, Vanguard might not be a good choice. I did notice when setting things up initially, Vanguard makes you jump through more hoops documentation wise and letter mailing (in 2024!!!) than others, but that happened once.
I also use Schwab for a good chunk of money and find them comparable. I slightly prefer Vanguard's management of funds (low tracking errors! Low costs! High yields!), and maybe Schwab's interface a bit, but both more than serve my needs. And the key index funds at Vanguard are marginally better so they get more of my money.
Others may have different priority areas than me in their chosen brokerage, and that's ok. I don't think Vanguard is perfect or magical or above criticism, but its fund families and offerings still remain best in class for sure.
Edit: I see above comments about lower costs elsewhere. I still find Vanguards tracking errors, tax cost ratios, etc. To be better so they end up being better deals. And for reasons explained above, I don't want ETFs fully although I do hold them at Schwab.
Statistics: Posted by TipsQuestions — Wed Sep 25, 2024 7:13 pm