Reviving a slightly old thread here

I'm looking to do my monthly, regular investments via a selection of ETFs (in this case through TDAM)

Currently these are all comission/fee free so it's not an issue to add in small amounts ($200-300 worth) on a monthly basis, do these normally stay fee free for the long term? As it wouldn't be worth paying purchase charge each time if the amounts are small.

I'm aware of the yearly maintenance fee, I meant the fee to purchase the ETF - currently there's quite a few Commission-free , others $9.99. The $9.99 would be too much if just topping up monthly with $100-300 each

Agreed, that's why I was asking if they're likely to remain fee-free for the long term - will have to wait and see I guess.

Topping up less frequently in larger amounts would have to be an option I guess if the purchases don't remain fee free

I transferred to TD Ameritrade via Maybank from a Maybank USD account.

Transfer charge is $4+$7.65 (USD) and amount that's received is $26 USD less (middle/clearing bank charges) , so a total of $35.65

Both times so far I've done a transfer the funds have arrived quickly - ie. do it in Maybank branch at 4PM, at night time when US opens the funds are in the account.

Apparently you can send a cheque which costs less but can take some weeks to clear.

I haven't done / not planning on doing any transfers less than $10,000 so percentage wise the fee isn't too bad

As far as I know, Maybank charge $4 for any FCA (Foreign currency account) transaction , the $7.65 then will be the TT charge.

Any payments in foreign currencies always need to go through a middle/clearing bank, who again impose an additional charge (in this case, $26 USD on both occasions)

Not something that can be avoided easily that I know of, if transferring from Malaysia > US

Not much to share so far - far from complete A mix of US large/mid/small cap, emerging markets, Europe, Gold/REITs

This is for my retirement at 60-65 so I'm slowly building it up over the next years then contribute a set amount per month from then onwards

Around 30% Bonds / 70% Equity I'll give you a more detailed breakdown tomorrow of the allocation but it will likely change over the years.

I'm only transferring in batches of $10K, not investing this amount monthly! (I wish )

This post has been edited by rjb123: Feb 23 2014, 02:21 AM

Yes, if you transfer small amounts (say $1K) the fee is a bit too much, on $10k it is reasonable.

BTW, I tried to do the initial funding from a USD account based in IOM and the payment was rejected which cost $44 - waste of money considering it didn't achieve anything.

Here's a screenshot from TDAM Portfolio planner to give an idea of where things should be once complete :



It'll take a while to reach as I'll be buying on a monthly basis. Even if it takes a year it isn't such a huge deal as I'm planning to save this portfolio for my retirement (at least 28 years ) plus TDAM isn't the only portfolio - others I've had for a while longer.

Agreed, in the long run the 0.3765% transfer charges each time are not much compared to the savings on management fees.

Actually originally I was planning to buy Europe based ETFs / Funds through TD Direct (the European part) but their charges are crazy. ETF trading charge is 28 EUR, and it actually goes up based on the value of the trade. There may be a tax advantage compared to US though , I need to research that in a bit more detail

Actually I'm planning on buying additional bond/fixed income denominated in EUR , not through US broker. And already hold some others through broker in Malaysia

I'm 27 - started investing in a few funds back in 2007/8 (lump sum just before the big drop due to the financial crisis ) I work in sales/purchasing and just take a commission so as such my salary is unstable and fluctuates a lot ..s so its important for me to save for future/retirement

Depends what you call minimalistic ... expenses are higher than they could be but I don't buy any luxury goods, don't drive a car etc.

Anyway, going a bit off topic here

Part of the "speciality" is in Gold shares

Savings .. my emergency fund is in FD

Gold + REITs

The $36.65 is the transfer charge only, I'm holding USD in Maybank so no currency conversation is taking place.

As John mentioned - I'm using TD Ameritrade which offers 500 free trades (not sure when they expire, I think 60 days from account opening) and a selection of commission free ETFs, others have a $9.99 dealing charge.

Transfer from a bank account only.

Currently VNQ (US)

TT / Wire all the same , no difference.

I'm getting my income in USD so I don't need to do any MYR to USD conversion

There isn't any charge for having a FCA account with Maybank, just $1000 USD initial deposit , and $4 per transaction (local, more for overseas)

Anything related to phones (mostly parts, accessories)

No particular reason , will look at some EUR denominated ones , prefer to buy those in EUR

Mostly passive

Minimum purchase is 1 share / ETF, so it depends on the price.

Initial deposit with TDAM I think is $2K, not 100% sure - read that elsewhere

I'm holding sole XLV

This RXL is 200% leveraged ..

My portfolio using US ETFs is still in progress, doing OK so far.

Should reach my target allocation in the next few months

Although added a few other sectors ... Russia/Thailand/Vietnam to diversify a bit