So for the past year I've been playing with my 401K online (through Merrill Lynch), changing contributions and investments and such. I kind of like it, have done pretty good, though I don't want to mess with that too much as I have to retire off it you know So I've decided to play a little in the stock market, nothing major, just want to buy a few stocks and see what happens with them. A learning experience really, not going to dump more than $1,000 in. I'm not going to need any broker advice, it'll just be for me buying stuff I research on my own. I looked around and I found Firstrade and Scottrade. Neither has inactivity or maintenance fees (since I won't be very active I don't want fees, hell I may just do one trade, depends on how bad it goes, haha). Anyway, trading prices are pretty much the same, $6.95 at Firstrade and $7 at Scottrade. The only thing I couldn't find is if Firstrade charges you to close an account, I know Scottrade does not.

So there have got to be some part time investors on here, has anyone used either of these brokers? Have any opinions on which to go with? Thanks.