Options Trading Tutorial

I want Washington Mutal stock. Any good trading companies?

I am currently interested in purchasing about 150 stocks of Washington Mutual. (Ticker Symbol: WM) I know most people out there would not think Washington Mutual would be a good company, but I think there is potential and if I wasn't willing to take risk, I would invest in government bonds. I have a pretty good understanding on the stock market, etc., but the confusing thing is who should I trade through? I've seen ads to trade with Scottrade, Sharebuilder, Etrade, etc; all offering different incentives and options. I just want to make sure I dont chose a sucker company. What are some good companies to use out there to trade stock? Do they charge a monthly fee? What about transaction fees? What company would you use and why? I am looking to hold on to my shares for at least 6 months. Thank you very much for any help you can give me.

Public Comments

1. WM has been on BK watch list since Nov 2007. Have posted that here at the time, and repeatedly warned to AVOID the stock. Your risk is the current price of the stock. I still think that the FDIC will take over WM, or a big bank buy out, but a deal if any would prob be a "take under" just like BSC, FNM, FRE; where the buy out will be effectively less than the current stock price.
2. Wamu announced today it is going up for auction. It could go below the current price of 2.01. However, I would suspect shorties trying to raise the price and then doing a quick sale before the auction. You are playing a risk with this one.