Determining an appropriate brokerage firm and service level does matter!

Perhaps the most critical decision you will make as a futures and options trader isn't what to buy or sell, or when to execute a strategy, but whom to trade with. Regardless of your desired service level (self-directed discount trading, or full-service brokerage), opening an account with the "wrong" brokerage firm, or individual broker, can be an expensive and painful lesson. It is critical that you get this choice right the first time to ensure you won't be wasting valuable time and stress on non-trading decisions.