Ask A Foolish Question -- Am I Paying Too Much In Broker Fees?

Couldn't agree more with the Status Kuo. Dealing costs are one of the few things private investors can control.

I know it's frustrating, but small regular amounts are probably best piled into something like a term savings bond until the accrued amount is enough that your costs don't hobble you from the start.

If you're interested in blue chip dividend payers (excellent idea), it doesn't make much sense to start from around 10% down on trading costs alone. That makes introductory fees on funds look downright charitable!

And don't worry that you're going to miss out by waiting and building up a reserve. In my humble and not necessarily right opinion, markets are going to be flat and fickle for some time yet. Use the time for research. The flipside of frustration is patience.

"Fool, does realise Iweb charge only £5 per trade"

For foreign equities, they also charge 1% on the foreign exchange, rising to 1.5% in April 2013.
So a £5000 trade costs £50 on forex, rising to £75.
Then the same again when you sell.

Watch ALL the charges.