WE asked, and you delivered. Earlier this year, thousands of Kiplinger readers responded to our call to rate the financial products and services they use in 13 categories, from brokerage firms to banks to credit cards to home and auto insurers. The results of our survey, which we're sharing here in our second annual Readers' Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them.
In the survey, which we conducted at Kiplinger.com, readers evaluated providers based on such criteria as their experience with customer service representatives, how likely they would be to recommend the providers to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the companies or services. For each category, we've listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We've also listed other products and services that earned above-average scores for the various criteria we asked readers to assess. (For more on the methodology, see the box on page 75.) Survey respondents had the option to leave comments about the products and services they use, and we've shared the highlights here (some of the remarks are lightly edited for length and clarity). Our thanks to all of you who participated in the survey.
FULL-SERVICE BROKERS
We asked readers to assess brokerage firms that offer a breadth of services, whether online, by phone, through inperson assistance at branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker's customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING
Through her pro bono work, this CFP provides free help with budgeting, saving and more.
THE ALLURE OF SHOULDER SEASON TRAVEL
SHOULDER season can be a great time for a vacation.
A TOOL 10 ADD 10 YOUR ID THEFT ARSENAL
Credit-monitoring services can help you detect fraud quickly.
Give the Gift of Life Insurance
Show your love for your sweetheart by protecting against disaster.
WATCH OUT FOR NUDGES THAT STEER YOU TO TRADE TOO MUCH
ANYONE who has shopped for groceries with a toddler knows to be on high alert for the impulse items the store has thoughtfully placed at a child's eye height.
Lessons for Retirement Success
CHRISTINE Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement (see a related podcast at Morningstar .com).
GET THE RIGHT ADVICE IN RETIREMENT
If you've saved up a decent-size nest egg with a financial services firm, chances are good it has offered you financial advice-for a price. Is it worth it?
SHIELD YOURSELF FROM FRAUD
RECENTLY, one of my clients shared a harrowing experience.
CHECK YOUR COLLEGE'S FINANCIAL HEALTH
Declining enrollment has forced a growing number of small colleges to shut down.
ESTATE PLANNING - Protect Your Wishes and Your Legacy
NO one likes to imagine getting seriously ill, injured or worse, but these occurrences are a reality of life.