BEATING BROKER FEES

Solution:

Physician-investors whose portfolioshave been decimated by thebear market may be getting a seconddose of bad news. If your accountbalance has dropped below a certainlevel, brokers and mutual funds mayslap you with a low-balance fee thatadds to the damage done to analready punch-drunk portfolio. Thefees can range anywhere from $25to $200 annually—ouch! Get above minimum levels byputting all your eggs in 1 basket. Ifyou're a mutual fund investor, buyfunds from just a single fund familylike Fidelity (800-343-3548),Vanguard (800-635-1511), or TIAACREF(800-223-1200). If you investin individual stocks, pool allyour holdings and set up 1 accountwith a single broker.