I would like to give my first try in investing. So far, I found many useful materials to start with on the forum, so now I need some practice.
For me there are two options to start investing.
Investing through my bank. My domestic bank has an investing department, which advises customers on how to invest with no charge for advice. I made an appointment with an adviser. There was a short 30 min conversation at the end of the talk and he gave me some options (two mutual funds) that are available only on my domestic stock exchange. If I want to make some changes to my portfolio I have to call him and ask him to so. If there some drastic changes in the rates he will call me no later than two days after the change to make decision.
Investing online. There are a lot of online services. However, for a non-American resident, I found only TD Ameritrade.
Therefore, I have some questions.
What is the best option to start with? Are there more attractable services than TD Ameritrade for non-American residents and that have lower commissions?
When I ask an adviser why it's better for me to work with him rather than with online service, he answered that he is the simplest way to invest money. I don't need to research the investments; I just follow his advice. In addition, the bank is responsible for all money transfers and I don't need to worry about it.
What's the best way for me to start investing? Is there a better service that TD Ameritrade?
Details: Currently I reside in Israel. I am not sure about my goals right now, but I do want to have a major retirement account without changing it for a long time, and in addition I want to start a much smaller account with higher risk.