| You'll have to open an account. Many brokers will allow you to make a purchase,
then send them the $$ once the trade is made (you have something like a weeks
grace period until the settlement date).
A lot of people will let the broker hold the stock certificate for them.
Less hassle when you want to sell. The application form may have a check
box for this option. If you do ask for the certificates, you'll have to
mail them back (registered and all that, usually) when you want to sell.
They'll do what you want them to do because the SEC (securities and exchanges
commission) would shut them down if they didn't. Just pick a reputable
broker if you are a little hesitent (Fidelity or Schwab for instance).
John Piekos
|