Your Broker's Interests May Not Be In Your Best Interests

Most investors don't realize that broker-dealer representatives (i.e., salesmen working for companies like Merrill Lynch and calling themselves brokers, financial planners, wealth consultants, or some other title that avoids mention of "salesman") are not obligated to put the client's interests above their own. This, of course, has to be disclosed -- but it's usually hidden in a densely written caveat that no one reads. So read it here first direct from Smith Barney.