Click here for the latest Sharebuilder promotion, a $25 bonus.
Way back in August, I took advantage of a ShareBuilder promotion that gave me $50 for investing. With the free money, I bought $46 worth of IYZ, the iShares Telecommunications ETF. The other $4 was ripped from my clenches as a transaction fee.
I’m happy to report that my investment has recouped the $4 transaction fee; my ShareBuilder account balance is up to $50.73 (which includes reinvested dividends) from the initial $46.
Want to invest with free money? ShareBuilder is now giving away $50 and a free book! If you happen to be a member of Costco, you can get $65 or $85 depending on your level.
Updated September 2, 2011 and originally published March 27, 2006. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
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Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Flexo-You handsome devil! Great format and as always, great content! Thnaks :)
I agree, nice re-design!
I have to agree on the design. Great look.
I took advantage of a similar offer for Sharebuilder, via PESCU. It is some credit union that I am not a member of. Anyhow, the $50 should be deposited soon. I have held my stock for about a month and a half now, and it has recovered half of the $4 fee. I too took advantage of the free dividend reinvestment; however, there has not yet been a dividend, so I am waiting patiently.
However, do not get too excited, you still have a $16 cost out to cover as well :)
If I start investing regularly, via Sharebuilder, I will go with the Standard plan that is $12/mo, but gives you six free automatic investments, and a lower timed transaction. That is the cost of three in transactions, so it could be worth it if you have direct deposit into Sharebuilder (which you can do, btw, the have a routing number and an account number you can get, and just tell your employer it is a savings or checking account).
i signed up about a month ago and have already received the $65 promotion (I was a costco member). not too bad. now i’m hoping that i will recover my $4 fee…