My husband and I transferred our accounts from Michigan to Alabama when we relocated here. His…read moreaccount was assigned to someone, and when I asked to be with the same adviser, Elaine, the office manager, said I could not, because you need to have a large amount of $$ to have that particular adviser. I told her but I have more money in my account than my husband... this didn't make any sense. This was at a Charles Schwab event, and I felt humiliated. I had never been treated like this in Michigan. I did get the same adviser, but our customer service was never up to par. Only my husband would get annual calls about his account, no one there would contact me. We have since transferred out accounts to another financial planner and we are through with Charles Schwab. I cannot advise anyone to use this firm.

The Birmingham branch of Charles Schwab offers helpful seminars, where they explain their views of…read morethe market, various products and who might benefit from them. Their suggestions have always had my best interest at heart. They also periodically offer a free "shredding" event where you can take large amounts of old papers to be safely disposed of. Even though I have a modest account, I have always been treated professionally and courteously by Elaine, Lynn and the other professionals at this branch (as well as the national 800 number). I have recommended the Birmingham branch of Schwab to family members and co-workers and they have all been pleased.

Alliance Capital was very helpful in obtaining financing for our purchase of the building we…read moreoccupy. We were helped through every step of the process. We received outstanding attention, excellent communication and timely follow up at every turn. We now have a great relationship established with an outstanding local bank. The loan program is also in conjunction with support of the US SBA. Overall we were able to secure a great loan structure, a very competitive interest rate, a longer rate commitment. Alliance also helped us minimize upfront fees, costs and cash requirements. I can't say enough how effective it was to work with Alliance Capital and how much better off we are through their assistance.

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