We want to buy our son something meaningful for his 21st b-day. What would be a good stock to buy to start his portfolio? Any suggestions as to how to buy it without the fees costing more than the gift? Which company has small-investor friendly account?
Okay, I think the key here isn't to give nececearilly a quality investment, asset allocation or the best return. I'm assuming this gift isn't going to be the cornerstone of his retirement, but just a 'starter', something fun, and that has value.
For that, I suggest looking to the giftee's personality and finding a quality company that matches it. Disney for the film buff. Harley-Davidson. Music geek? BMG, Sony, Bose. You get the idea.
For the investment, the giftee gets a quality stock, as well as a shiny annual report every year (Disney has cool annual reports).
Again, this isn't investment advice – it's gifting advice. If you are gifting a large sum that is really meant to be a cornerstone of an investment plan, go with a diversified portfolio of stocks, using good asset allocation, in an IRA or Roth IRA fund.