Edward Jones vs Fidelity managed account? Pros and cons, investments and return ?

Edward Jones and Fidelity are two prominent financial services companies that offer managed accounts to help investors with their investment goals. Here's a comparison of their managed account services, highlighting the pros and cons of each:

### Edward Jones Managed Accounts
**Pros:**
1. **Personalized Service:** Edward Jones is known for its personalized investment services, with a focus on building strong client relationships.
2. **Professional Management:** They offer a range of investment options, including SMAs and UMA models, which are professionally managed to align with clients' objectives.
3. **Tax Efficiency:** They use an overlay manager to implement tax-efficient strategies, which can help minimize the tax impact on investments.

**Cons:**
1. **Complex Fee Structure:** Edward Jones has a complicated fee structure that can be difficult for investors to understand, potentially leading to conflicts of interest.
2. **Higher Fees:** The fees charged on client accounts with Edward Jones may be higher than some competitors, which could impact investment returns.

### Fidelity Managed Accounts
**Pros:**
1. **Lower Fees:** Fidelity's fees are generally lower than Edward Jones', which can result in higher investment returns for clients.
2. **Diverse Investment Options:** Fidelity offers a wide range of investment options, including SMAs, fidfolios, and a variety of mutual funds and ETFs.
3. **Transparency and Accessibility:** Fidelity is known for its straightforward pricing and customer service, with no hidden fees and easy-to-use tools for investors.

**Cons:**
1. **Higher Minimum Investment:** Some Fidelity managed accounts, like the Fidelity Managed FidFolios, have higher minimum investment requirements compared to Edward Jones.
2. **Market Activity:** Fidelity's managed accounts may involve more trading activity, which could result in higher brokerage costs and potentially higher taxes.

### Investment and Return Considerations
- **Edward Jones:** Offers a mix of actively managed portfolios and SMAs, which can provide personalized strategies but may come at a higher cost.
- **Fidelity:** Provides a variety of investment options with lower fees, which could result in higher after-tax returns due to less trading activity and potentially lower expense ratios.

### Conclusion
Both Edward Jones and Fidelity have their strengths in managed accounts. Edward Jones excels in personalized service and tax efficiency, while Fidelity offers lower fees and a broader range of investment options. The choice between the two will depend on the individual investor's financial situation, investment goals, and preferences regarding fees and service style. It's advisable for investors to consult with a financial advisor to determine which managed account option aligns best with their needs and objectives.