Invest on Your Own Terms

Direct your own investments with a licensed representative nearby to guide you. Investing for Life.

R.L. Johnson Investments offers full brokerage services for those individuals who wish to buy and sell investment products of their own choosing, or for clients who want to invest in the market to some extent and need help doing that. This type of account is commission based. A brokerage account must be opened prior to any sales or purchases being made for the first time. IRA and non-IRA accounts are available, including custodial, educational, and mutual funds with or without stocks.

Transfer of your existing account with another broker to R.L. Johnson Investments can be easily accomplished. Please call us to speak with a Registered Representative today.

R.L. Johnson Financial Center, through R.L. Johnson Investments and its broker-dealer, Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC), offers brokerage accounts alongside investment advisory and tax services under one roof. That means a genuine convenience for clients: your investment statements can go straight to your tax preparer without you having to coordinate it yourself. R.L. Johnson Financial Center serves clients throughout Harrison OH, Cincinnati OH, Greater Cincinnati, and Southwest Ohio.

A Sample of Brokerage Products Available*

  • Stocks; common and preferred
  • Mutual Funds
  • Government Treasuries
  • Municipal Bonds
  • Corporate Bonds
  • Real Estate Investment Trusts
  • Annuities: fixed and variable
  • Certificates of Deposit

We also provide the technology through our website for our clients to have the ability to log in to their accounts to review current investments, download statements, and other information through Wealthscape Investor. Just look for the link on our home page.

*There are risks involved with investing which may include market fluctuation and possible loss of principal value. Particular investments may not be suitable for certain situations. Carefully consider the risks and possible consequences involved prior to making an investment decision.

Understanding Your Brokerage Options

A closer look at the types of investment products available through a brokerage account.

Stocks: Common and Preferred

Stocks represent ownership shares in a company. Common stock typically carries voting rights and the potential for price appreciation and dividends, while preferred stock generally pays a fixed dividend and has priority over common stock if a company faces financial trouble, though usually without voting rights.

Mutual Funds

A mutual fund pools money from many investors to buy a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They are professionally managed and offer an accessible way to diversify without having to select individual securities yourself.

Government Treasuries

Treasuries are debt securities issued by the U.S. government, including Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. They are backed by the federal government and are often used by investors seeking a lower-risk way to preserve capital while earning interest.

Municipal Bonds

Municipal bonds, or "munis," are issued by states, cities, or local government agencies to fund public projects such as schools, roads, and infrastructure. Interest earned is often exempt from federal, and sometimes state, income tax, which can make them attractive to certain investors.

Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds are debt issued by companies to raise capital. In exchange for lending the company money, investors typically receive regular interest payments and the return of principal at maturity. Risk and yield vary depending on the issuing company's financial strength.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate such as apartment buildings, offices, or shopping centers. They allow investors to gain exposure to real estate and typically distribute income through dividends, without having to buy or manage property directly.

Annuities and Certificates of Deposit

Annuities are contracts with an insurance company that can provide a fixed or variable stream of income, often used for retirement planning; fixed annuities offer a set rate while variable annuities' returns depend on underlying investment performance. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are time deposits offered by banks that pay a fixed interest rate over a set term, generally considered a lower-risk way to grow savings.

R.L. Johnson Investments does not publish flat brokerage fees, because costs vary by account type, investment selection, and transaction activity. Discussing exact figures happens directly with a representative.

Several factors influence brokerage account cost: the types of investments held, how frequently trades are placed, account size, and any advisory services layered on top of self-directed trading. Call the office to discuss specifics for your situation.

Clients can view their brokerage accounts anytime through Wealthscape Investor, the firm's online portal, and the companion Wealthscape mobile app, giving day-to-day visibility into holdings and activity without needing to call the office for every update.

Ready to take direct control of your investments?

Talk with a representative about opening a brokerage account that fits your goals.

Brokerage Account FAQs

  • What is a brokerage account, and how is it different from a managed account?

    A brokerage account lets you direct your own investment decisions with the support of a licensed representative, whereas a managed account has a professional making day-to-day investment decisions on your behalf. R.L. Johnson Investments offers both, so you can choose the level of involvement that fits your comfort and goals.

  • How will I be able to keep an eye on my account?

    Clients have access to Wealthscape Investor, an online portal where you can view your holdings and account activity. The Wealthscape mobile app is also available for convenient on-the-go access. R.L. Johnson Financial Center is set up this way specifically for clients who value self-service account visibility.

  • Do I have to handle my own tax documents at the end of the year?

    One of the real advantages of working with R.L. Johnson Financial Center is that investment and tax services are offered under one roof. Your brokerage statements can go directly to the tax preparation side of the firm, so you don't have to coordinate between separate providers or worry about missing anything at tax time.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions about my account?

    You can call the office directly at 513-367-1031 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. When you call, you will speak with a real person, that personal accessibility is a core part of how R.L. Johnson Financial Center operates. Appointments are also available outside standard office hours if needed.

Let's Talk About Your Investment Goals

Reach out anytime to discuss whether a brokerage account fits your situation.

Explore more ways R.L. Johnson Financial Center can help.

Managed Accounts

For clients who want experienced oversight of their portfolio without directing day-to-day trades.

Why Choose R.L. Johnson Investments

Learn why families and small business owners across Southwest Ohio trust our relationship-first approach.

We Do Taxes

Our advisors can also help out with your taxes by offering tax preparation services, so you can get the most out of your money.