It's actually $71 after expenses, as you'll see below. ShareBuilder is still running the $50 promotion, but now there's a way to get $75 from opening a new ShareBuilder account, using the same promotion code. Here are the details.

Step 1. Sign up for ebates.com and take the immediate $5 sign-up bonus.

Step 2. Click on the ShareBuilder link (or here), which will qualify you for a $20 cash back bonus through ebates.com for opening an account with ShareBuilder.

Step 3. Fill out the ShareBuilder application and use the promotion code ENTERTAIN50.

Step 4. Fund your account. I chose a telecommunications sector ETF, IYZ (iShares Dow Jones US Telecom). There is a $4 fee for delayed investments.

Step 5. When your account is funded, you'll receive an email notifying you your $50 bonus will be credited to your ShareBuilder account in a few weeks.

Step 6. You will receive $20 in your ebates account. Here's the net profit from this strategy: $5 ebates opening bonus + $50 ShareBuilder bonus + $20 ebates affiliate bonus - $4 transaction fee = $71.

The only concern with ShareBuilder is that it's expensive to sell your investment. To counteract that, consider investing for the long term with ShareBuilder. There are no inactivity fees, so you can let the money sit and grow or invest automatically.

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