TD Ameritrade Holding Period Changes
Q: I received a notice saying TD Ameritrade is lengthening its NTF holding period from 90 days to 180 days. Should I switch to a broker that still has a 90-day period?
A: This change at TDA (effective Nov. 28) obviously isn't a positive development for Upgraders. However, whether it's a costly enough issue to move your account to another broker depends on your situation.
On average, Upgrading funds are held about nine months, but it is not unusual for funds to occasionally be sold within six months. Under the new TDA policy, funds sold prior to the 180-day mark will incur a short-term redemption fee of $49.99 (previously TDA used a sliding scale for funds sold sooner than 90 days).
You may want do a quick review of how your costs would have been affected if the 180-day policy had been in place over the past two or three years. That will give a rough idea of how much the change is likely to cost you going forward. 
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