I'm also with IL. I had the plan to contribute small amounts to a BMO mutual fund, let it accumulate, and then transfer it to self directed and buy Vanguard. I realized I'm better off to save up for 2 months and buy a minimum amount. My rule I just came up with today, is if the fund I'm buying will return the $9.95 in one month of dividends, then I'll go ahead and buy it. For bonds, it's about $5000, for equity about $1000.