Free Lunch On Wall Street Something for nothing? On Wall Street, no less? It's true! Even small investors can take advantage of "perks" galore from the companies they invest in and the financial services firms they do business with. This pithy insider's guide will not only lead them to their goals-it comes complete with 25 coupons for discounts on financial services! As ... more »he did in his successful Buying Stocks Without a Broker, Charles B. Carlson clues small investors into little-known secrets that can pay off big. He allays skepticism by explaining why companies offer perks (mainly to build good will and test products) and by analyzing the investment merit of the businesses behind them. Then he presents a cavalcade of perks that are there for the taking. Readers will learn how to: Identify "the leaders of the perks"-the firms that offer the best discounts and freebies, and tours; Buy stocks at a discount, just as Wall Street executives do; Get satisfying perks from brokers-from free investment publication subscriptions, to lavish dinners, to rock-bottom commissions and fees; Build clout (and reap even more freebies) by attending annual shareholders' meetings; Cut out the broker (and high commissions) through investment methods known as DRIPs-dividend reinvestment purchase plans and direct purchase plans; Gain benefits for the environment, education, and charities through social investing; Unearth similar perks from bankers and insurance brokers. For high rollers and small investors alike, Free Lunch on Wall Street is a delightful banquet of money-saving satisfaction.« less