In case the imploding economy hasn't already got you wondering whether your brokerage firm is up to snuff, here's another reason to read SmartMoney's annual broker survey: It's the best.

But don't take our word for it. For the second year in a row, SmartMoney earned top honors for credibility from ConsumerSearch.com, a New York Times subsidiary that rates products and services--and the experts who review them. Our broker survey team, made up of seasoned financial reporters, was led by Staff Writer Neil Parmar.

Our 2008 rundown -- which ranks discount and full-service brokerage firms across six different categories--was deemed "most detailed," topping a list of 11 publications and research firms including Barron's, Kiplinger's and J.D. Powers.

For beleaguered investors, those details we labor over--from a firm's stock-picking prowess to its customer service savvy--are more important than ever. Indeed, according to a recent SmartMoney survey of both discount and full-service brokerage customers, conducted by market-research firm Synovate, roughly a third are considering jumping to another firm. Customers say they want better value on commissions and fees and improved customer service--not to mention a more robust selection of research and trading tools. In these rough market waters, who wouldn't?

To weigh in about your own brokerage experience and help us make the 2009 survey even better, click here.