There are two main types of choices brokerage firms in the market – the full service brokerage and the self-directed dismiss brokerage. Their services include advice to their clients on where to place their investment money. There are also brokerage companies that offer both services to their customers, letting them to choose the level of service they require. Discount brokers are geared towards the self-directed trader. They do not furnish any investment advice, leaving their clients to make their own financial decisions. Discount brokerages merely execute your orders and consequently their charges are much less than their full-service counterparts.